Calm horses, ocean air, Tenerife magic. This is a small-group ride from Xanadu riding center where you’re guided every step and you trade roads for volcanic paths dropping toward the sea.

I like how beginner-friendly the setup feels, especially with helmets included and horses matched to rider size and experience. I also like the 2-hour option because it adds the coast stretch, with the sea breeze and beach time.

One thing to plan for: the center is small, so your start time can shift if it’s full, and the instructor may be more comfortable in Spanish than English.

Key Highlights to Pay Attention To

• Small group (max 6) means you’re easier to manage and learn with
• Helmet + instructor included lowers stress, even for first timers
• 1 vs 2 hours changes the day: only the 2-hour ride reaches the coast/beach
• Volcanic terrain and Canarian plants like tabaiba and cardones show up along the route
• Sea moments happen since the ride can include time where horses splash in shallow water
• Photos are a real perk, and at least some groups get images sent afterward via WhatsApp

Entering The Xanadu Ride: Where the Experience Starts in Arona

The meeting point is at Xanadu riding center in Arona, in southern Tenerife. From there, the vibe is simple: get kitted out, get your instructions, then go. This isn’t a “show up and figure it out” style activity, which matters because you’re sharing the path with horses that are calm—but still horses.

Plan on the center feeling compact. It’s small enough that, if the activity is busy, you might be asked to adjust the time you selected. That’s not a deal-breaker, but it’s smart to keep your afternoon flexible.

One practical detail I really appreciate here: you don’t need to hunt down safety gear. A helmet is included, and the instructor is with you. You’ll also be in a small group limited to 6 participants, so you won’t be lost in the shuffle.

Languages are listed as English, Spanish, Russian, and Dutch. In practice, one key point to remember is that the instructor is a native Spanish speaker and may speak a bit of English. If you know a handful of basic Spanish phrases, you’ll feel extra confident. If not, you’ll still be fine—just don’t expect a long, detailed lecture in English mid-ride.

The Route You Get: 1 Hour vs 2 Hours Down to the Coast

You pick between a 1-hour or 2-hour horseback ride. The big difference is where your legs get you on the island.

With the 1-hour ride, you’ll focus on the countryside route—mountains above, ocean views below—and you’ll come back to the riding center without the extra coastal time. Reviews commonly describe this as the right length for a first go: enough time to learn, enjoy, and feel like you actually did something, without turning it into a half-day production.

The 2-hour ride adds the coast. This is the one to choose if ocean air is the main reason you booked. It typically includes a trip to the beach area, so you can feel the wind, see more of the rugged coastline, and get that distinct coastal change in scenery. Some rides include horses moving into the water in a safe, controlled way—fun to watch, and a memorable moment for nervous riders too, because it’s not chaotic.

Also watch for this: once you arrive back, you may be offered extra time in an arena if conditions allow. Some groups report getting the chance to canter in the arena afterward even if the main trail was a walk. That makes the experience feel like a progression, not just a long steady pace.

What You’ll See: Volcanic Ground, Canarian Plants, and Sea Views

This ride has the kind of scenery that reads like a postcard, but it’s also practical: you’re moving at a pace where you can actually notice details. The route takes you through southern Tenerife’s rugged terrain, with ocean views in the distance and mountain scenery over your shoulder.

A standout feature is the connection to Tenerife’s volcanic character. The ride moves along a lave bed formed thousands of years ago. Even if you’re not a geology person, it becomes obvious when you’re riding over uneven ground and seeing dark rock textures underfoot.

As you go, you’ll pass through typical Canarian vegetation. The activity description calls out tabaiba, cacti, cardones, and more. That matters because it stops the ride from feeling generic. You’re not just looking at the horizon—you’re seeing the island’s real living layers.

Then there’s the “ocean below” effect. When you get down toward the coast, the sea breeze kicks in and the air feels different. It’s not just nice weather—it changes how the whole ride feels. The scenery may look dramatic from the saddle, but the real win is that you’re experiencing it on a horse, not waiting on a bus stop for it.

Horses, Instructor Guidance, and How Safety Feels Real

The experience is built around gentle horses described as noble and well behaved. That’s the foundation. But safety isn’t only about temperament—it’s also about how you’re coached.

Before you set off, you’ll get clear instructions. You’ll be shown how to handle the basics, and in some cases there’s a short setup period before the route begins. If you’re anxious, you’ll usually be reassured through the guidance and the pace.

A detail that comes up repeatedly is matching horses to rider needs. Horses are picked based on size and experience, which helps beginners feel steadier right away. One rider who was fully new mentioned having a slower horse and an instructor staying close the whole time. That’s exactly what you want to hear if you’re worried about being overwhelmed.

Instructor names that show up in the guide roster from past rides include Germain and Dori/Dorry. Even if you don’t get the same guide, the pattern should feel similar: the instructor is there to manage you and the group, not just lead at a distance.

Weight and age limits are important here. The activity notes:

• Not suitable for children under 6 years
• Not suitable above 200 lbs / 91 kg (also listed as 209 lbs / 95 kg, so if you’re near the upper range, double-check before booking)

If you’re outside those ranges, you’ll want a different activity that’s designed for your body and comfort needs.

What to Wear and Bring: Small Rules That Matter

This is one of those activities where the clothes rules are there for your comfort, not to be difficult. Here’s what you should follow based on the tour info:

Bring:

• Sunscreen
• Water

Not allowed:

• Shorts
• Swimwear
• Bare feet

That last one is key. Even if you’re going near the beach on the 2-hour ride, you still shouldn’t show up barefoot or in flip-flops. Plan on closed-toe shoes and long pants. If you normally ride in shorts at home, you’ll want to rethink that here. The sea breeze is refreshing, but you’ll still be riding for the full duration.

Also remember the weather can be pleasant year-round in Tenerife, but you’re in sun and wind. Sunscreen is not optional if you’re fair-skinned. Water is also smart, because you’re outside and moving, even if the pace feels calm.

Price and Value: Is $47 Per Person Fair?

At about $47 per person, this ride is priced in the “you’re paying for an experience, not just movement” category. In your favor:

• Instructor is included, and you’re not navigating alone
• Helmet is included
• The group is small (up to 6), so you get more attention than big tours
• You’re getting 1–2 hours of guided scenic riding, with a real chance of reaching the beach on the longer option

Food and drinks are not included, so you’ll want to plan where you’ll eat afterward. The good news: there’s often an easy finish. People note a restaurant next door, which is a convenient option when you want lunch without relocating.

The main “cost” isn’t money—it’s planning your clothing to match the rules. If you show up in the wrong outfit, you may have to adjust on-site or switch to a different activity plan. Get your basics right, and the value holds up.

The Little Extras: Sea Splash Moments and Photo Memories

If you’re the type who wants the ride to be more than just scenery, you’ll appreciate what can happen on the coast.

Some rides include horses splashing about in the sea, and there’s something oddly charming about seeing calm horses do a beach moment at a measured pace. It also helps nervous riders: seeing the instructor control the situation makes it feel safer, not wilder.

Photos are another real perk. Some groups report that the staff took plenty of pictures and sent them afterward—at least one account describes receiving photos through WhatsApp without extra cost. You shouldn’t rely on that as a guaranteed policy, but it’s clearly part of the culture here.

Between the sea air, volcanic terrain, and the steady rhythm of a guided group ride, this tends to feel relaxing rather than rushed. Even when you’re new to riding, you’re not stuck doing complicated moves. You’re there for the views and the experience of seeing Tenerife from a different height and angle.

Who Should Book This Horse Ride, and Who Should Skip It

This ride is a great match if you want:

• A gentle, guided way to see southern Tenerife
• A scenic outdoor activity that doesn’t require hiking stamina
• A small group setting where you can ask questions
• A real “Tenerife feels different from the saddle” experience, especially with coast access on the 2-hour option

It’s also a solid pick for first-timers, because horses are chosen to fit rider needs and instruction is part of the experience.

Skip it if:

• You’re under 6 years old or you fall outside the stated weight limits
• You want a full-day adventure with lots of variety beyond a scenic loop/route
• You’d be unhappy adapting from shorts to long pants, since shorts and swimwear are not allowed

Should You Book the Tenerife Horseback Ride at Xanadu?

If your goal is a calm, scenic, guided ride with real ocean views and the option to reach the coast, I’d book it—especially the 2-hour ride if you want beach time and sea breeze. The value is strong because you’re paying for guided time on horseback with safety gear included, not just “sitting on an animal.”

Just do two things before you go:

1) Wear long pants and closed-toe shoes, and bring sunscreen and water.

2) Choose your time wisely and keep your schedule flexible because the small center may adjust start times when it’s busy.

If you want Tenerife from a horse’s eye level—volcanic ground, Canarian plants, and ocean air—this one is a practical, satisfying choice.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point?

The meeting point is Xanadu riding center in the town of Arona.

How long is the horseback ride?

You can choose a 1-hour or 2-hour ride. Total duration is listed as 1–2 hours, depending on the option you select.

What’s included in the ticket price?

The price includes the horseback ride (1 or 2 hours), an instructor, and a helmet.

What should I bring, and what clothes are not allowed?

Bring sunscreen and water. Shorts, swimwear, and bare feet are not allowed.

What language options do the instructors offer?

Instructors are listed as speaking English, Spanish, Russian, and Dutch. It’s also noted that the instructor speaks some English but is a native Spanish speaker.

Is this ride suitable for kids and heavier riders?

No. It’s not suitable for children under 6 years and it has weight limits listed at over 200 lbs / 91 kg (and another cutoff listed at over 209 lbs / 95 kg).

Can I cancel and get a full refund?

Yes. The activity offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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