Valencia: Montanejos Hot Springs Tour + Salto De la Novia Waterfall

Montanejos is not a hot bath in the usual sense. Its spring water stays near 25°C all year, making it pleasant in warm weather but brisk on a cool day. The reward is a fine day in the Valencian countryside, with Salto de la Novia waterfall, Tio Juan waterfall, a lookout walk, and time beside the river.

I like the two very different natural stops and the fact that transport, waterfall admission, and spring admission are bundled into the $67 price. I also like the friendly guiding style associated with Maties and Miguel, plus the useful Valencia tips they share along the way. The main catch is simple: the water may feel cold, especially outside summer, and the rough paths call for sensible shoes.

Key points to know before booking

• 25°C water, not a steaming hot spring: Montanejos is better for a refreshing swim than a very warm soak.
• Two countryside highlights in one day: You visit Salto de la Novia in Navajas, then Montanejos and Tio Juan waterfall.
• About 3 hours at Montanejos: There is time for swimming, walking, photos, and a picnic.
• A guide can shape the day: Maties and Miguel are praised for friendly company, local detail, and good organization.
• Bring your own lunch: Food and drinks are not included, and they are not allowed inside the vehicle.
• Rough ground matters: Water shoes, comfortable walking shoes, a towel, and a waterproof phone case will make the day easier.

Why this day trip works from Valencia

Valencia gives you beaches, grand buildings, and excellent food, but the city does not show you much of the rugged interior of the Valencian Community. This excursion fixes that in one long day. You leave from Gate A3 at Mestalla Stadium and trade city streets for waterfalls, river scenery, and rock-lined swimming areas.

The trip lasts about eight hours, including roughly 50 minutes by van to the first major stop, another 50 minutes between the waterfall area and Montanejos, and about 70 minutes on the return. That is a fair amount of road time, so you should book this for the scenery and outdoor stops, not simply for a quick swim.

At $67 per person, the value is strongest if you would otherwise need to arrange a rental car, pay for fuel, find both locations, and purchase admissions separately. The price includes return transport and entrance to both the Salto de la Novia waterfall and Montanejos hot springs. You still need to cover lunch, snacks, and drinks.

Salto de la Novia in Navajas

The first main stop is the waterfall known as Cascada del Salto de la Novia, in the town of Navajas. You have about 75 minutes here for a visit, guided walk, and photographs. This is a good opening stop because it gives you a scenic setting without using up the bulk of the day.

The waterfall is the sort of place where a short visit works well. You can take pictures, look around the natural setting, and listen to the guide explain the area without needing a full-day hike. The tour includes admission, so you do not need to sort out a separate ticket on arrival.

I would bring a phone case that can handle spray or damp conditions. The day includes photo and video service, and the guide can take pictures for you, but your own waterproof protection still matters if you want to use your phone near water.

The 75-minute limit is both useful and restrictive. It keeps the group moving and protects your time at Montanejos, but it does not leave room for a long independent walk around Navajas. If you want a slow visit focused on every path and viewpoint, a private visit would give you more freedom.

Tio Juan waterfall and the lookout walk

The day also includes Tio Juan waterfall and a lookout point. The exact balance between the waterfall, viewpoint, walking, and photo stops can depend on the group and conditions, but you should expect a modest walk over uneven ground rather than a serious mountain hike.

That distinction matters. One guide made arrangements for people who did not want a longer walk, and the route was described as more of a walk than a hike. Still, rough terrain means you should not arrive in fashion shoes or smooth-soled sandals. Hiking shoes or sturdy trainers are the safer choice, while water shoes are useful later at the springs.

The lookout adds value because it gives you a broader view of the area instead of keeping you beside the water all day. You get a change of pace: waterfall close-ups, a little walking, then a wider view before the main swimming stop.

I like this part of the schedule because it prevents the excursion from becoming only a bathing trip. If the weather is not ideal for swimming, the waterfalls and viewpoint still give the day a reason to go ahead.

Montanejos and the 25°C thermal waters

Montanejos is the main event, with about three hours set aside for a photo stop, picnic, walking, and swimming. The water is described as staying at 25°C throughout the year. That is warm compared with a mountain stream, but it is not the steaming pool many people picture when they hear hot springs.

You will probably find the water refreshing in summer. In cooler weather, getting in may take some courage, and staying in the shaded gorge can feel colder. Several people found the water only just bearable outside summer, while others said it became comfortable after the initial shock. That is the most important expectation to set before booking.

Think of Montanejos as a natural thermal swimming area rather than a spa. You do not get heated changing rooms, loungers, or a resort-style bathing experience from the information provided. You get time in a striking outdoor setting, with water, rock, and open air around you.

The three-hour stop is generous enough to suit different moods. You can swim for a while, dry off, take photographs, walk nearby, and eat your own picnic. If you prefer not to swim, there is still time to enjoy the setting, although the tour’s main appeal is clearly the water.

Water shoes are a particularly good idea. The rocky areas can be uncomfortable under bare feet, and shoes designed for wet ground offer more grip than ordinary sandals. Pack a towel, dry clothes, a daypack, and a waterproof bag for phones and other items.

Food, drinks, and what to pack

Food and beverages are not included. You are advised to bring enough for the full day, and you should take that seriously because the schedule includes several hours away from Valencia. Sandwiches and snacks can be bought in town before heading to the springs, according to the practical guidance given for the trip.

There is one important vehicle rule: food and drinks are not allowed inside the van. Plan to eat at suitable stops rather than expecting to snack during the drive. Water is essential, especially if the weather is warm and you are walking or swimming.

I would pack:

• Swimwear and a towel
• Water shoes plus comfortable walking shoes
• Water and food for the day
• A waterproof phone case or bag
• Comfortable clothes and a small daypack
• Dry clothes for the ride back

Oversize luggage is not allowed, so keep your belongings compact. Smoking indoors, alcohol, drugs, littering, and making fires are also prohibited. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, and electric wheelchairs are not accepted.

The guide can make the long day easier

The guide is an important part of this experience because the day combines transport, walking, swimming, and several stops. Maties and Miguel are the names most often associated with the guiding. Both are described as friendly and positive, with Maties praised for planning and flexibility and Miguel for keeping the group engaged and explaining local details.

The tone appears relaxed rather than formal. That can be a plus if you want an easygoing day with jokes, local recommendations, and help at each stop. Miguel is also noted for recommending places to visit in Valencia, while the guide may offer discounts at selected restaurants and nightclubs in the city.

Do not book this expecting a specialist geology lecture or a tightly scripted historical tour. The main value of the guide is practical help, company, local information, and keeping the day organized. A few jokes may be repeated, but that is a small tradeoff for a friendly atmosphere.

The tour operates in English and Spanish. Since guide assignments can vary, you should not assume that Maties or Miguel will lead every departure, but those are the guides connected with the strongest praise.

Transport, timing, and comfort

The meeting point is Gate A3 at Mestalla Stadium on Av. d’Aragó, 31. The tour returns to the same place. That is convenient if you are staying in Valencia and do not want to navigate a rural bus network or arrange a car.

The van rides are manageable but not trivial. The first drive takes about 50 minutes, the connection to Montanejos about 50 minutes, and the return about 70 minutes. Comfort breaks are provided along the way, which helps on a full-day outing.

The exact starting time depends on availability, so check the departure details before booking. You should arrive ready for an active day, with your swimming gear easy to reach rather than buried under everything else.

Because food and drinks cannot be taken into the vehicle, organize your bag before departure. Keep valuables and wet items separate, and use a waterproof pouch once you reach the water.

Who will enjoy this tour most

I would recommend this outing to anyone staying in Valencia who wants a simple route into the countryside without renting a car. It suits couples, friends, and solo visitors who like scenery, light walking, and a swim in a natural setting.

It is also a good choice if you want variety. Salto de la Novia gives you a waterfall visit, the lookout adds a short walk and photographs, and Montanejos provides the longest stop with time to relax.

You should think twice if your idea of a hot spring is a very warm bath. At 25°C, Montanejos may feel cold in winter or on a cloudy day. The water can also feel colder in the shade of the gorge. Warm-weather departures are likely to be the easiest fit for swimmers who dislike chilly water, although the tour runs year-round.

This is not the right choice for anyone needing wheelchair access or someone carrying large luggage. It is also less suitable if you want a quiet, private day with no fixed schedule. You are traveling with a group and following the guide’s timing.

Is $67 good value?

For $67, I think the package offers solid value if you want convenience. Return van transport from Valencia is the biggest benefit. The price also covers both waterfall and hot spring admissions, plus a guide in English or Spanish.

You still pay for lunch and drinks, and you should budget for those before departure. The tour is not a luxury outing, and the natural swimming area should not be confused with a full-service spa. Its value comes from putting several rural sights into one day without requiring you to drive.

The value improves if you care about the guide’s help and the photo service. It falls if you would only like a short swim or if you are comfortable organizing your own transport and food.

Booking advice and cancellation flexibility

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option also helps if your Valencia plans are still shifting.

Check availability for the exact starting time and make sure the day fits your schedule. This is an eight-hour commitment, so avoid placing it beside another major activity that requires you to be back at a precise time.

Should you book the Montanejos tour?

Book it if you want a full countryside day from Valencia, enjoy waterfalls and light walking, and are happy with a refreshing swim rather than a truly hot soak. The combination of Navajas, Tio Juan waterfall, the lookout, and three hours at Montanejos gives the day good variety.

Skip it if cold water ruins the idea for you, if you need wheelchair access, or if you want a private and slow-paced visit. For most active visitors, the $67 price is reasonable, especially because transport and admissions are handled for you. Pack lunch, sturdy shoes, and realistic expectations about the water, then let the scenery do the work.

FAQ

How long does the Valencia to Montanejos tour last?

The activity lasts about eight hours, including transport, guided stops, walking, and swimming time.

Where does the tour start and finish?

It starts and ends at Gate A3 of Mestalla Stadium, at Av. d’Aragó, 31, Valencia.

What languages are available?

The live guide service is available in English and Spanish.

Is the Montanejos water really hot?

The water is about 25°C all year. It may feel refreshing in warm weather and cold outside summer, especially in shaded areas.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, so bring your own provisions for the day. Food and drinks are not allowed inside the vehicle.

What should I bring for the swimming stop?

Bring swimwear, a towel, water shoes, comfortable walking shoes, water, food, a daypack, and a waterproof phone case or bag.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users, and electric wheelchairs are not accepted.

Can I cancel the booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.