Valencia: Waterfalls and Thermal Springs Tour with Swimming

The best part of this day trip is the chance to swim in Montanejos’ Blue Lagoon, where the water is advertised at about 25°C year-round. You also get the drama of the 60-meter Bridal Veil waterfall, canyon views, and a huge dam without spending the day on a hard hike.

I like the small-group feel and the practical touches: air-conditioned transport, water shoes, changing rooms, bathrooms, and a safe place for your belongings. Guides such as Mike, Anna, Siobhan, Morgane, Thomas, and Sofia have been praised for keeping the group relaxed, taking photos, and helping less confident swimmers.

The main drawback is the long day and the price, $101 per person, with lunch and drinks extra. The spring water may also feel cooler than the advertised temperature, especially outside summer. Still, if you do not have a car, Montanejos is awkward to reach, so the convenience can make the cost worthwhile.

Key points to know before booking

• Swim in 25°C spring water: Montanejos’ Blue Lagoon is the main event, but bring a towel and expect the water to feel refreshing rather than hot.
• See four natural and man-made sights: The day includes the Bridal Veil waterfall, the thermal springs, Mijares River canyons, and Montanejos dam.
• Minimal walking: The minibus parks close to each stop, making this a good choice if you want scenery without a strenuous hike.
• Photos are part of the service: Guides take pictures and videos, so you can enjoy the water without risking your phone.
• Lunch is not included: You can buy local food at the spring area or in Montanejos, or bring your own.
• Meet at Estació del Nord: Pickup is at the main entrance area of Valencia’s North train station, with construction currently affecting the exact curbside spot.

From Valencia to the Bridal Veil waterfall

The day begins at 9:30 AM in front of Valencia’s Estació del Nord, the grand central train station on Calle Xàtiva. Look for the large clock on the station tower. Because construction may block the usual front area, pickup takes place just outside the gated section.

From there, you ride in a new, air-conditioned minibus. The first drive takes about 45 minutes, followed by a short transfer of roughly 40 minutes later in the day. The vehicle matters here. Montanejos sits well beyond Valencia’s center, and reaching its swimming areas by public transport takes more effort than many visitors expect.

Your first stop is a less familiar waterfall known as the Bridal Veil. Water drops about 60 meters down the rock face, and the spray gives the place its name. You may be able to stand close enough to feel the mist or even shower beneath the falling water, depending on conditions and your comfort level.

This is also one of the better stops for wildlife. Mountain goats can sometimes be seen along the ridge above the waterfall. Keep your eyes up, since the cliff and rock views are part of the appeal.

The waterfall stop lasts about an hour, including guided sightseeing and time for pictures. It is not presented as a long trek. You should still wear comfortable shoes, since the ground around a natural waterfall may be uneven or damp.

Swimming in Montanejos’ Blue Lagoon

The thermal spring area is the heart of the outing. Montanejos is known for its spring-fed pools along the Mijares River, and this tour gives you time to get into the water rather than simply stop for a photograph.

The Blue Lagoon is listed at 25°C year-round. That is pleasantly mild, not the steaming heat of a classic spa pool. A warm day can make the water feel ideal, while an early spring or autumn swim may feel brisk when you first enter. One useful point from the tour experience is that the water has been described as less warm than some people expected, so pack your towel and do not assume this is a hot bath.

You do not need to be a strong swimmer to enjoy the stop, but be honest about your comfort in open water. Guides have helped people who were nervous, and water shoes are included. Even so, the tour is not a substitute for a personal swimming aid or a lifeguard service. If you are uneasy, stay near the edge and follow the guide’s instructions.

The water is clear, the surrounding cliffs are striking, and the setting gives you a proper break from Valencia’s city streets. You can swim, float, take photos, or simply sit near the river. The tour allows time for everyone to go at a different pace rather than forcing a quick dip and immediate departure.

A useful base at Nomad Soul Retreat

A few steps from the spring area is Mike’s Nomad Soul Retreat, set among olive trees. This private base is one of the details that makes the day easier than an independent visit.

You can use changing rooms and clean bathrooms, leave your belongings in a safer place, and find a sunny spot to dry off or rest. That means you do not have to change beside the river or keep your bag under constant watch while swimming.

Water shoes are included as well. They are useful around rocky river edges and save you from packing another piece of equipment. You should still bring your own swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, drinking water, and comfortable clothes.

The retreat is not the reason to book this outing, but it adds real value. A nature day can become awkward when you have wet clothes, no changing area, and nowhere to put your phone. Here, those practical problems are covered.

Lunch in Montanejos

Food is not included in the $101 price. The guide helps you choose a budget-friendly option, such as a snack at the Blue Lagoon area or a meal in Montanejos town. You can also bring your own food.

Some outings treat lunch as an afterthought, but here the town stop can add a local touch to the day. One group ate at an authentic village restaurant and found it good value. Another practical choice is to bring a picnic if you prefer to control the cost and timing.

Keep in mind that the schedule is built around scenery and swimming, not a long restaurant meal. Ask the guide about the available choices on the day, especially if you have dietary needs. Since food and drinks are extra, budget a little beyond the advertised tour price.

Mijares River canyon views

After lunch, the minibus takes you to a viewpoint over the Mijares River canyons. This is mainly a photo stop, lasting about 15 minutes, but it gives you a different view of the area.

The river cuts through steep rock, and the height makes the scale easier to understand. You are not walking deep into the canyon, so this stop suits anyone who wants a dramatic view without a demanding route.

Fifteen minutes is enough for pictures and a quick look, though photographers may wish for more time. The benefit is that the whole group keeps moving, leaving more time for the swim and waterfall. Guides also take photos throughout the day, including pictures in and around the water.

Montanejos dam and reservoir

The final major sight is Montanejos dam, a large piece of engineering holding back a calm reservoir. It gives the day a useful change of pace. After the waterfall and river, you see how people have shaped the same mountain setting.

The dam stop is less about physical activity and more about scale, views, and photographs. The tour parks close to the sights, so you are not asked to hike a long route to reach the best viewpoint.

The itinerary also mentions powerful blasts of water from a large spout. Depending on the operating conditions, you may see water forcefully released from the dam. That can be an impressive sight, but it is also a reminder to stay within the guide’s instructions and keep away from restricted areas.

What the guides add to the day

The experience depends heavily on the guide, and the team is a clear strength. Mike leads some departures, while guides including Anna, Siobhan, Morgane, Thomas, and Sofia have also handled groups.

The common thread is a friendly, social approach. Guides help people get acquainted, explain the stops, offer encouragement around the water, and take group photos. Siobhan has been praised for being calm and professional while letting people move at their own pace. Morgane is especially noted for taking attractive photos and videos.

Language support is available in English, French, and Spanish, with Dutch available on request. You should confirm your preferred language when booking, since the exact guide depends on the departure.

This is not a silent sightseeing transfer. Mike uses music and conversation to keep the minibus lively, and the group may become part of the experience. That suits solo visitors and people who enjoy meeting others. If you prefer complete privacy and a quiet vehicle, a private rental car may be a better fit.

Is $101 good value?

At $101, this is not the cheapest way to visit the mountains outside Valencia. You still pay for lunch and drinks, and the tour uses a full day of your trip.

The value comes from what is bundled together: transport from central Valencia, a guide, entry fees, water shoes, access to the retreat, the four-stop plan, and photos. You avoid arranging a car, finding the waterfall, working out how to reach the swimming area, and locating a place to change.

The price makes the most sense if you do not have a car, want to swim, and would otherwise need to arrange several separate activities. It is less compelling if you already have transport and only want to see one viewpoint.

You also get a small-group format rather than a large coach outing. Group size can vary, but several departures have had about a dozen people. That is large enough for a social atmosphere and small enough for the guide to help with photos and swimming confidence.

Who will enjoy this trip most?

I would choose this tour for a solo visitor, a couple, or a group of friends who want an active day outside Valencia without a major physical challenge. It also works well for families with older children, provided everyone is comfortable around natural water.

The outing has suited people with mobility concerns because walking is limited and the paths have been manageable. That does not mean every surface is perfectly flat, so comfortable shoes remain important. Ask the operator directly if you need specific assistance.

It is also a strong choice for first-time visitors who want more than city sights. You see a waterfall, swim in a spring, visit a canyon viewpoint, and look at a dam in one day.

You may want another option if you dislike group activities, do not want to swim, or prefer to spend a full day hiking. The tour is about easy access to several sights, not a long walk through the countryside.

What to pack for the eight-hour outing

Bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, drinking water, comfortable shoes, and clothes that can handle a wet afternoon. A light change of clothes is sensible, even though it is not specifically required.

You do not need to pack water shoes because they are included. Keep your personal kit compact, since space in a minibus is more limited than in a full-size coach.

The tour runs in rain or shine. Valencia usually has favorable weather, but a wet day can change how enjoyable a waterfall and outdoor swim feel. The operator says cancellations have been rare, though natural water conditions and weather can still affect the exact experience.

The return to Estació del Nord is planned for about 5:30 PM. That makes this a full day, but it leaves you back in central Valencia for an evening meal.

Should you book it?

Book this outing if you want easy access to Montanejos without renting a car, and if swimming in a natural spring is more appealing than another museum or beach afternoon. The waterfall, canyon viewpoint, dam, and retreat give the day enough variety that you are not relying on one attraction.

I would be more cautious if $101 is a tight budget, since lunch and drinks are extra. I would also set the right expectation about the water: it is promoted as 25°C year-round, but it may feel cool when you first enter.

For most visitors seeking a social, well-organized day in the Valencian countryside, the mix is strong. Bring a towel, wear shoes you trust on uneven ground, and leave your phone to the guide’s camera when you get in the water.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The tour starts in front of the main entrance of Estació del Nord on Calle Xàtiva in Valencia. Look for the large clock on the station tower. Construction may mean pickup is just outside the gated area.

What time does the tour begin?

The stated departure time is 9:30 AM. Availability should be checked when booking because starting times can vary.

What time does the tour return to Valencia?

The planned return is around 5:30 PM, with the activity ending back at Estació del Nord.

How long does the experience last?

The tour lasts about eight hours.

Is swimming included?

Yes. Swimming in Montanejos’ Blue Lagoon thermal springs is one of the main parts of the day.

How warm is the Blue Lagoon?

The water is listed at about 25°C year-round. It may still feel refreshing or cool when you first enter, especially outside the hottest months.

Do I need to bring water shoes?

No. Water shoes are included in the tour price. You should still bring comfortable shoes for the other stops.

Is lunch included?

No. Food and drinks are not included. The guide suggests local options near the Blue Lagoon or in Montanejos, and you may bring your own food.

Is the tour suitable for people who do not want a long hike?

Yes. The minibus parks close to the main sights, and the tour involves minimal walking. Comfortable shoes are still recommended.

What languages are available?

Guiding is available in English, French, and Spanish. Dutch can be requested.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. A reserve-now, pay-later option is also available.