From Valencia: Montanejos Thermal Spring & Girlfriend Waterfall

Montanejos gives you something Valencia cannot: a full day of mountain rivers, thermal water, and waterfalls without renting a car. You swim in the Fuente de los Baños at a steady 25°C, then visit Salto de la Novia, where summer swimming is possible in cooler, non-thermal water.

I like two things here. First, the air-conditioned ride removes the fuss of reaching these inland valleys. Second, the guides, including Ivan, Miguel, Kika, and Manuel on different departures, make a real effort to explain the area, connect the group, and help with photos and belongings. The main drawback is that this is not a gentle stroll all day: some rocky paths and slippery water access call for proper shoes.

Key points to know before booking

• 25°C thermal water year-round: The Fuente de los Baños is mild enough for a long swim, though it may feel cool when you first enter.
• Two very different water stops: Montanejos is thermal and calm; Salto de la Novia is a waterfall setting with colder, non-thermal water.
• A mountain day from Valencia: Expect about eight hours, including roughly 1 hour 30 minutes to Montanejos and one hour back from the waterfall.
• Shoes matter: Pack closed-toe trainers for the short hike and sturdy water shoes for rocky river access.
• Lunch costs extra: The tour includes the stops and transport, but not your meal. Food arrangements can vary by departure.
• Small-group feel, with a limit of 24: Some departures may be much smaller, while the maximum group size keeps this from being a private outing.

Why Montanejos makes a good escape from Valencia

Valencia is blessed with beaches, but the inland scenery around Montanejos offers a different kind of day. The route moves away from the coast and into mountain country, where swimming is part of a wider outing that includes rock walls, river views, forest, and a waterfall.

The drive takes about 1 hour 30 minutes in private, air-conditioned transport. That matters in summer. You can leave the city without worrying about parking, mountain roads, or finding the springs on your own. The vehicle also gives you a cool place to recover between outdoor stops.

The meeting point is on Avenida de Suecia, near Mestalla Stadium, at 9:00 in the morning. It is a practical central starting point, but hotel pickup is not included. Plan extra time to reach the stadium, especially if you are carrying swim gear, towels, and a change of clothes.

The group limit is 24 people. That is large enough to create a social day, but still manageable for a guide leading people along short paths and into swimming areas. Some departures have had only eight people, which makes the outing feel more personal, but you should book with the maximum in mind rather than expecting a private van.

Fuente de los Baños, Montanejos’ year-round swimming stop

The main event is Fuente de los Baños de Montanejos. These thermal baths sit beside the river and are surrounded by steep natural scenery. The water stays at about 25°C, or 77°F, throughout the year.

Do not picture a spa with tiled pools and lounge chairs. This is an outdoor river setting. You bathe in natural water, walk over rocks, and enjoy the setting around you. The water temperature is comfortable for many people, but it is not hot. In late September, some people may find it cool, especially when getting in or after leaving the water.

You have about two hours here, which is enough time to swim without having to rush straight back to the minibus. That open time is one of the tour’s strengths. Your guide provides the structure, but you are not kept on a rigid sightseeing schedule beside the water.

The spring area can be busy, particularly on Sundays and during the summer season. Even so, the stop remains worthwhile if you want a natural swimming setting rather than a standard beach day. The contrast is the point: you float in a river canyon with mountains around you, not on a strip of sand beside the city.

Bring water shoes. The access points include rocks, and bare feet or soft sandals can make the entry awkward. Chaco-style sandals worked for one family, but closed-toe water shoes offer better protection. A waterproof phone pouch is also useful if you want photographs without risking your phone.

The changing arrangements are basic. Portable bathrooms have been used for changing clothes, so do not expect a full changing-room facility. Pack a dry bag or small waterproof pouch for valuables, and keep your clothing simple enough to change without a production.

Some guides have supplied noodle floats, and guides have also watched bags while people swim. Treat that as helpful support rather than a guaranteed equipment service. You should still bring only what you need.

The short hike and the mountain views

This outing includes a short walk near Montanejos. It can include views of the river, a cave, local plants, mountain goats, and Spanish Civil War trenches. These details give the day more substance than a simple transfer from one swimming hole to another.

The walk is not a serious mountain trek, but the phrase short hike should not lead you to wear flip-flops. Loose rock and steep sections can make it more demanding than expected. Several people found regular tennis shoes adequate, while others strongly preferred sturdy hiking footwear.

I would pack closed-toe trainers with a decent sole. Crocs, open sandals, and beach footwear are poor choices here. If you have knee problems or feel unsteady on loose ground, a walking stick or knee support may be useful, though the tour data does not promise a fully flat route.

The historical element is brief rather than a full lesson. A guide such as Ivan may point out Civil War trenches and explain the area’s geography and plant life. That kind of short local context works well between swims. It helps you notice more than just the water and gives the scenery a human story.

Do not book this tour expecting hours of hiking. One three-star assessment found the walk too limited and wanted a longer route. That is a fair warning. The tour is built around swimming and scenic stops, with a short walk added for views and context.

Lunch in Montanejos, with a little planning required

Lunch is scheduled for about 30 minutes, and it is not included in the published price. This is the one part of the day where you should ask your guide what arrangement applies to your departure.

Food has varied. Some people received a selection of sandwiches and a drink, while another family described a three-course meal at a hotel, including excellent calamari. There may also be a small open-air place selling food and drinks. Since lunch is not guaranteed as part of the ticket, bring money and consider packing a snack.

Thirty minutes is enough for a straightforward meal, but not for a leisurely restaurant experience. If you value a long Spanish lunch, this schedule may feel rushed. If you want to get back outdoors quickly, the short break keeps the day moving.

Cold bottled water has been available from the vehicle on some departures. Still, carry your own refillable bottle. Swimming, sun, and mountain walking can leave you thirstier than expected, even when the air feels mild.

Salto de la Novia, the Girlfriend Waterfall

After Montanejos, the tour continues by private transport to Salto de la Novia, known in English as the Girlfriend Waterfall. This is a separate location from the thermal springs, so do not assume you are simply visiting another part of the same bathing area.

The waterfall brings a different mood. You get a dramatic cascade, photo opportunities, and, in summer, the chance to swim. The water here is not thermal, so expect it to feel colder than the Montanejos spring. One guide may help you reach a spot where the falling water creates the classic photograph, but rocks can be slippery.

The schedule allows about one hour to reach and see the waterfall, followed by roughly 1 hour 30 minutes at the stop. That is enough for photographs and a swim, but the time can feel tight if the area is crowded or if you want a long, slow visit.

One four-star account found there was not enough time at the waterfall and felt uneasy on slick rocks. I would take that seriously. Wear your water shoes, move slowly, and do not treat the waterfall rocks like a paved pool deck. You should follow the guide’s instructions and avoid climbing beyond your comfort level.

The best part of Salto de la Novia is the change of scene. After the calm thermal river, the waterfall gives you a more energetic final swim and a strong closing image for the day. Some people also finish with an ice cream before the return drive, though that should not be treated as a fixed part of the tour.

Guides make or break the pace

The guide is one of the strongest reasons to choose this trip. Ivan has been praised for explaining Valencia life, introducing people to one another, taking family photographs, and keeping the mood upbeat. Miguel is known for humor, clear explanations, and careful driving. Kika has helped with local recommendations and group communication, while Manuel has been praised for creating easy interaction.

Your guide will vary. The company provides a professional local English-speaking guide, but you cannot select a particular person unless the operator confirms it. The style appears friendly and social rather than formal and lecture-heavy.

That suits solo visitors especially well. Introductions at the start can turn a day in the minibus into a relaxed group outing. Couples and families also fit comfortably, and one family found the experience suitable for children.

Do remember that lively guides can mean plenty of conversation and group energy. If you want a quiet, self-directed day with no social element, a rental car and independent visit may suit you better.

What the $107.68 price really buys you

At $107.68 per person, this is not the cheapest way to swim in natural water. A beach near Valencia is closer and may cost less once transport and food are considered.

The value comes from combining several pieces in one day. You get round-trip transport from Valencia, an air-conditioned vehicle, an English-speaking local guide, entrance tickets, taxes, and insurance, including accident insurance. You also avoid planning the drive between Montanejos and Salto de la Novia.

The price does not include lunch or hotel pickup. Those exclusions are easy to miss, so budget for food and your trip to the stadium meeting point. Group discounts may improve the cost for families or friends booking together.

I think the price is fair if you want a guided mountain day and do not want to drive. It is less convincing if your only goal is warm water or a few hours of swimming. The tour earns its value through variety: a thermal river, a short nature walk, lunch, a separate waterfall, and the social ease of organized transport.

Who should book this day trip?

I would recommend it to you if you want an active break from Valencia but do not need a full hiking expedition. It works particularly well for first-time visitors, solo people hoping to meet others, couples, and families who want swimming without arranging the details themselves.

You should be comfortable with uneven ground, changing outdoors in basic facilities, and moving between several locations. Children have enjoyed the outing, but parents should judge their own children’s comfort with rocks, cold water, and a long day away from the city.

Pack:

• Closed-toe trainers for the walk
• Sturdy water shoes for both swimming stops
• Swimsuit, towel, and dry change of clothes
• Waterproof phone pouch
• Water and money for lunch
• Sun protection

The tour lasts about eight hours and returns to the Valencia meeting point. It requires good weather and a minimum number of bookings. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. If bad weather or low numbers cancel the outing, you are offered another date or a full refund.

Should you book Montanejos and Girlfriend Waterfall?

Book this trip if you want mountain scenery with swimming, not simply a faster route to a beach. The thermal spring is the anchor, while Salto de la Novia adds variety and memorable photographs. The guides’ friendly, hands-on approach is a major plus.

Skip it if you dislike group schedules, want a long serious hike, or expect hot spa water. Also skip the flip-flops. With proper shoes, a waterproof phone case, and realistic expectations about lunch and the short hike, this is a strong full-day escape from Valencia.

FAQ

How long is the Montanejos and Girlfriend Waterfall tour?

The experience lasts approximately eight hours. It begins at 9:00 am and ends back at the Valencia meeting point.

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is Av. de Suècia, 27, El Pla del Real, 46010 València, near Mestalla Stadium. Hotel pickup is not included.

Is lunch included in the price?

No. Lunch is not included. Food arrangements can vary, so bring money and consider carrying a snack.

How warm is the water at Fuente de los Baños?

The thermal water remains around 25°C, or 77°F, all year round. It is mild rather than hot, and it may feel cool when you first enter.

Can you swim at Girlfriend Waterfall?

You can swim there in summer. The water is not thermal, so it may feel colder than the Montanejos springs.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If poor weather cancels it, you are offered a different date or a full refund.