The Best Horse Riding Experience in Gran Canaria (2 hours)

Gran Canaria looks different from the saddle. This ride heads into the island’s dry hills above Maspalomas, where the views open over the town and its famous dunes. You get a proper stretch of time on horseback, not just a quick circuit around a paddock.

I like that the horses are matched to your riding ability, and that the group is limited to six riders per guide. I also like the practical hotel pickup and drop-off, which saves you arranging transport to El Salobre.

One thing to weigh carefully: the trail is rocky and can be slow, with stop-start moments if riders have different abilities. If you are an experienced rider hoping for a fast ride, tell the guide what you can do, but don’t count on a long gallop.

Key points before you book

• The ride lasts about two hours: Plan for roughly three hours for the whole outing, including pickup and drop-off.
• The route has rocky, stony ground: The horses are used to the terrain, but the ride can feel uneven and slow.
• The views are a real draw: You look out over Maspalomas and its famous sand dunes from the hills.
• Beginners are welcome: You get a short introduction, and the horses are matched to riders’ abilities.
• Group size is capped at 12: The stated ratio is six riders per guide, though the pace can still vary across a mixed-ability group.
• Pickup is included, but timing comes later: Your pickup time is provided after the booking is confirmed.

Riding the hills above Maspalomas

The ride starts at El Salobre Horse Riding, in El Salobre, outside Maspalomas. From the saddle, you leave the built-up resort area behind and head onto a loop of rough, stony terrain. The scenery is dry and open, with views across Maspalomas and toward the famous dunes.

This is not a dune ride. The route takes you through the hills, where the ground is rocky and uneven. The horses are accustomed to it, but you should expect a slower pace in places, especially on rough stretches or when the group needs to catch up.

The best part is the change in perspective. From the coast, Gran Canaria can feel like a holiday of beaches and resort streets. Up here, the island’s mountainous interior comes into view, and you get a sense of how quickly the terrain changes once you leave the shore.

There are occasional stops for photos, and afternoon rides may catch the light as the sun lowers. The exact route and conditions can vary, so treat the viewpoint as a highlight rather than expecting a fixed photo stop or a particular sunset.

A two-hour ride, with a longer outing around it

The ride itself is about two hours. The full activity is listed as approximately three hours, which gives you a more useful planning figure if you are fitting it between meals or other plans. Hotel pickup and drop-off are offered, and the exact pickup time is sent after your booking is confirmed.

That transfer is a practical plus. El Salobre is not in the middle of the main resort area, and arranging your own transport would add a separate task to the day. Pickup details arrive after confirmation, so keep an eye out for them rather than assuming a fixed departure time.

The tour begins and ends at El Salobre Horse Riding, at C. Islas Malvinas, 3, 35106 El Salobre. The activity is offered in English, and you receive a mobile ticket. Booking is often made around 12 days ahead on average, but availability is confirmed within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability.

Getting comfortable in the saddle

You do not need prior riding experience to take part. The team gives a short introduction, and guides match horses to riders according to ability. Several families and first-time riders have managed the outing, including children, though the supplied details do not state a minimum age.

If you are nervous, say so clearly before the ride begins. The guides explain what to do and offer advice along the trail, including how to manage slopes in a way that is more comfortable for you and the horse. That hands-on guidance matters more than a long classroom briefing when you are learning the basics.

More experienced riders may get a chance to trot, and some have cantered or galloped briefly. But that depends on conditions, the group, and the guide’s judgment. The ride is not a private lesson or a guaranteed fast-paced outing. If you want to ride faster, be upfront about your experience, while accepting that the group’s safety and pace come first.

The small-group setup helps. The stated limit is 12 participants, with six riders per guide. Still, a group can include people with very different confidence levels. When beginners are riding near the front, the pace may become stop and start as the group moves together. That can frustrate confident riders, but it is part of making a mixed group manageable.

What the trail feels like underfoot

The terrain is one of the tour’s defining features, and also its main limitation. Riders describe rough, rocky, stony ground. Some appreciate the sure-footed horses and the mountain route; others find the surface uncomfortable or feel uneasy when a horse stumbles.

That difference in response is worth taking seriously. This is not a smooth woodland path. A horse can move carefully and slowly over uneven ground, and you may need to focus on your balance rather than simply taking in the view. If you have limited mobility or find a long time in the saddle uncomfortable, consider whether two hours on this kind of trail sounds appealing.

There is relatively little road riding, though the horses do use some road to get to and from the stables. Most of the outing is on the trail. Your horse may pause, and the line of riders may bunch up or stretch out as people move at different speeds.

A few riders have raised concerns about horses seeming tired or reluctant, while many others describe them as well cared for and calm. I would not treat either impression as a guarantee of what you will encounter on the day. If your horse seems distressed or you feel unsafe, tell the guide promptly rather than trying to manage the issue alone.

Horses, equipment, and safety

A helmet is included, and safety vests are provided for the youngest riders. Some riders have chosen to rent jodhpur boots for an additional €3, which may be useful on a rocky trail, but this rental is not part of the included equipment. Wear comfortable clothing suitable for sitting in a saddle for a couple of hours, and take water.

The guides give safety instructions before setting out. One important point is that a horse may try to roll, and riders are told to keep the horse’s head up if it lowers its head toward the ground. That is a good reminder that horseback riding involves animals with their own habits, not machines that follow a route on command.

The horses are assigned based on rider ability, and some have individual names, including Divino, Casino, Lucifer, and Kabul. You might be paired with a horse that has a little more energy if you are confident, or a steadier mount if you are new. The actual match is for the team to make on the day.

There is a weight limit: the activity is not suitable for anyone weighing more than 110 kilograms. If that applies to you, contact the operator before booking rather than arriving and hoping for an exception.

Is $67.75 good value?

At $67.75 per person, this is a substantial activity rather than a quick novelty ride. You get about two hours in the saddle, a guided route into the hills, the equipment listed as included, and offered hotel transport. For a first-time rider who wants a memorable outing beyond the resort, that combination can justify the price.

The value depends on what sort of ride you want. If you are looking for mountain views, a guided introduction to riding, and a chance to spend time with horses, the outing offers more than a brief photo opportunity. If you mainly want to gallop or cover ground quickly, you may feel you are paying for a pace that does not suit you.

Pickup also affects the calculation. Included transport can make the outing simpler and reduce the need to arrange a taxi or rental car. On the other hand, the approximate three-hour total means this will take up a good part of your day once you include the transfer and time at the stables.

The activity has a 4.5 rating from 349 reviews, and 90 percent of participants recommend it. Those numbers point to a strong overall experience, but the less positive accounts identify real things to consider: rocky footing, horses that may seem tired, mixed ability groups, and limited chances to trot or canter. The high rating is not a promise that every ride will suit every rider.

Who will enjoy this ride most

I would put this near the top of the list for a first-time rider who is curious about horses and comfortable with a guided, walking-paced outing. The short introduction, horse matching, safety equipment, and patient instruction can help lower the barrier to trying it. Families with children have also taken part, but confirm suitability for your child directly, since no minimum age is provided.

It also suits riders who enjoy the feeling of being on horseback more than the thrill of speed. You get time in the saddle, open views, and a chance to see a less resort-focused side of Gran Canaria. If you have ridden before, set your expectations clearly: some riders get to trot or canter, but the terrain and group pace can limit that.

I would think twice if you have a strong preference for smooth trails, a consistently brisk pace, or a private ride tailored only to your skill level. A mixed group and rocky ground are part of the outing, not small exceptions. And if you are uneasy about animals or uneven terrain, ask the operator questions before committing.

Making the booking work for you

The experience requires good weather and a minimum number of participants. If the operator cancels for poor weather or because the minimum is not met, you are offered another date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time; cancellations made later are not refunded.

For the smoothest day, book with enough time to receive confirmation, then watch for the pickup time and instructions. Bring water, wear practical clothes, and tell the guide honestly how much riding you have done. That last detail helps them choose a suitable horse and judge whether a faster pace is safe for you and the group.

Should you book this Gran Canaria horse ride?

Book it if you want a guided ride with mountain views, hotel pickup, and a welcoming route for beginners. The combination of a two-hour ride and a small guide-to-rider ratio makes it a more substantial way to spend a holiday morning or afternoon than a short stable loop.

Skip it if your main goal is to gallop, you are uncomfortable with rocky ground, or you want a ride that moves at one steady pace. For most people who are curious about riding and happy to take the trail as it comes, El Salobre offers a rewarding way to see the hills above Maspalomas. Just go for the views and the time with the horses, not a guaranteed fast ride.

FAQ

How long does the horse ride last?

The ride lasts about two hours. Plan for approximately three hours for the full activity, including pickup and drop-off.

Where does the activity start and end?

It starts and ends at El Salobre Horse Riding, C. Islas Malvinas, 3, 35106 El Salobre, Las Palmas, Spain.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off from your Gran Canaria hotel are offered. The pickup time is provided after the booking is confirmed.

Is the ride suitable for beginners?

Yes. The ride is offered to beginners as well as more experienced riders. Guides give a short introduction and match horses to riders’ abilities.

What equipment is included?

A helmet is included, and safety vests are provided for the youngest riders.

Is there a weight limit?

Yes. The activity is not suitable for anyone weighing more than 110 kilograms.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start time are not refunded.