Reviewed · TOURS

Relaxing Horse Riding Tour in Gran Canaria

★ 4.5 · 25 reviews 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) From $42 Operated by HORSE RIDING CANARIA · Bookable on Viator
Book on Viator →

This is a gentle introduction to horseback riding, not a fast canter across open country. You begin with basic instruction and time to meet the horses, then practice in a riding area before heading out with a small group toward countryside near Cuatro Puertas, with sea and mountain views along the way.

I like the calm teaching style described by families who rode with Andrea, especially the care given to children and first-time riders. I also like the small maximum group size of six, plus the chance to see the horses, stables, countryside, and nearby archaeological setting in one short outing.

The main thing to consider is the pace. This is designed for beginners, so the ride can be very slow. One account found the route less scenic than expected and felt held back by a child at the front whose horse was led by hand. If you want speed or a long trail ride, this is probably not your tour.

Key points to know before you book

Relaxing Horse Riding Tour in Gran Canaria - Key points to know before you book

  • Beginner-friendly instruction: You receive a basic riding explanation, meet the horses, and practice in an arena before leaving the starting area.
  • A maximum of six riders: The small group makes it easier for guides to watch children and beginners.
  • Views toward sea and mountains: The countryside ride gives you open views, though the quality of the scenery can vary with the route and group pace.
  • Cuatro Puertas nearby: The outing includes an archaeological area, adding a cultural point of interest to the horse ride.
  • A gentle, family-focused pace: Children can take part when accompanied by an adult, but this is a relaxed walk rather than an athletic riding session.
  • A strict 95-kilogram limit: Check this before booking. Helmets are provided, but transport, food, and drinks are not.

Starting with the horses at Camino del Cardonal

Relaxing Horse Riding Tour in Gran Canaria - Starting with the horses at Camino del Cardonal

Your meeting point is Horse Riding Canaria at Camino del Cardonal in Las Palmas, Gran Canaria. The listed riding time is Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., for about 90 minutes in total. You make your own way there, since transportation to and from the attraction is not included.

That setup matters. A short horse ride can look easy to fit into a day, but the late-morning start leaves little room for a long transfer from another part of the island. Check your route to Camino del Cardonal before booking, and allow enough time to arrive without rushing.

The activity uses a mobile ticket, and English is offered. A multilingual guide may operate the ride, so you can expect the basic instructions to be handled for an international group. Service animals are allowed, and the meeting point is near public transportation.

The group limit is six people. I consider that a real advantage for a riding lesson. A guide can keep a closer eye on a child who is still learning to steer, and you are less likely to spend the whole outing lost in a long line of horses.

Basic riding practice before the trail

The first stage is an explanation of basic riding. You get a simple introduction to how to sit, guide, stop, and work with the horse. You then have contact time with the animals before trying the skills in a riding area.

That order is sensible for a first ride. You can get used to the horse’s size and movement while still close to the starting point. It also gives the guide a chance to see who is confident and who needs more help before the group heads onto uneven ground.

The horses have received especially positive attention for looking well cared for, groomed, and trained for beginners. You can also see the stables, which adds a useful look at the working side of the experience. This is not just a quick photo opportunity with an animal. You are expected to learn how to sit and handle the horse, within the limits of a short introductory session.

A helmet is included. That is the only equipment specifically listed, so wear comfortable clothes and sturdy closed shoes. The supplied information does not promise riding boots, gloves, or specialist clothing. You should also remember the 95-kilogram maximum rider weight, which is a firm booking condition rather than a minor suggestion.

A slow ride through countryside near Cuatro Puertas

Relaxing Horse Riding Tour in Gran Canaria - A slow ride through countryside near Cuatro Puertas

After the arena practice, you ride as a pair or in a small group through the countryside. The route is described as offering views toward the sea and mountains, with the archaeological area of Cuatro Puertas forming a notable point of interest.

Cuatro Puertas gives the ride more character than a simple circuit around a stable. It connects the horse outing to Gran Canaria’s older cultural setting, even though the supplied details do not promise a guided archaeological tour or a long stop at the site. Think of it as a countryside ride with an archaeological landmark in the area, not as a full heritage excursion.

The sea and mountain views may be the best part for anyone who wants a break from town. You get a different sense of Gran Canaria from horseback, with time away from streets, shops, and resort routines. Still, keep your expectations measured. One experience found the actual route disappointing in places and felt the scenery did not live up to the description.

The biggest variable is the group. A beginner ride moves at the pace of the least confident rider. If a child needs a horse led by hand, the whole line can slow to a very gentle walk. That can be helpful for safety and confidence, but it may frustrate an experienced rider who wants more movement.

I would treat the pace as part of the product. This tour is about learning and relaxing, not covering a lot of ground. You are paying for a controlled introduction to horses in a scenic setting, not for a demanding trail ride.

Why families may find it easy to enjoy

Relaxing Horse Riding Tour in Gran Canaria - Why families may find it easy to enjoy

The experience suits families because children can participate with an adult, and the guides appear prepared to offer hands-on support. Andrea is specifically praised for giving clear instructions on uphill and downhill sections, while two other assistants accompanied one family throughout the ride.

That detail is useful. Hills are where a beginner can lose confidence, so active guidance makes a real difference. The children in one family were beginners, yet the guide knew when to help and when to let them manage the horse alone. That is the right balance for a child: enough support to feel secure, but not so much that the child simply sits on a horse being led the entire time.

The small group also helps families stay together. The maximum of six means this is not built for a large school-style outing. Children should still be accompanied by an adult, and adults should be ready for a quiet ride rather than a thrill attraction.

For a special occasion, the setting has a simple appeal. A horse ride gives you an activity to share, and the mountain and sea outlooks add something beyond the stable itself. It could work for a birthday or a treat for someone who has always wanted to ride, provided that person is comfortable with the weight limit and a slow pace.

Same island, a completely different sort of day:

Horse care and the feel of the experience

Relaxing Horse Riding Tour in Gran Canaria - Horse care and the feel of the experience

The strongest theme here is the condition and handling of the horses. The animals are described as well groomed, well cared for, and trained for beginners. That should matter to you, especially if you are new to riding and may feel nervous around a large animal.

A friendly instructor can make the first few minutes much easier. The provider is HORSE RIDING CANARIA, and the experience may include more than one guide or assistant. Andrea is named as one guide, while Sole is mentioned in connection with pleasant communication before the ride. The available details do not guarantee that either person will lead every departure, so consider those names useful context rather than a promise.

The atmosphere sounds more personal than a large commercial attraction. You can see the stables, receive direct help, and ride with a limited number of people. That makes the activity a good fit for someone who values a calm introduction over a polished show or a long route.

At the same time, horse riding is still dependent on the animals and the group. Your horse may need to move slowly, stop, or follow the line closely. The experience should not be judged by how much control you have after one short lesson. For most beginners, simply guiding a horse along a countryside path is enough.

Is $42.17 good value for 90 minutes?

Relaxing Horse Riding Tour in Gran Canaria - Is $42.17 good value for 90 minutes?

At $42.17 per person, the price is reasonable for a 90-minute small-group introduction, particularly because helmet use and instruction are included. You are paying for the horse, guide support, arena practice, and countryside ride, rather than just a short mounted photo session.

The value is strongest for first-time riders and families. A six-person limit can make the guidance more useful, and the outing combines several elements: meeting the horses, learning basic skills, practicing in a controlled area, and riding outside near Cuatro Puertas.

The value is less clear for experienced riders. You may find the route too slow, especially if the group includes children or riders who need a horse led by hand. There is no mention of trotting, cantering, advanced instruction, or a longer trail. I would not book this expecting a serious riding workout.

Food and drinks are not included, though the two-hour window is short enough that this should not be a major issue. Transportation is also separate, so factor in the cost and time of reaching Camino del Cardonal. The price works best when you are already planning to be in the area or can reach the meeting point without a difficult transfer.

Practical details that can affect your booking

Relaxing Horse Riding Tour in Gran Canaria - Practical details that can affect your booking

The experience is listed for Monday through Friday, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., during the stated operating period. It is often booked about eight days ahead, so I would reserve earlier if your Gran Canaria dates are fixed or if you need a specific weekday.

You receive confirmation at booking. The activity ends back at the meeting point, which makes planning easier than a ride that finishes somewhere else. You will need to arrange your own arrival and departure.

The tour requires good weather. If poor weather forces cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. For your own cancellation, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the start time. Inside that 24-hour window, the amount paid is not refunded and changes are not accepted.

The 95-kilogram maximum deserves special attention. It is easy to overlook when comparing activities, but it can determine whether you are eligible to ride. Children must have an adult with them, and most people can participate according to the supplied conditions.

Who should book this ride?

I would recommend it to:

  • First-time riders who want clear, basic instruction.
  • Families with children who can follow directions and ride with an adult.
  • Couples looking for a quiet shared activity.
  • Anyone who likes horses and wants to see how the stable operates.
  • Visitors who want a short break from city or resort activities.
  • Riders who are happy with a walking pace and a small-group format.

I would think twice if you are an experienced rider seeking speed, technical riding, or a long route. I would also ask about the expected pace if your main reason for booking is the scenery. The route includes countryside, sea and mountain views, and the Cuatro Puertas area, but one account found the setting less impressive than hoped.

My booking advice

Book this horse ride if your priority is a gentle first experience with horses, supportive instruction, and a family-friendly group of no more than six. The strongest reasons to choose it are the patient approach to children, the reported care of the horses, and the useful progression from arena practice to a short outdoor ride.

Skip it if you want a fast or highly scenic trail. The 90-minute format and beginner pace limit how far you go, and the group can move very slowly when a child needs extra help.

For the right person, $42.17 is a fair price for a relaxed introduction. Go in expecting a calm walk, not an equestrian adventure, and you are more likely to enjoy what the experience is built to provide.

FAQ

How long does the horse riding tour last?

The activity lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. The listed operating time is 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Where does the tour begin and end?

It begins at Horse Riding Canaria on Camino del Cardonal, Las Palmas, Spain. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

Is the ride suitable for beginners?

Yes. The experience includes a basic riding explanation, contact with the horses, and practice in a riding area before the outdoor ride. It is designed as a gentle introduction.

What is the maximum rider weight?

The maximum rider weight is 95 kilograms.

Are children allowed to participate?

Yes, children can take part, but they must be accompanied by an adult. The group can have a maximum of six participants.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The activity requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time.

More like this

Tours, compared.

The full Tours list →
Submarine Tour
★★★★★★★★★★4.4· 3,792 reviews· from $45

Submarine Tour

Read our review →
Guided tour of the Banana World
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 3,431 reviews· from $18

Guided tour of the Banana World

Read our review →
Gran Canaria Guided Buggy Tour
★★★★★★★★★★4.7· 1,743 reviews· from $85

Gran Canaria Guided Buggy Tour

Read our review →
Off-Road Valleys & Villages Jeep Tour
★★★★★★★★★★4.5· 1,200 reviews· from $74

Off-Road Valleys & Villages Jeep Tour

Read our review →
The Volcano Heart Tour: Hiking, Tasting and Sunset Experience
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 1,120 reviews· from $119

The Volcano Heart Tour: Hiking, Tasting and Sunset Experience

Read our review →
Jetski Tour
★★★★★★★★★★4.6· 949 reviews· from $82

Jetski Tour

Read our review →
The Red Canyon Tour – Small Group Trip with Local Food Tasting ツ
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 798 reviews· from $119

The Red Canyon Tour – Small Group Trip with Local Food Tasting ツ

Read our review →
Full Day Rainforest Tour with Tasting and Swimming Time ツ
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 607 reviews· from $117

Full Day Rainforest Tour with Tasting and Swimming Time ツ

Read our review →
Scroll to Top

Choose an afternoon

Water, dust, sand or a table — pick the afternoon and the island fills in the rest.