From Valencia: Montanejos Thermal Spring & Girlfriend Waterfall

The best part of this day trip is the change of scene. In about 90 minutes, Valencia’s city streets give way to mountain roads, river water, rocky paths, and two very different swimming spots. At Montanejos, you can bathe in spring water that stays around 25°C year-round. Later, Salto de la Novia offers a dramatic waterfall and a cooler swim in summer.

I like two things here. First, you get both a proper mountain outing and time to swim, rather than spending the whole day looking out of a bus window. Second, the guides, including Ivan, Miguel, Manuel, and Kika, are a major part of the experience. They explain the area, help with photos, keep an eye on belongings, and make it easier for solo visitors and families to join in.

The main caution is footwear. The walk can be steeper and rockier than the phrase short hike suggests, and wet rocks near the water can be slippery. Bring closed-toe trainers for the trail and sturdy water shoes for the springs and waterfall.

Key points at a glance

• Two very different water stops: Warm, year-round thermal water at Montanejos, followed by a nonthermal waterfall pool at Salto de la Novia.
• A full eight-hour outing: You leave Valencia at 9:00 am and return to the same meeting point later in the day.
• Guides make the difference: Ivan, Miguel, Manuel, Kika, and other local guides are praised for friendly hosting, clear explanations, and careful driving.
• Swimming time is built in: You are not simply stopping for a photograph. The schedule allows about two hours at the thermal baths and about 90 minutes at the waterfall.
• Pack for rocks and water: Trainers are needed for the walking sections, while water shoes make the riverbed safer and more comfortable.
• Good value for an active day: At $107.68 per person, the price covers transport, guide services, tickets, taxes, insurance, and accident insurance, but not lunch or hotel pickup.

Why this makes a good escape from Valencia

Valencia has beaches, grand buildings, and excellent food, but the interior of the province offers a very different Spain. This trip takes you into the mountains around Montanejos, where the day is shaped by rivers, cliffs, forests, and waterfalls.

That contrast is the real reason to book. You are not just swapping one swimming spot for another. You get a scenic drive, a short walk, an outdoor history stop, time in naturally heated water, lunch, and a second waterfall location. The day has enough variety to keep it from feeling like a long bus ride with one attraction at the end.

The group can include up to 24 people, though some departures are smaller. A compact group makes it easier to ask questions, get help with photos, and meet people from different countries. Solo visitors often find the social side useful, while families can enjoy the easy structure of having transport and tickets arranged.

The experience is offered in English. The guides are local, and their personality matters. Miguel is known for keeping the mood light, while Ivan is especially attentive with introductions, family groups, and practical help. Manuel has also been praised for bringing people together and explaining the area. Guides can vary by departure, so you should not book solely for one particular person.

The drive from Valencia to Montanejos

The meeting point is at Av. de Suècia 27, near Valencia’s Mestalla area. The start time is 9:00 am. One useful detail is that the return is also to this meeting point, not to your hotel, so you need to arrange your own way there and back.

Transport is by air-conditioned vehicle. That matters in summer, when the drive through the inland hills can be hot and the outdoor stops offer little shade in places. The ride to Montanejos takes about 90 minutes, giving you time to settle in and listen to the guide’s introduction.

Several people have found the meeting point easy to locate, especially near the stadium entrance. I would still allow extra time on your first morning. A group tour cannot wait long for late arrivals, and hotel pickup is not included.

The road journey is part of the appeal, but it is also the least active portion of the day. If you want a serious mountain trek, this is not that kind of trip. The walking is limited, and the schedule is designed around scenic stops and swimming rather than a long route through the hills.

Montanejos and its 25°C thermal springs

The main stop is Fuente de los Baños de Montanejos, a natural bathing area where the water remains around 25°C throughout the year. That temperature feels pleasantly mild in warm weather. It is not a hot spa pool, so do not expect steaming water. Think of it as a comfortable river swim with thermal spring conditions.

You get about two hours here, which is enough for changing, swimming, floating, and taking in the gorge. The water and rock walls create a memorable setting, and the natural surroundings are the main attraction. You can cool off in the river while looking up at the mountains instead of sitting beside a hotel pool.

The water may feel different depending on the season. One late-September visit was described as cool, while other outings found it easy to adjust to. Water temperature is personal, and 25°C will not feel hot to everyone. If you are sensitive to cooler water, bring a towel and use the time between swims to warm up.

The entry area can be busy, particularly on Sundays and during the summer. That does not necessarily spoil the visit, but you should not expect private access to a remote pool. The setting remains beautiful, and the tour gives you a reasonable amount of time to enjoy it without rushing through after a single photograph.

The riverbed has rocks, so water shoes are one of the most useful things you can pack. Chaco-style sandals have worked for some people, but sturdy shoes designed for wet surfaces give you better footing. Keep your phone in a waterproof pouch if you want pictures from the water.

Changing facilities include portable bathrooms. Guides may watch belongings while the group swims, but you should still bring only what you need and keep valuable items to a minimum.

The short walk and local scenery

The walking portion is often described as short and manageable, but you should interpret that carefully. It is not a long mountain hike, yet some sections include loose rock, inclines, and uneven ground. Open sandals and Crocs are a poor choice, and good trainers are the minimum I would recommend.

The walk offers views of the river and Montanejos and may include a stop connected with Spanish Civil War trenches. That historical detail adds a little depth to what might otherwise be only a scenic walk. Guides also provide short explanations about geography and local plant life.

If you have knee problems or find steep, loose paths difficult, this is the part to consider most carefully. The experience is suitable for most people, but easy does not mean flat or fully paved. A walking stick or knee support could be useful if you normally rely on one.

One important expectation: this is a brief nature walk, not a one-to-two-hour hike. If you want a demanding route with sustained walking, choose a different mountain excursion. If you want a modest stretch of the legs between swims, it fits well.

Lunch in Montanejos

After the thermal spring, the schedule includes about 30 minutes for lunch. Lunch is not included in the stated price, so budget separately. The exact arrangement can vary, and you may find a local place to order food and drinks or an organized meal option connected with the departure.

Food has ranged from sandwiches and a drink to a fuller meal. One family described a three-course hotel lunch, while another found the lunch simply okay. That difference suggests you should confirm what your particular booking includes rather than assume a restaurant meal is part of the base fare.

Thirty minutes is not a long lunch break. A quick meal works better than a leisurely Spanish lunch with several courses. If you prefer to control your choices, bring a snack and water, while still allowing time to eat what is arranged locally.

The guides may provide bottled water during the day, but I would carry your own refillable bottle as well. Swimming and walking in warm weather can leave you thirsty before you notice it.

Salto de la Novia, the Girlfriend Waterfall

The second major location is Salto de la Novia, known in English as the Girlfriend Waterfall. You reach it by private transport after the Montanejos stop. The visit includes about an hour of transport and roughly 90 minutes at the waterfall area.

This is a separate place from the thermal springs, not a second section of the same bathing area. That distinction matters because the water here is not thermal. You may swim in summer, but the pool can feel much colder than Montanejos.

The waterfall itself gives you the day’s strongest photo opportunity. You can see the water dropping into the pool, walk around the rocks, and, when conditions allow, get close enough for the classic photograph beneath the falls. The combination of falling water, stone, and mountain vegetation makes this stop feel quite different from the broader river pool at Montanejos.

Wet rock is the main hazard. Bring water shoes, move slowly, and do not assume a shallow-looking section is easy to cross. The time here is generous enough for a swim and photographs, but some people have found it shorter than expected once changing and walking are taken into account.

Do not compare the waterfall with Valencia’s beach as if they offer the same day. The beach is easier to reach, but this stop gives you mountain scenery, a river setting, and a natural waterfall. The point is the setting as much as the swimming.

Guides, group atmosphere, and the social side

The strongest part of the experience is often the human side. Guides introduce the group, explain the stops, answer questions, and help create a friendly mood in the vehicle. That can make a big difference when you are traveling alone or joining a group with children.

Ivan has been praised for his warmth, local conversation, and willingness to take family photos. Miguel is often described as funny, engaging, and careful behind the wheel. Manuel is noted for creating easy interaction within the group, while Kika has helped visitors with local recommendations and practical advice.

The tone is informal and social. You might sing on the ride back, chat with people from other countries, or simply rest in the air conditioning after swimming. If you prefer silence and independence, the group format may feel more active than you want. You will have free time at the water stops, but this is not a private excursion.

The maximum group size is 24. That is small enough to keep the day organized, though the actual number can be lower. Group discounts are available, which can help families or friends reduce the per-person cost.

What the $107.68 price includes

At $107.68 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach a swimming hole. The value comes from having return transport, an English-speaking local guide, admission tickets, taxes, insurance, and accident insurance handled in one booking.

You are also paying for convenience. Reaching Montanejos and Salto de la Novia independently would require arranging transport between Valencia and two inland locations. The tour removes that planning burden and lets you swim without worrying about the drive back.

Lunch is extra, and hotel pickup is not included. Those two exclusions make the final cost higher than the advertised price. Still, the package makes sense if you want a full day outside Valencia without renting a car or building your own route.

The tour is commonly booked about 23 days ahead. That does not guarantee every date sells out, but it is a useful sign that you should not leave a summer booking until the last minute.

Who should book this day trip?

I would recommend it most strongly if you want:

• A full-day break from Valencia’s urban sights
• Swimming in natural water rather than a standard beach or pool
• A moderate amount of walking, not a full hiking day
• A social group setting with an active guide
• A family-friendly outing with transport already arranged
• Two different nature stops in one day

You may want another experience if you dislike uneven paths, wet rocks, group schedules, or changing outdoors. You should also choose another tour if your main aim is a long mountain hike.

Families have found the outing rewarding, and children can enjoy the water, though adults should supervise them closely around rocks and deeper river sections. Solo visitors can meet people easily, but couples who want privacy may prefer a private trip.

Packing advice for a smoother day

Pack swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, water, and a waterproof phone case. Add closed-toe trainers for the walk and water shoes for the river and waterfall.

Avoid relying on flip-flops, Crocs, or open sandals for the walking route. They are less secure on loose stone and offer little protection when you move between the water and the trail.

Bring a small day bag rather than a large suitcase. You will need dry clothes after swimming, but carrying too much makes the walking stops less pleasant. A light snack can help if lunch is later than expected.

The tour requires good weather. If poor conditions force cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made inside that window are not accepted.

Should you book the Montanejos and Girlfriend Waterfall tour?

Book it if you want an active, social escape that combines thermal river swimming, mountain scenery, and a waterfall in one day. The guides receive consistently strong praise, and the combination of organized transport and free time makes the price reasonable for many visitors.

Go in with realistic expectations. The walk is short, not a serious hike. The waterfall water is not thermal, lunch costs extra, and popular summer dates can be busy. With proper footwear and a willingness to follow a group schedule, this is one of the better ways to experience the inland nature around Valencia without renting a car.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?

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

What time does the tour start?

The tour starts at 9:00 am.

Where do I meet the group?

The meeting point is Av. de Suècia 27, El Pla del Real, 46010 València, near the Mestalla area.

Where does the tour finish?

The activity ends back at the same meeting point in Valencia.

Is hotel pickup included?

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

What is the temperature of the Montanejos thermal spring?

The water temperature at Fuente de los Baños de Montanejos is stated as 25°C, or 77°F, throughout the year.

Can I swim at the Girlfriend Waterfall?

You can swim at Salto de la Novia in summer. The water there is not thermal and may feel cooler than the Montanejos springs.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included in the stated tour price. The itinerary provides time for a lunch stop, and the exact food arrangement can vary.

What should I wear for the walking sections?

Wear closed-toe trainers or other secure walking shoes. Water shoes are strongly useful for the rocky riverbeds and wet areas around the swimming stops.

How many people can join the tour?

The tour has a maximum of 24 participants.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes. The tour is offered in English and includes a professional local guide.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor conditions, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted.