Montanejos Thermal Springs and Waterfall, food included

Trade city streets for warm mountain water. This eight-hour outing pairs Montanejos’ clear thermal pool with Salto de la Novia, known here as Girlfriend waterfall, then adds lunch and a short scenic walk. I like the small-group feel and the way guides such as Miguel and Borja turn a simple nature trip into a friendly day out. The main catch is that the springs may feel cooler than expected, especially below the warm surface layer.

You meet beside Valencia’s Mestalla stadium and ride by air-conditioned van into the Valencian countryside. I also like the variety: you get a waterfall, a swim, lunch, and the Arenós reservoir in one day. It is not a wilderness expedition, though, and summer crowds, heat, and a canceled walking route can change the rhythm.

Key points at a glance

• A 25°C thermal pool: Montanejos stays swimmable all year, though the water can feel only mildly warm rather than hot.
• Two separate water stops: Salto de la Novia comes first, then the Montanejos springs after another 45-minute drive.
• Guides make the difference: Miguel, Borja, and Paula are praised for humor, local facts, photos, safety help, and making solo guests feel included.
• Lunch is seasonal: From April through October, the package includes one sandwich or tapa, a soft drink or beer, and coffee.
• A small-group escape: The tour runs with at least two people and uses private transport from Valencia.
• Bring proper swim gear: Pack swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, comfortable shoes, and beach shoes if you dislike pebbles.

Leaving Valencia for Montanejos

The meeting point is easy to identify: Av. d’Aragó, 31, beside Mestalla football stadium on the side facing Aragón Avenue, at gate A3. Your guide wears a Batwalking shirt. The same spot is used for the return, and the full outing lasts about eight hours.

The first drive takes roughly 45 minutes. Transport is by air-conditioned bus or van, depending on the group. That matters because this is not a public transport puzzle. You can settle in, watch Valencia give way to smaller towns and open countryside, and let the guide provide commentary along the route.

The group size is described as intimate, and that seems to be one of the experience’s strongest points. With only a few people, guides can help with photos, answer questions, and keep an eye on the group’s comfort. Miguel is especially praised for his warmth, jokes, music, and ability to help strangers relax around one another. Borja is also noted for arriving early, sharing useful facts, taking photos with guests’ cameras, and even setting up a WhatsApp group for exchanging pictures.

That personal touch is valuable on a day when the guide also handles the practical details. Guests have appreciated help with seating for motion sickness, buoyancy aids in the water, watching belongings, and reserving tables for lunch. These are small actions, but they make an outdoor day easier.

Salto de la Novia and the first swim

After the first van ride, you stop at Salto de la Novia, or Girlfriend waterfall. This waterfall is not beside the Montanejos springs, so it is worth understanding the day as two separate water experiences rather than one continuous attraction.

You have about an hour here for a guided visit, a walk, and, in summer, a refreshing swim. The setting is described as tranquil and beautiful, and arriving early can make the stop feel especially peaceful. The waterfall gives you a quick taste of the countryside before the larger swimming stop later in the day.

Bring your swimsuit under your clothes if you want to get into the water without fuss. You will also want a towel that can dry before the next stop, although the exact changing arrangements are not specified. Comfortable footwear is important, and beach shoes are a smart extra because the thermal spring area has many pebbles.

This first stop is one of the reasons the tour feels more worthwhile than a simple ride to one pool. You get a short walk, a waterfall, and a chance to cool off before lunch and the reservoir visit. The limitation is time. An hour passes quickly if you want to swim, take photos, and walk around, so do not expect a long waterfall hike.

Montanejos thermal springs: warm, clear, and not truly hot

A second 45-minute van ride takes you to Aigües Termals de Montanejos. The swimming area is listed at 25°C, or 77°F, throughout the year. That is comfortable for many people, but it is not the temperature of a hot bath.

This distinction matters. The name thermal springs may make you picture steaming water. Here, the appeal is a natural swimming pool in a dramatic canyon setting, not a spa with very hot water. On a hot summer day, the water can feel wonderfully refreshing. On a cooler day, you may need a little time to adjust.

Some swimmers have found the top few centimeters warmer than the water below. Others describe the pool as cool at first but pleasant after staying in it for a while. I would set your expectations at mildly warm natural water, not hot springs in the usual spa sense.

You get around two hours for swimming. That gives you enough time to enter slowly, float, take photos, and enjoy the setting without rushing. The clearness of the water and the surrounding canyon are major parts of the experience. If the main area is busy, you might find quieter water farther around the pool, but the stop can be crowded in midsummer and especially on Sundays.

The pebble bed is another practical detail. It may be uncomfortable under bare feet, so pack water shoes or sturdy beach shoes. The guides may provide buoyancy aids, which can help if you are not fully comfortable in unfamiliar open water. Still, this is not suitable for people with heart problems, and you should take normal care around natural water.

The springs are suitable for all ages according to the tour information, but the activity is not suitable for babies under one year or wheelchair users. That combination tells you something useful: the day is gentle in pace, but it still involves uneven natural ground, swimming, and outdoor access.

Lunch after the water

Lunch follows the swim, with about an hour set aside. From April through October, the included meal is one sandwich or tapa, a soft drink or beer, and coffee. Water is also included.

The food arrangement is simple rather than a long restaurant meal. That suits the schedule. You can eat, dry off, and regain energy without losing a large part of the afternoon. Guides often reserve tables, which removes the hassle of finding a place after changing and swimming.

There is one point to check before booking: the information specifically names April through October for the included lunch. If you are going outside those months, confirm exactly what is covered. The meal is also described in slightly different ways, with some accounts referring to a restaurant stop and others to the sandwich or tapa package. The safest approach is to verify the current lunch arrangement and bring a little extra money for anything beyond the stated meal.

The included food adds real value during a long day away from Valencia. At $108 per person, you are paying for transport, a guide, insurance, taxes, water, the full day of stops, and the seasonal meal, not simply access to the springs. The package is easier to justify if you would otherwise need to organize a car, navigation, parking, food, and separate visits yourself.

The 30-minute walk and Arenós reservoir

After lunch, the outing continues around the thermal spring area and toward Embalse de Arenós, the Arenós reservoir. The plan allows about an hour for a visit and photo stop, with a walking route of roughly 30 minutes offering wide views.

Do not book this expecting a serious mountain trek. The walk is short and is included to show you more of the surroundings after your swim. Some people find it a pleasant way to stretch their legs; others feel it functions partly as a filler between the water and the return drive.

That is a fair trade-off for many visitors. The tour is built around easy outdoor sightseeing, not strenuous hiking. You can enjoy views, take photos, and get a sense of the area beyond the pool without committing to a demanding trail.

In summer, the route may be canceled because of heatstroke risk and the high risk of forest fires. In that case, more time is spent in the water. This is a sensible safety choice, but it means the tour can feel more swimming-focused on hot days. Wear sunscreen, comfortable clothes, and shoes that can handle a short walk over uneven ground.

The reservoir stop also breaks up the return journey. After roughly 1.5 hours in the van, you return to Av. d’Aragó. The complete day is long, but the stops keep it from becoming only a transport exercise.

How the guides shape the day

The strongest praise is directed at the guides, and that is important because the natural sites can be visited without a guide if you have your own car. The value here comes from having someone organize the route and add personality to the hours between stops.

Miguel is repeatedly described as friendly, funny, attentive, and well informed about the area. He keeps the mood light without losing sight of safety. Guests also appreciate his efforts to make everyone feel included, especially when a very small group might otherwise feel awkward.

Borja receives similar praise for enthusiasm, route commentary, early arrival, photo help, and practical assistance. Paula is also mentioned as a friendly and careful guide. The guide language options are English, Spanish, and German.

Do not expect a formal lecture at every stop. This sounds more like an easygoing excursion with stories, local information, jokes, Spanish music, and helpful instructions. For me, that is the right style for a swimming day. You get context without being pinned to a strict classroom schedule.

The minimum departure is two people. That creates an unusual possibility: your group could be extremely small, and one account describes a trip with only two guests. If you like personal attention, that is a plus. If you prefer a large group with less interaction, the intimate format may feel more direct than expected.

Is $108 a fair price?

At $108, this is not the cheapest way to see Montanejos. Its value depends on what you want to avoid arranging yourself.

The price covers private transport from Valencia, an air-conditioned vehicle, a live guide, taxes, insurance, water, and seasonal lunch. You also get a waterfall, thermal pool, reservoir, and short walk in one organized day. For a visitor without a car, that bundled convenience is significant.

The tour is less compelling if your main goal is to spend all day quietly at the springs. You may get only around two hours of swimming, and summer crowds can reduce the feeling of calm. The walking route may also be canceled in hot weather.

I would see it as a full countryside day rather than a thermal spa visit. You pay for the route, the guide’s support, and the chance to visit several places without handling the driving. That makes the cost reasonable for many short-stay visitors in Valencia, especially if you value a small group and a ready-made plan.

What to pack and what to expect

Keep your bag practical. You should bring:

• Swimwear
• A towel
• Sunscreen
• Comfortable shoes
• Comfortable clothes
• Water shoes or beach shoes for the pebbled spring bed

Food and drinks are not allowed in the vehicle, and smoking is prohibited inside. Pets are not allowed. Alcoholic drinks, drugs, fireworks, explosives, and other unsafe items are also prohibited.

The tour includes water, but you should still prepare for a hot outdoor day with sunscreen and suitable clothing. If you are prone to motion sickness, tell the guide early. One guide accommodated a guest by allowing a front seat, which suggests that raising the issue at the meeting point is worthwhile.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Since the tour needs at least two people to run, check the departure status when you book.

Who should book this Montanejos day trip?

I would recommend it to you if you want a break from Valencia’s museums, streets, and indoor sights. It suits couples, small groups, solo visitors, and families with older children who are comfortable around natural water and uneven ground.

You will get the most from it if you enjoy swimming, short walks, scenery, and an outgoing guide. It is also a good fit if you do not want to rent a car or work out the countryside route yourself.

I would hesitate if you expect hot spa water, a long hike, wheelchair-friendly access, or a quiet pool in peak summer. People with heart problems should not book, and the activity is not suitable for babies under one year. If the idea of pebbles, natural swimming, or an eight-hour day sounds tiring, this may not be your best choice.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want three easy countryside stops in one day and appreciate a guide who takes care of the small things. The waterfall, clear spring, reservoir views, lunch arrangement, and private transport create a well-rounded escape from Valencia.

Go in with realistic expectations: the water is about 25°C, not steaming hot; the pool can be busy; and the summer walk may disappear. For a relaxed, social day with guides such as Miguel or Borja, the $108 price is fair. For a dedicated spa day or serious hike, choose something else.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

It starts at Mestalla football stadium, beside Aragón Avenue, at gate A3. The address given is Av. d’Aragó, 31.

Where does the tour finish?

The activity ends back at the same meeting point beside Mestalla stadium.

How long does the tour last?

The excursion lasts about eight hours. Starting times vary, so you need to check availability for the date you want.

What languages does the guide speak?

Live guides are available in English, Spanish, and German.

How warm is the Montanejos spring water?

The swimming area is listed at 25°C, or 77°F, all year. It may feel cooler beneath the surface than you expect from the term thermal springs.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is included from April through October. The stated meal is one sandwich or tapa, a soft drink or beer, and coffee. Water is also included.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, comfortable clothes, and comfortable shoes. Beach shoes are useful because the spring area has pebbles.

Is the waterfall near the thermal springs?

No. Salto de la Novia, or Girlfriend waterfall, is a separate stop. You travel by van between the waterfall and the springs.

Can children join the tour?

The activity is described as suitable for all ages, but it is not suitable for babies under one year. Normal care is needed around the natural swimming areas.

Can the walking route be canceled?

Yes. In summer, the route may be canceled because of heatstroke and forest fire risks. Extra time is then spent in the water.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

No. The activity is listed as unsuitable for wheelchair users.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Reserve now and pay later is also available.