From Valencia: Montanejos Thermal Spring & Girlfriend Waterfall

The best part of this day trip is the contrast: you swim in 25°C thermal water at Montanejos, then visit Salto de la Novia, a separate waterfall where the water feels much cooler. Between the river canyon, mountain roads, short walks, and swimming stops, this is a strong change of pace from Valencia’s city streets.

I like the air-conditioned transport and the friendly, involved guides, especially Ivan, Miguel, Kika, and Manuel. I also like that the day gives you two very different nature stops rather than one swimming hole. The main caution is footwear: some walking areas are rocky and slippery, so trainers and water shoes are far better than sandals or Crocs.

Key points to know before booking

• 25°C water all year: Montanejos is pleasantly cool rather than hot, and it is suitable for swimming.
• Two separate water stops: The thermal springs and Girlfriend Waterfall are different places, with different water temperatures.
• Short walks can be rougher than expected: Bring closed-toe shoes with a good grip.
• Guides shape the day: Ivan, Miguel, Kika, Manuel, and other local guides are praised for keeping groups connected and informed.
• Lunch is not included in the listed price: The schedule allows about 30 minutes for lunch, and arrangements can vary.
• Small-group feel: The vehicle holds no more than 24 people, though some departures are much smaller.

Why Montanejos makes a good day trip from Valencia

Valencia is rightly known for its food, old streets, and beaches, but the mountains inland offer a very different day out. Montanejos is about an hour and a half away by private transport, which makes it practical as a full-day escape without renting a car.

The road trip matters here. You are not simply being delivered to a pool and brought back. The route takes you away from the city and into mountain country, where the setting becomes the main attraction. The tour lasts about eight hours, including the drive, swimming, walking, lunch, and the second waterfall stop.

At $107.68 per person, this is not the cheapest way to go swimming near Valencia. You are paying for transport, a local guide, admission tickets, insurance, and a full day of organized sightseeing. The value is strongest if you want to see both Montanejos and Salto de la Novia without arranging buses, directions, tickets, and a return journey yourself.

It also works well for solo visitors and couples. Guides commonly introduce the group and help people get talking, which can make a long day in a shared vehicle feel more sociable. Families can enjoy it too, although parents should take the rocky paths and slippery river edges seriously.

The drive to Montanejos and the first walk

The day begins at 9:00 a.m. on Av. de Suècia, near the Mestalla Stadium area. You meet the group there and board an air-conditioned vehicle for the journey to Montanejos.

The first part of the visit includes a short walk and views around the river area. One particularly interesting detail is the chance to see Spanish Civil War trenches. This is not a long historical tour, but it adds some human context to what might otherwise be only a scenic stop.

Be realistic about the walking. It is described as a short or gentle hike, yet parts can include inclines, loose rock, and uneven ground. Most people can take part, but this is not a flip-flop outing. Wear proper trainers or hiking shoes with closed toes. If you have knee or balance concerns, a walking stick or brace may be useful, though the tour information does not promise special mobility support.

The views are a reward for the effort. You get a look at the river and mountain surroundings before reaching the swimming area, so the first stop is not only about getting into the water. Guides may also explain local plants, geography, and the area’s past along the way.

Swimming at Fuente de los Baños de Montanejos

Fuente de los Baños de Montanejos is the heart of the tour. These natural thermal baths stay at about 25°C, or 77°F, throughout the year. That temperature is comfortable for swimming, but do not expect a hot spring in the usual spa sense.

The water is a mix of swimming and exploring. Some areas are deeper, and the river runs over rocks, so water shoes are one of the smartest items you can pack. Chaco-style sandals have worked for some people, but closed water shoes with a firm sole give you better footing.

You have about two hours at the springs. That is enough time to swim, float, take photographs, and sit beside the water rather than rushing through a quick dip. The surrounding canyon and greenery make this feel very different from a city pool or a beach stop.

Bring a waterproof phone pouch or bag if you want pictures in the water. You should also expect to manage your own belongings carefully, although guides have sometimes watched bags while the group swims. That kind of help is useful, but I would still keep valuables to a minimum.

Some guides provide noodle floats, which can help children or anyone who is less confident in deeper water. This is not guaranteed as a formal inclusion, so treat it as a possible courtesy rather than equipment you can count on.

The springs can be busy, especially on summer weekends. That does not remove the appeal, but it can affect how peaceful the stop feels. A weekday visit may give you a calmer setting, though no departure can promise an empty river.

Lunch and the middle of the day

The schedule allows about 30 minutes for lunch, and lunch is not included in the advertised price. This is worth checking carefully when you book because the practical arrangement may differ by departure.

Some outings have included a selection of sandwiches and a drink, while other experiences have featured a more substantial meal at a hotel. There has also been an open-air place where food and drinks could be ordered. Since the official inclusion list excludes lunch, budget for it and follow the instructions sent by the operator before departure.

Thirty minutes is a short meal break. This tour is built around outdoor stops, not a long restaurant lunch. If you need a full sit-down meal or have dietary requirements, ask the company ahead of time rather than assuming a particular menu.

The schedule places lunch between the Montanejos stop and the visit to Salto de la Novia. Guides may keep the group moving so you have enough time for the waterfall and the return drive.

Salto de la Novia, the Girlfriend Waterfall

The second major stop is Salto de la Novia, known in English as Girlfriend Waterfall. It is a separate location from the thermal springs, so you get a second type of water stop rather than a repeat of the first.

The waterfall makes a good photo stop, and in summer you can swim there. The water is not thermal, so it can feel much colder than Montanejos. One person described it as refreshing, while another found it very cold in late September. Expect a natural swimming spot, not a heated pool.

You have about an hour and a half at Salto de la Novia, although the practical time can feel shorter once walking, changing, photographs, and group movement are taken into account. Some visitors feel the waterfall section is brief, while others find the time sufficient for a swim and pictures.

The rocks require care. They can be slippery, particularly close to the water, and sturdy water shoes are helpful. You may get the chance to stand beneath the falling water for a memorable photograph, but do not treat the rocks as a fully developed pool area with uniform footing.

This stop is especially good for anyone who wants the day to include more than a warm spring. The waterfall brings a different mood and gives you another chance to swim in a mountain setting.

The guides are a major part of the experience

The strongest feature of this tour is often the guide. Ivan is praised for being friendly, positive, and good at bringing a group together. Miguel is described as funny, reassuring, and attentive to safety. Kika and Kiki are noted for their warmth, while Manuel is praised for explaining the area and creating easy conversation.

Guide quality matters on a day like this because the schedule involves a shared vehicle, outdoor paths, changing areas, swimming, and several transitions. A good guide keeps the group moving without making the day feel rushed.

You should expect commentary about the area, help with directions, and assistance with photographs. Guides have also supplied cold drinking water from the vehicle on some departures and helped watch belongings during swimming. These details can make a hot day much easier.

The tour is offered in English. The maximum group size is 24, though departures can be much smaller. One family had a group of only eight, which created a more personal feel. You cannot guarantee that size, but the group limit is still modest compared with a large coach excursion.

What to pack for the water and walking

Pack for two different activities: rough walking and swimming.

• Closed-toe trainers or hiking shoes for the paths
• Water shoes for the springs and waterfall
• Swimsuit and a towel
• Waterproof pouch for your phone
• Sun protection and a refillable water bottle
• Dry clothes for the return journey
• A small bag for valuables

Do not rely on open-toed sandals for the first walk. Several descriptions of the route point to loose rock and steeper sections than the phrase gentle hike might suggest. Crocs and casual beach sandals are poor choices here.

A waterproof phone bag is especially useful because the best photographs are close to the water. Keep your packing light, since you will be moving between the vehicle, walking paths, swimming areas, and lunch.

Who should book this tour

I would choose this trip if you want a nature-focused day from Valencia and like the idea of swimming, walking, and meeting other people. It suits couples, families with active children, and solo visitors who prefer an organized day.

It is also a good fit if you do not want to hire a car. The private transport removes the need to coordinate rural buses and makes the return to Valencia simple.

You may want a different outing if your main goal is a long mountain hike. The walking here is limited, and one section is more of a scenic access route than a serious trek. You may also prefer the beach if you only want easy swimming and time beside the water.

This is not a polished spa visit. The springs are natural, the rocks are uneven, and the waterfall can be slippery. That roughness is part of the appeal, but you need to be comfortable outdoors.

Price, timing, and cancellation details

The price is $107.68 per person, with group discounts available. It includes the air-conditioned vehicle, professional local guide, tickets, taxes, and accident insurance. Hotel pickup is not included, so you must reach the meeting point yourself.

The tour begins at 9:00 a.m. and returns to the same meeting point after roughly eight hours. Confirmation arrives when you book, and the activity is offered in English.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes made less than 24 hours ahead are not accepted, and late cancellations are not refunded. The tour depends on good weather and a minimum group size. If the operator cancels for either reason, you are offered another date or a full refund.

Should you book the Montanejos day trip?

Book it if you want two mountain water stops, a lively guide, and an easy organized trip from Valencia. The combination of 25°C thermal springs, a separate waterfall, mountain views, and a sociable group gives the day more variety than a simple beach outing.

I would be most comfortable recommending it to people who pack proper shoes and accept a flexible outdoor schedule. If you expect a full hike, a guaranteed quiet spring, or a long restaurant meal, adjust those expectations.

For a first visit to Valencia, this is a worthwhile way to see the inland scenery. Just bring water shoes, wear real walking shoes, and leave room in your day for the guide to manage the conditions on the ground.

FAQ

Where does the tour start and finish?

The meeting point is Av. de Suècia, 27, in the El Pla del Real area of Valencia. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

What time does the tour begin?

The scheduled start time is 9:00 a.m.

How long does the experience last?

The tour lasts approximately eight hours, including transport from Valencia and the return journey.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included in the listed price. The schedule allows about 30 minutes for lunch.

How warm is the water at Montanejos?

The thermal spring water is about 25°C, or 77°F, all year round.

Can you swim at Girlfriend Waterfall?

You can swim at Salto de la Novia in summer. The water there is not thermal and may feel much colder than the Montanejos springs.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The activity requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.