Montanejos Thermal Springs and Waterfall, food included

Montanejos gives you a welcome change from Valencia’s streets: warm natural water, a dramatic canyon, and a waterfall swim all fit into one long day. The route also includes Arenós Reservoir and a short walk with wide views, so this is more than a simple trip to a swimming hole.

I like the intimate feel of the small group, and I like how guides such as Miguel and Borja turn the drive into part of the experience with local stories, music, photos, and practical help. The main drawback is that the water may feel only mildly warm, and summer heat or fire risk can cancel the walking section.

Key points to know before booking

• The thermal pool stays around 25°C year-round, pleasant rather than hot-tub warm.
• Salto de la Novia, or Girlfriend Waterfall, comes first, and it is separate from the Montanejos springs.
• Guides make a real difference, with Miguel and Borja praised for humor, safety, photos, and local knowledge.
• Lunch is included from April through October, with a sandwich or tapa, a soft drink or beer, and coffee.
• The walk may be canceled in summer, when extra time is spent in the water instead.
• Bring beach shoes if you have them, since the thermal pool has a pebbly bottom.

Why Montanejos makes a good break from Valencia

Valencia is easy to enjoy for several days, but city sightseeing can leave you wanting open air and a swim. Montanejos supplies both. The village and springs sit inland in the Valencian Community, reached by a drive through smaller towns and countryside rather than city streets.

This is an eight-hour outing, so you will spend a fair amount of time in the vehicle. That is the tradeoff for reaching a natural setting that is not close to Valencia. The upside is that transport, guiding, insurance, and the return trip are handled for you.

The group is intended to be small and friendly, with departure guaranteed once at least two people have booked. A small group matters here. You can ask questions, get help with the swimming area, and keep the day from feeling like a rigid procession from one stop to the next.

The meeting point is by Mestalla football stadium, on the side facing Aragón Avenue, at gate A3. Look for the guide wearing a Batwalking shirt. The activity returns to the same place, although one guide has sometimes dropped people closer to their accommodation when practical. Do not rely on that as a guaranteed service.

The drive inland takes you away from city life

The first vehicle leg lasts about 45 minutes. Depending on the group and guide, the drive can include commentary about places along the route and practical stops for supplies. Borja, in particular, is praised for filling the journey with useful facts and keeping the mood relaxed.

Transport is by air-conditioned van or bus. That sounds basic, but it matters on a hot Spanish day, especially after swimming. If you are prone to motion sickness, mention it early. One guest was able to sit at the front of the van, which made the ride easier.

The no-food and no-drink rule inside the vehicle is worth noting. You can carry what you need for the day, but you cannot eat, drink, smoke, or carry alcoholic drinks in the vehicle. Water is supplied, though I would still bring a reusable bottle if you prefer to drink often in hot weather.

The route is not a silent transfer. The best guides add stories, answer questions, take photos, and help people get to know one another. That personal touch is one of the strongest reasons to choose this organized outing instead of trying to piece together the day by yourself.

Salto de la Novia is the first swimming stop

The first major stop is Salto de la Novia, known in English as Girlfriend Waterfall. The visit lasts about an hour, including a guided visit and time to walk around. In summer, this is usually your first chance for a refreshing swim.

This waterfall is not beside the Montanejos thermal pool. You return to the vehicle afterward for another ride of roughly 45 minutes. That separation is important when planning your day: you are visiting two different water sites, not one large spring complex.

The waterfall stop gives the day an active start. You can take pictures, look around, and swim when conditions allow. Guides have been especially helpful here, taking pictures with your own camera and helping the group enjoy the stop without turning it into a rushed photo call.

Bring swimwear under your clothes or pack it where you can reach it. A towel, sunscreen, comfortable clothes, and shoes with a good grip are all useful. If you plan to walk over wet or uneven ground, beach shoes are a smart addition.

The waterfall can be a popular summer stop. An early arrival helps, but the tour schedule controls the timing. If you want a quiet, solitary nature visit, this is not that sort of outing. It is a social day with time built in for swimming and photos.

The Montanejos springs are warm, clear, and not truly hot

After the second drive, you reach Aigües Termals de Montanejos, the thermal springs. The swimming water is listed at 25°C, or 77°F, all year. That temperature is comfortable for many people, but do not picture a steaming spa.

Some swimmers find the surface pleasantly warm but notice cooler water below. Others find the pool cooler than expected, especially after getting in. On a very hot day, that can be a benefit. If you are booking mainly for a hot-bath experience, adjust your expectations now.

The setting is the real attraction. The water sits among rock walls and mountain scenery, and the clear pool gives you a striking contrast with Valencia’s urban center. The water can look almost tropical in the right light, although the temperature and natural pebbled bottom are reminders that this is an outdoor swimming place, not a polished spa.

You have about two hours for swimming. That is enough time to get comfortable, take pictures, and move around the area. The guides may bring buoyancy aids, which can help if you are not fully at ease in unfamiliar water. You should still follow their safety advice and judge your own ability honestly.

The bottom has plenty of pebbles. I would bring water shoes or sturdy beach shoes, especially if your feet are sensitive. The springs are suitable for all ages according to the activity details, but the outing is not suitable for babies under one year, wheelchair users, or people with heart problems.

The water area can be busy in midsummer, especially on a Sunday. Even so, you may find quieter space farther around the canyon. This is one place where a little flexibility improves the experience. Swim, pause, and enjoy the rock walls instead of expecting a private pool.

Lunch gives the day a useful pause

After swimming, the group has about an hour for lunch. From April through October, the package includes one sandwich or tapa, a soft drink or beer, and coffee. Water is also included.

The meal is practical rather than a full restaurant feast. It gives you a chance to dry off, sit down, and regain energy before the final stop. Tables may be reserved for the group, which removes one small hassle on a busy day.

The wording around lunch can be easy to misread, since some descriptions refer to a restaurant-style meal while the included package specifies a sandwich or tapa. Check the exact seasonal terms when you book if the meal is important to you. I would also carry a little extra money for anything beyond the stated food and drink.

Lunch is one reason the $108 price can make sense. You are paying for transport from Valencia, a guide, insurance, taxes, water, and a full day away from the city. It is not the cheapest way to reach Montanejos, but it bundles the awkward parts and adds a guide who handles the timing.

Arenós Reservoir adds scenery after the swim

The final major stop is Embalse de Arenós, or Arenós Reservoir. This is planned as a photo stop and visit lasting about an hour. After the water and lunch, the reservoir gives you a calmer look at the inland setting.

The views are a strong part of the day. You see more than the spring itself, including the reservoir, rock formations, and the surrounding countryside. It helps the excursion feel like a tour of the Montanejos area rather than a transport service to one swimming pool.

There is also a short walking route of about 30 minutes with scenic views. The walk is moderate rather than a major hike, but you still need comfortable shoes. It may be canceled in summer because of heatstroke risk and the high risk of forest fires. In that case, you spend more time in the water instead.

I see this flexibility as sensible, not a failure. A short walk is not worth overheating or increasing fire risk. Still, if hiking is your main reason for booking, this outing may disappoint during the hottest part of the year. The activity is centered on the water, with walking as a secondary feature.

The return drive takes about an hour and a half. By then, you will probably be ready for the air-conditioning and a quiet ride. The long return also means the day feels full, not like a quick half-day escape.

The guides are a major part of the value

The official guide languages are English, Spanish, and German. The guide can explain each stop, give practical directions, and keep the group moving without making the day feel hurried.

Miguel receives especially strong praise for his energy, humor, and care. He is described as someone who checks that everyone is comfortable, keeps people included, and shares facts about the places along the way. He also helps create a social mood, which matters when a small group includes strangers.

Borja is noted for arriving early, sharing useful information during the drive, taking photos, and even helping the group exchange pictures through WhatsApp. Miguel and Paula are also praised for safety and friendly teamwork. The exact guide depends on the departure, but the company clearly puts personality into the service.

This is not a silent nature excursion. You should expect conversation, jokes, Spanish music at times, and a guide who may encourage the group to interact. That will suit you if you like an easygoing outing. If you prefer to be left alone, a self-guided visit may be a better fit.

The guide also adds security around the water. Several details matter: watching belongings while people swim, bringing flotation aids, helping with directions, and assisting when someone feels unwell. That kind of attention is difficult to measure in a tour description, but it can make a long day much easier.

What to pack for the springs and waterfall

Pack light, but do not arrive unprepared. You should bring:

• Swimwear and a towel
• Sunscreen
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Beach shoes or water shoes for the pebbles
• Comfortable clothes for the drive
• A phone or camera in a waterproof pouch
• Any personal medication you may need

You cannot bring food or drinks into the vehicle, and smoking is not allowed inside. Fireworks, explosive substances, alcohol and drugs are prohibited. The day involves outdoor swimming and walking, so protect your phone and other valuables around the water.

The activity is not suitable for people with heart problems, wheelchair users, or babies under one year. You should also consider the heat. Summer may offer the best swimming weather, but it brings the biggest crowds and can remove the walking section.

Is $108 a fair price?

At $108 per person, this is a convenience-focused day trip rather than a budget bus ride. You get private transport from Valencia, air-conditioning, a live guide, insurance, taxes, water, the planned stops, and seasonal lunch.

The strongest value comes from the logistics. Montanejos is far enough from Valencia that arranging two swimming locations, transport, food, and the return journey takes work. You also avoid worrying about parking, directions, and coordinating the timing of a waterfall, thermal pool, reservoir, and meal.

The weakest value comes if you only want to swim. You spend several hours in the vehicle, and the thermal water may not feel hot. If you are comfortable driving and want a longer stay at one site, independent travel could give you more control, though that option is not detailed here.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and reserve-now, pay-later booking make the commitment easier. The tour requires at least two people to operate, so check that the departure is confirmed before building your whole day around it.

Who should book this day trip?

I would choose this outing if you want nature without giving up the ease of a guide and organized transport. It works especially well for couples, friends, solo visitors who enjoy meeting people, and families with older children who can manage swimming and a little walking.

It is a good choice for you if:

• You want a full day away from Valencia
• You enjoy swimming in natural settings
• You like friendly guides and small groups
• You want photos and local stories along the way
• You prefer a planned lunch and transport
• You are happy with a 25°C pool instead of a hot spring

I would think twice if you need wheelchair access, cannot handle a long vehicle day, have a heart condition, or want a serious mountain hike. I would also avoid booking it for a quiet spa day. The springs are natural, social, and sometimes busy.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want an active, friendly escape from Valencia with several stops rather than one isolated attraction. The best parts are the two water sites, the striking inland scenery, and guides such as Miguel or Borja who add warmth and practical help.

Go with realistic expectations: the water is warmish, not hot; the walk can disappear in summer; and the day includes plenty of driving. Bring water shoes, protect yourself from the sun, and confirm the seasonal lunch details. If that sounds like your kind of day, $108 buys a well-organized way to reach Montanejos without handling the transport and planning yourself.

FAQ

Where does the tour meet in Valencia?

The meeting point is at Mestalla football stadium, on the side facing Aragón Avenue, at gate A3. The guide wears a Batwalking shirt. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

How long does the activity last?

The full experience lasts about eight hours. Departure times vary, so check availability for the exact starting time.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is included from April through October. It consists of one sandwich or tapa, a soft drink or beer, and coffee. Water is also included.

How warm is the Montanejos thermal water?

The swimming area is listed at 25°C, or 77°F, throughout the year. This feels pleasantly mild to many people, but it is not a steaming hot spring.

Can I swim at the waterfall?

Swimming is offered at Salto de la Novia, or Girlfriend Waterfall, during the summer months. The waterfall is separate from the Montanejos thermal springs.

Is the walking route always available?

No. The walking route may be canceled in summer because of heatstroke and forest fire risks. When that happens, more time is spent in the water.

What languages are available?

Live guiding is available in English, Spanish, and German.