Montanejos Hiking Tour & Thermal Pools from Valencia

Montanejos gives you a full day of mountain air, river views, and a swim far from Valencia’s city streets. The best part is the pairing of a scenic hike through pine forest and rocky gorges with time at the Fuente de los Baños, where the water stays around 23°C.

I like the easy transport and the cheerful guide teams, with Arturo, Alejandro, Taoufik, Nouha, and others praised for humor and care. I also like that you can focus on the outing instead of working out buses to inland Castellón. The main catch is that the hike can move quickly, and a group of up to 53 people may feel large on narrow paths.

Key things to know before you book

• The pools are cool, not hot: At about 23°C, they feel refreshing rather than like a heated spa.
• The hike has real uphill sections: It is manageable for moderately fit people, but not a flat stroll.
• The scenery is the star: Expect pine woods, cliffs, river views, caves, waterfalls, and mountain goats in the right conditions.
• Transport saves planning time: Round-trip coach travel is included, but the day still includes the long ride from Valencia.
• Bring your own supplies: Food and drinks are not included, and you should carry water, sunscreen, a hat, and suitable walking shoes.
• You can skip the hike: The pool area offers a gentler option for anyone who prefers to relax, though the excursion is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

Why Montanejos makes a strong day trip from Valencia

Valencia is easy to enjoy on foot, but inland Spain offers a very different kind of day. Montanejos sits among the mountains of the Valencian Community, shaped by the Mijares River and its steep canyons. This trip takes you there without the fuss of arranging regional transport, finding the trailhead, or timing your return.

The day lasts about eight hours, including the journey out and back. That matters. You are not getting eight hours of hiking and swimming. You are getting a full-day escape, with roughly four hours assigned to the Montanejos outing and plenty of that time divided between walking, stops, and the natural pools.

At $59.26 per person, the value rests mainly in the transport and organization. You receive an air-conditioned coach, a guided route, a guide, and access to Fuente de los Baños. Food, drinks, and hotel pickup are extra concerns, but the price is fair if you want a straightforward day outside Valencia and do not want to piece it together yourself.

The coach departure from Valencia

You choose one of two pickup points. The first is at the Torres de Serranos bus stop, in front of MYR Hotel. The second is the Hola Trip office at Carrer Ramon Llull 21, in front of the purple office.

Pay close attention to the timing. At Serranos Towers, you meet the coach 10 minutes before the scheduled start. At the Hola Trip office, pickup is 10 minutes after the starting time. The guide arrives with the bus on the main road and wears a HOLA TRIP badge.

The coach is air-conditioned, which is welcome after walking in the sun. It can also get quite cold inside. I would pack a light hoodie, a useful tip for anyone who feels chilled during the ride.

This is a shared excursion, with as many as 53 people. That keeps the cost down, but it affects the rhythm of the day. You may wait for slower walkers, and the group can feel crowded at viewpoints or along popular stretches. A smaller private walk would offer more freedom, but it would cost more.

Walking above the Mijares River

The hiking portion takes you along mountain paths above the turquoise water of the Mijares River. You pass through pine forest, Mediterranean plants, and rocky sections with views into the deep valley. The best moments come at the viewpoints, where you can look toward the Arenoso Reservoir and the peaks around the Sierra de Espadán Natural Park.

The walk is not technical, but do not mistake the word hike for a gentle park stroll. There are uphill parts, uneven ground, and a fairly brisk pace. Several people have found it challenging in hot weather, even when the route itself is not extreme.

Wear proper walking shoes. Sandals or smooth trainers will make rocky sections less comfortable. You should also carry enough water, sunscreen, and a hat. The route can feel much harder when the sun is strong, and shade is not guaranteed at every stop.

The guide may explain the geology, plants, animals, and local stories along the way. The story of the Moorish Queen’s Baths helps explain why the springs became famous. Depending on the season, you may see waterfalls, wildflowers, birds over the cliffs, or even mountain goats.

The amount of explanation can vary with the pace and size of the group. If you walk slowly, you may find it harder to stay close enough to hear every stop. Keep near the guide when a story or explanation begins, and do not count on a quiet, private nature walk.

Caves, waterfalls, and extra viewpoints

Some versions of the route have included a cave, a waterfall cave, a water jet, or a stop at a clear lake. Guides including Arturo and Filip have helped groups reach these extra features, while Alejandro has led walks toward caves and swimming spots.

Treat these as possible additions rather than guaranteed parts of every outing. The supplied route centers on the mountain walk and Fuente de los Baños, and conditions can change with weather, water levels, and the group’s pace.

This flexibility can work in your favor. When the springs have looked cloudy or a café has been closed, guides have sometimes offered a clear lake or another place to swim. That is useful, but it also means the exact day can differ from the photographs.

One point worth keeping realistic: parts of the hike may follow an access road or pass near electrical transmission lines. The area is still striking, but the route is not untouched wilderness from start to finish. You may see practical infrastructure mixed with the cliffs and forest.

What the Fuente de los Baños swim is really like

After the hike, you reach the famous Fuente de los Baños, a natural bathing area along the river. The water is clear in good conditions, and the pools sit among cliffs, greenery, and smooth rocks. You can swim, wade, float, sit at the edge, or walk along the riverside.

The water temperature is the most important detail to understand before booking. It is described as about 23°C throughout the year. That is mild by spring standards, but it is not a hot bath. Some swimmers find it cold, especially outside summer or after standing in the shade.

The word thermal refers to the mineral composition and natural spring source, not to hot water. You might find warmer spots nearer the canyon, but you should not arrive expecting a steaming spa. Think of it as a refreshing river swim with spring water.

The bathing area can also be busy, especially in summer. A large tour group arriving at a popular public swimming site will not have the place to itself. Still, the swim is a welcome reward after the uphill sections, and the setting gives it much more character than a standard pool.

There are washrooms near the pools, which makes changing into swimwear easier. You may also find a small café or snack bar, though one account notes that the café was closed for refurbishment and there was no nearby place to buy a drink. Bring your own water and food rather than relying on facilities being open.

A spring allows you to fill water bottles with mineral water, but carry enough water for the walk itself. Do not assume that every facility will be available on the day.

The guides make a noticeable difference

The guide team is one of the strongest parts of this experience. Arturo has been singled out for his humor, patience, and friendly manner. Taoufik has been praised for keeping the day fun, while Alejandro has been described as animated and attentive. Nouha, Nico, Italo, Filip, Paco, and Jean-Francois have also led groups on different outings.

The tone appears to be active and social rather than formal. You can expect jokes, practical help, and a guide who keeps the group moving. Solo participants may find it easy to meet people, especially during the coach ride and swim break.

The tradeoff is consistency. With different guides and a large group, the amount of local explanation can vary. Some days may include extra cave or waterfall stops, while others keep to the planned route. If detailed botany, geology, or local history is your main goal, ask questions and stay close to the guide.

Who will enjoy this day most

This trip suits you if you want nature, light adventure, and a swim without renting a car. It works particularly well for people staying in Valencia who want one active day away from museums, markets, and city streets.

You should have moderate physical fitness. The route includes uphill sections, uneven ground, heat exposure, and a pace that may feel quick if you are not used to walking in mountains. The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, children under 14, or anyone over 65 according to the stated restrictions.

It can also work for a mixed group. One person may take the hike while another spends more time at the pools. That option is useful if everyone wants the Montanejos setting but not everyone wants the same level of exertion.

This is less suitable if you want a quiet, slow nature walk, a hot thermal bath, or a small private group. It is also a poor fit if you want to carry nothing, since you need your own water and personal items during the walk.

What to pack for the day

Pack for two separate activities: a mountain walk and a river swim.

• Walking shoes with a firm sole
• Swimwear and a towel
• A hat and sunscreen
• Plenty of water
• Food or snacks, since lunch is not included
• A light hoodie for the cold coach air-conditioning
• A small bag you can carry during the hike
• Dry clothing for the ride home
• Toilet paper or tissues for the first bathroom stop

Do not count on leaving belongings safely on the bus during the hike. Carry anything you need with you, but keep the bag light. A phone or camera is worthwhile for the reservoir, cliffs, caves, and river, but protect electronics around the water.

Booking, timing, and cancellation details

You can book in English and receive a mobile ticket. The experience is often booked about 13 days ahead, so reserving early makes sense if your Valencia stay is short.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund. Poor weather or failure to reach the minimum number of participants can also cancel the outing, in which case you are offered another date, another experience, or a full refund.

The excursion depends on weather, and that is sensible for a mountain route and river swim. Check the meeting point and pickup time carefully, since the two locations have different instructions.

Should you book the Montanejos hike and pools tour?

Book it if you want an uncomplicated day trip with mountain views, a guided walk, and a refreshing swim. The coach removes the hardest planning issue, and the combination of hiking and water gives the day a good rhythm. The guides often add humor and personal energy, which matters on a long shared outing.

Go in with the right expectations. The pools are not hot, the group may be large, and the hike can be brisk and demanding in warm weather. Bring water and food, wear real walking shoes, and stay near the guide if you want to hear the explanations.

For a first visit to Montanejos from Valencia, the $59.26 price is reasonable. I would choose it for convenience and scenery, not for a spa experience or a carefully paced private hike.

FAQ

How long does the Montanejos tour last?

The excursion lasts about eight hours, including transportation from Valencia to Montanejos and back.

What is included in the price?

The price includes round-trip transport in an air-conditioned coach, a guided hiking route, a tour guide, and skip-the-line access to Fuente de los Baños.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You must choose one of the stated meeting points in Valencia.

Where are the meeting points?

You can meet at the Torres de Serranos bus stop in front of MYR Hotel, or at the Hola Trip office at Carrer Ramon Llull 21.

How warm are the thermal pools?

The water stays around 23°C throughout the year. It is refreshing rather than hot, and the term thermal refers to the mineral composition.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, so bring your own supplies.

How difficult is the hike?

You need a moderate level of fitness. The route includes uphill sections and uneven ground, and the pace may feel fast for less fit walkers.

Can I skip the hike and go directly to the pools?

Yes. The pool area provides a more relaxed option for anyone who does not want to take part in the hike, though the tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

Is the tour suitable for children or older adults?

The experience is not allowed for people under 14 or over 65.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If bad weather cancels the experience, you are offered a different date or a full refund.