From Valencia: Montanejos Thermal Spring & Girlfriend Waterfall

Mountain water beats city heat. This full-day trip from Valencia combines a swim in the 25°C Montanejos thermal springs with a visit to the Salto de la Novia, or Girlfriend Waterfall. I like the mix of easy sightseeing, outdoor time, and local guiding, especially when guides such as Ivan, Miguel, Manuel, Kika, and Paola bring the group together. I also like that air-conditioned transport, entrance tickets, taxes, and insurance are included.

The main consideration is footwear. Parts of the route can be steeper and rockier than the phrase short hike suggests, while rocks near the water may be slippery. Bring proper closed-toe trainers and water shoes. At $107.68 per person, this is not the cheapest way to swim outside Valencia, but it saves you from arranging transport to two mountain sites yourself.

Key points before you book

• The thermal water stays around 25°C all year: It feels mild rather than hot, and it is especially pleasant when the air is warm.
• Two very different swimming stops: Montanejos is a thermal river setting, while Salto de la Novia has cooler, non-thermal water.
• The trip takes about eight hours: Allow for long transport time, with roughly 90 minutes to Montanejos and about an hour back to Valencia.
• Good shoes matter: Closed-toe trainers are best for the rocky walking sections, and water shoes help over stones in the springs.
• Guides are a major strength: Ivan, Miguel, Manuel, Kika, and Paola are praised for friendly hosting, safety, local information, and group spirit.
• Lunch costs extra: Bring money for food, since lunch is not included in the tour price.

Why this mountain day trip works

Valencia has beaches, city streets, and grand architecture. Montanejos offers something quite different: a day among cliffs, river water, forest, and mountain roads. I like this trip because it is not just a transfer to a swimming hole. You get two natural sites, time in the water, a guide, and the ease of a direct return to the city.

The day starts at 9:00 am at Av. de Suècia, 27, near the Mestalla Stadium area. The meeting point is by the stadium, at entry A3 according to the practical directions provided for the pickup. There is no hotel pickup, so you need to reach the starting point on your own.

Transport is by air-conditioned vehicle. That matters in Valencia’s warmer months, since the drive to the mountains takes about an hour and a half. The maximum group size is 24 people, though some departures may be much smaller. One family had a group of only eight, while other departures had enough people for a lively social atmosphere.

The drive from Valencia to Montanejos

The first leg takes you away from the city and into the mountains. The journey lasts about 90 minutes, so this is not a quick hop. I see the drive as part of the day’s value, but you should be comfortable spending a fair amount of time in a minibus.

A strong guide can make this ride feel less like dead time. Ivan and Miguel receive especially warm praise for introducing people, keeping conversation moving, and sharing information about Valencia and the region. The social side is useful if you are traveling alone. Several people enjoyed meeting other passengers from different countries, and the guides often help turn a group of strangers into a friendly day-out crowd.

The vehicle is air-conditioned, and bottled water was available on some departures. Still, I would bring your own refillable bottle and a small snack. The tour begins in the morning, and lunch is not part of the advertised price.

Swimming at Fuente de los Baños de Montanejos

The main stop is Fuente de los Baños de Montanejos, a natural thermal bathing area beside the river. The water temperature is listed as 25°C, or 77°F, throughout the year. That is warm enough to be comfortable for most people, though it will not feel like a hot spa.

The setting is the real attraction. You swim in clear river water surrounded by rock, trees, and high mountain walls. It is a place for floating, taking photographs, and enjoying a slow break from Valencia’s heat. You get about two hours here, which is enough time to change, walk to the water, swim, and sit around without rushing every minute.

I would not expect polished pool facilities. The experience is outdoors and natural. Portable bathrooms were used for changing on at least one departure, so pack a towel, swimsuit, dry clothes, and a waterproof bag for your phone. A waterproof phone pouch is especially useful because the best photographs are taken close to the water.

The riverbed can be rocky. Water shoes are one of the most useful things you can pack, and Chaco-style sandals were found comfortable by one family, although closed footwear is still better for the walking sections. Crocs and open-toed sandals are poor choices for the rougher path.

The water may feel cooler than expected at the end of September, despite the year-round temperature claim. That is normal for an outdoor river setting, where shade and air temperature affect how the swim feels. If you are sensitive to cool water, keep a towel and warm layer easy to reach.

Some guides provide noodle floats or help children with flotation aids. Do not treat that as guaranteed equipment, but it shows how the guide’s personal attention can improve the swimming stop. Guides have also watched bags while people swam, though you should still avoid bringing valuables.

The short walk and mountain scenery

This trip includes more walking than a pure swimming excursion. The route has been described as a short hike, with views over the river and Montanejos and a stop connected with Spanish Civil War trenches. That gives the day a little historical character instead of making it only about bathing.

The walk is not a serious mountain trek, but it can be tricky in places. Loose rock, inclines, and slippery surfaces make trainers important. One person found the route harder than expected, while another described it as easy and family-friendly. Both impressions can be true, depending on your fitness, footwear, and comfort on uneven ground.

I would pack sturdy trainers with a good grip. Avoid flip-flops, Crocs, and open sandals. If you have knee problems or feel uncertain on steep ground, a walking stick or knee support may be useful, though the tour does not list either as provided equipment.

The walking time is limited, so this is not the right choice if you want a long wilderness hike. One person wanted a fuller one-to-two-hour hike and found the walking portion too slight. If your priority is serious hiking, look for a dedicated mountain walk instead. If you want a scenic stroll combined with swimming, the balance works better.

Lunch in Montanejos

Lunch is not included, and this is one of the clearest details to understand before paying. Some departures have offered sandwiches and a drink, while another family described a three-course meal at a hotel, including excellent calamari. Those details suggest that the exact lunch arrangement may vary.

I would budget separately and ask the operator what is planned for your date. You may prefer to bring your own food, especially if you have dietary needs or want to keep the day moving. There has also been an open-air place for ordering food and drinks near the springs.

The scheduled lunch break is about 30 minutes in the supplied timing. That is fairly short for a full restaurant meal, so do not assume an elaborate sit-down lunch unless the operator confirms it. The meal is practical fuel between outdoor stops, not the main reason to book the excursion.

Salto de la Novia, the Girlfriend Waterfall

The second major site is Salto de la Novia, reached by private transport after the Montanejos portion. The waterfall is a separate place from the thermal springs, and the water here is not thermal.

You get about an hour at the waterfall area, followed by roughly 90 minutes to see the falls and swim when conditions allow. The exact flow and swimming conditions depend on the season. In summer, you can swim there, but the water is cooler than at the springs.

This stop has strong visual appeal. The waterfall creates the kind of setting that suits photographs, especially if you want a picture near the falling water. Some people managed the classic money shot with the falls cascading behind them. The rocks can be slippery, so water shoes with grip are useful here too.

Time can feel short at Salto de la Novia. One person felt there was not enough time, even though the stop is scheduled at about two and a half hours in total. If you want a quiet, unhurried waterfall visit, a private trip may suit you better. On a group tour, you need to follow the departure schedule.

The contrast between the two water stops is a major reason I like the route. Montanejos gives you milder thermal water in a river canyon. Salto de la Novia gives you a waterfall setting and a cooler swim. You are not simply seeing the same kind of site twice.

Guides, group mood, and safety

The guides are the most consistently praised part of this experience. Ivan is described as warm, cheerful, and committed to making the day special. Miguel is known for humor, clear explanations, safe driving, and making people feel like part of a group. Manuel receives praise for good interaction and local information, while Kika is remembered for friendly help and recommendations for Valencia.

That personality matters on a long group day. A guide who explains the area, checks that people are comfortable, and helps with photographs can make the transport and timetable feel easy. The guides also provide practical support around swimming and belongings.

The tone is social rather than formal. You may find yourself chatting with solo passengers, couples, and families. Children have taken part, and one family described the day as a success with young children. Still, parents should be ready for rocky paths and water access rather than a fully paved attraction.

The operator includes accident insurance and other insurance, plus taxes and tickets. That is reassuring, but it does not remove the need for sensible care around wet rocks and deep water. Follow the guide’s instructions, use footwear with grip, and keep electronics protected.

Is $107.68 good value?

At $107.68 per person, the price sits above a basic bus ride or a simple beach day. The value comes from combining two mountain sites in one outing. You get an air-conditioned vehicle, a local professional guide, entrance tickets, express security access, taxes, and insurance.

You also avoid the work of planning separate transport to Montanejos and Salto de la Novia. For a short stay in Valencia, that convenience is important. An eight-hour schedule lets you see natural sites well beyond the city without renting a car or figuring out the road connections.

The price is less attractive if you only want to swim. Valencia’s beach is closer and may cost less to reach. But the beach cannot offer the same mountain river setting, waterfall, rock walls, and short historical walk. I would see this as a nature day with swimming, not as a cheap alternative to the seaside.

Group discounts may be available, which could improve the value for families or friends. Lunch is extra, so include that in your daily budget. The trip is often booked around three weeks ahead, with an average advance booking time of 23 days, so leaving it until the last minute may be risky during busy periods.

Who should take this tour?

I would recommend it to you if you want an easy way to reach mountain swimming spots from Valencia. It suits couples, families with active children, solo visitors who enjoy meeting people, and anyone who prefers a guided day to self-driving.

It is also a good fit if you like variety. You can swim in mild thermal water, see a waterfall, walk through mountain scenery, hear local stories, and return to Valencia the same day.

I would hesitate if you want a demanding hike, a very quiet experience, or complete control over your timing. The group schedule limits how long you can linger, and popular summer dates can be busy. The thermal springs may feel crowded, especially on a Sunday, although weekday departures can be calmer.

What to pack for the eight-hour outing

Pack for both walking and swimming. My short list would be:

• Closed-toe trainers with a solid sole
• Water shoes for rocks and slippery surfaces
• Swimsuit, towel, and dry clothes
• Waterproof phone pouch or dry bag
• Sunscreen and a hat
• Water and a small snack
• Money or a card for lunch

Do not rely on open sandals for the whole day. Good trainers will make the short hike much more comfortable, while water shoes will help you enter and leave the river.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the 9:00 am start for a full refund. Changes made within 24 hours are not accepted, and late cancellations are not refunded. The trip needs suitable weather and a minimum number of participants, so a cancellation by the operator can result in another date, another experience, or a full refund.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want a well-organized mountain escape with two distinct water stops and a guide who adds real social energy. The strongest reasons are the beautiful Montanejos springs, the dramatic waterfall setting, the easy transport from Valencia, and guides such as Ivan and Miguel who take care of the small details.

Skip it if you want a long hike, a luxury spa, or a cheap beach afternoon. For most people who have one free day in Valencia and want to see more of inland Spain, I think the $107.68 price is fair, provided you bring proper shoes and remember that lunch is extra.

FAQ

How long does the Montanejos and Girlfriend Waterfall tour last?

The experience lasts approximately eight hours, including transport from Valencia, time at both water sites, lunch time, and the return journey.

Where does the tour start?

It starts at Av. de Suècia, 27, El Pla del Real, 46010 València, near the Mestalla Stadium area. The listed start time is 9:00 am.

Does the tour return to Valencia?

Yes. The activity ends back at the original meeting point in Valencia.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup is not included, so you must make your own way to the meeting point.

How warm is the water at the Montanejos thermal springs?

The water temperature at Fuente de los Baños de Montanejos is listed as 25°C, or 77°F, all year round.

Can you swim at the Girlfriend Waterfall?

You can swim at Salto de la Novia in summer when conditions allow. The water is not thermal there.

Is lunch included in the price?

No. Lunch is not included. Bring food or budget for a meal during the break.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If the operator cancels because of poor weather, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.