Valencia: Montanejos Thermal Spring & Girlfriend Waterfall

Montanejos offers a fine escape from Valencia’s city heat: two swimming stops, mountain scenery, and a full day outside rather than another day among museums and traffic. The water at the thermal springs stays around 25°C, or 77°F, all year, while Girlfriend Waterfall gives you a colder, more playful swim.

I like the small-group feel and the guides’ personal touch. Ivan, Miguel, Serena, Borja, and others are praised for sharing local history, helping with photographs, keeping everyone supplied with water, and making the long drive feel easy. I also like the mix of relaxation and activity: you can swim, walk, use a snorkel, or simply sit by the river.

The main thing to understand is that these are warm springs, not hot tubs. In cooler months, and sometimes even in summer, the river water may feel chilly once you move away from the warmer surface. The itinerary can also vary, so check the exact order of the waterfall, springs, and any optional activity before you go.

Key points to know before booking

• 25°C thermal water: Pleasant for swimming, but not a piping-hot spa experience.
• Girlfriend Waterfall: A separate stop with a colder swim and attractive mountain surroundings.
• Guides make the day: Ivan, Miguel, Serena, Borja, and other local guides add history, humor, and practical help.
• Small-group transport: The air-conditioned minibus or van keeps the outing more personal than a large coach tour.
• Bring water shoes: The river areas are rocky, and proper footwear makes getting in and out much easier.
• Eight hours from Valencia: You get a full day outside, but about three hours of the schedule involve road travel.

Leaving Valencia for Montanejos

The day begins at a central Valencia meeting point, with one listed option at Av. d’Aragó, 31, outside The Little Corner Café. Hotel pickup is not included, so you need to reach the meeting point yourself. The exact meeting place can depend on the option you book.

Transport is by air-conditioned bus, van, or minibus. The ride is part of the experience because the route leaves the city and heads into the mountains, but it is still road time. The schedule lists roughly 45 minutes to the first stop, another 45 minutes between the main sites, and about 75 minutes on the return journey.

That is a fair trade for reaching places that are not practical by ordinary city transport. A small vehicle also makes it easier for the guide to speak with the group and keep an eye on everyone. Several guides have been praised for sharing stories about Spanish culture, the countryside, the Civil War, and local landmarks while driving.

If you suffer from motion sickness, ask for a front seat as soon as possible. One person was allowed to sit near the front for this reason, and the smaller vehicle gives the guide more flexibility than a large coach. People with hearing loss may prefer a seat closer to the guide, since conversation can be harder to follow from the back.

Girlfriend Waterfall and the first swim

The stop known as Salto de la Novia, or Girlfriend Waterfall, is separate from Montanejos. It is not simply another corner of the thermal pool area, which explains the road transfer between the two.

Expect a photo stop, time to look around, and roughly an hour and a half for swimming and enjoying the site. The waterfall is especially appealing if you want a more active start to the day. The water here is colder than at the springs, but that is part of the fun on a hot Valencian day.

You may find a natural pool below the falls, with room to swim and explore at your own pace. One guide encouraged people to try the slide at the waterfall, and snorkel masks and water toys may be available. Life jackets and noodles are also listed among the equipment, with children’s water toys included.

This stop is less about soaking quietly and more about the setting and the refreshing water. Bring a towel and secure your phone before getting near the pool. Guides have helped take photographs with guests’ own cameras, a useful service when you want a picture without risking your phone.

The name can cause some confusion, since English descriptions alternate between Girlfriend Waterfall and Girlfriends Waterfall. It refers to Salto de la Novia, the waterfall stop included in this day out.

What the Montanejos springs are really like

Montanejos is the gentler part of the day. The swimming area sits beside the river, surrounded by rock, trees, and steep mountain scenery. The setting has a tropical feel in places, which explains comparisons to Thailand, but this is still a natural river environment rather than a polished spa complex.

The listed water temperature is 25°C, or 77°F, throughout the year. That sounds warm, and it is comfortable for many people once you are in. It is not hot in the way a thermal bath or jacuzzi is hot.

This distinction matters most in winter. Cooler mountain water mixes with the spring water, and the main swimming area can feel noticeably colder than expected. A small retaining pool may feel warmer, while the larger swimming section can be crisp. Some people enjoy that refreshing quality; others will want only a short swim.

In summer, the water can feel just right after the waterfall or a walk. In spring and autumn, bring a warm layer for after swimming. The site has changing facilities, bathrooms, and a concession stand, according to the supplied details, so you are not entirely without practical support.

The tour usually allows about two hours at Montanejos, including a guided look around, walking, photographs, and swimming. That is enough time to enjoy the river without turning the day into a rushed checklist. You can spend less time in the water and more time beside it if you prefer.

The mineral content is often presented as a benefit for skin and general well-being, but treat the water as a pleasant natural swim rather than a medical treatment. One person enjoyed drinking the water, but you should follow local guidance and use ordinary bottled water if you are unsure.

Walking, history, and the unexpected stop

The excursion is not only a swim-and-return outing. There can be a short walk around the natural area, with the guide pointing out local features and explaining the region. Some departures have included a stop connected with Spanish Civil War trenches, adding a human story to the mountain setting.

The walking element seems modest rather than a serious hike. That suits most people who want a relaxed day, but it may disappoint you if you are booking mainly for a demanding mountain trek. In hot weather, the schedule may be adjusted to allow more swimming and less walking.

There is also a promised surprise, though the supplied details do not identify it clearly. That is best treated as a bonus, not the main reason to book. The reliable parts of the day are the waterfall, the springs, the guide commentary, and the outdoor time.

Lunch, water, and what you actually receive

Food is the least clear part of the arrangement. The formal details say food is not included, yet several people received a sandwich and drink, with some describing the lunch as fresh and tasty. Other parts of the day may include an ice cream or a stop for refreshments.

Because the information conflicts, ask the operator what your exact booking includes. If you have dietary needs, tell the company in advance. One person received a gluten-free lunch, but you should not assume every special diet can be handled without prior notice.

Bring snacks unless you are told clearly that lunch is included. Food is not allowed in the vehicle, and drinks are also listed as prohibited inside the vehicle, so use meal stops and outdoor breaks for eating. Cold water has often been available from the guides, but carrying your own refillable bottle is still sensible.

The value here is not just the transportation. At $57 per person, the price covers a full eight-hour outing, transport from Valencia, tickets, a local guide, accident insurance, taxes, and activity equipment such as noodles, life jackets, snorkel masks, and children’s water toys. If you paid separately for a rental vehicle, fuel, parking, and access arrangements, the cost could add up quickly.

The value is strongest if you want to swim and do not want to organize the mountain logistics yourself. It is less compelling if you only want a quick look at the waterfall or if you dislike spending several hours in a vehicle.

Optional hiking, rafting, and kayaking

At booking, you may have the option to choose hiking, rafting, or kayaking instead of the Girlfriend Waterfall stop. This is important: the alternative activity replaces the waterfall rather than adding another stop to an already full day.

Choose based on the kind of day you want. The waterfall option gives you two different swimming settings and a more relaxed pace. Rafting or kayaking should appeal more if you want structured activity on the water, while hiking suits you if walking matters more than swimming.

The supplied information does not give exact difficulty levels, equipment details, or seasonal conditions for each alternative. Read the option description carefully before paying, especially if you are booking for children or anyone with limited mobility.

Guides who shape the experience

The guide can make or break a day with this much driving, and this company has a strong record of warm, energetic hosts. Ivan is repeatedly singled out for local history, Spanish culture, jokes, safety checks, and keeping the group together. Miguel is known for a lively personality and for helping people feel included, while Serena, Borja, Kika, Paula, and other guides have also led highly praised departures.

That does not mean every guide will use the same route or tell the same stories. It does mean you can expect a live guide in English or Spanish, rather than a silent transfer service.

The personal touches matter. Guides have supplied cold water, helped with water shoes, arranged photographs, offered front seats, provided snorkels, and adjusted the walking time during extreme heat. These small choices make a wet and active day easier for mixed groups.

The group size is described as intimate, though the exact maximum is not provided. Some departures have had only a few people, while others had enough people to create a social atmosphere. You can expect a more personal setting than on a large sightseeing bus, but not a private tour by default.

Who should book this day trip?

This outing suits you if you want:

• A full day in nature without renting a car
• Swimming in both a waterfall pool and a spring-fed river
• A relaxed mix of walking, local stories, and free time
• A family outing with water equipment available
• A small-group experience with English or Spanish guidance
• A break from Valencia’s streets and museums

It is especially good for couples, friends, families with older children, and anyone who likes scenery more than formal sightseeing. Teenagers and young adults should enjoy the waterfall, snorkels, slide, and optional activity choices.

Think twice if you need step-free access. The experience is not suitable for wheelchair users or babies under one year old. Rocky river edges, swimming, changing facilities, and outdoor walking also make it a poor match for anyone who wants a fully accessible or completely passive day.

You should also be realistic about the water. Calling Montanejos a hot spring can suggest spa-level heat, but 25°C is mild. If you want steaming pools, this is not the right outing. If you like a refreshing river swim in a striking mountain setting, it fits much better.

Pack comfortable shoes, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and comfortable clothes. Water shoes are particularly useful because the river entry can be rocky. Leave alcohol, fireworks, explosives, drugs, and food and drinks for the vehicle at home, and pets are not allowed.

Should you book the Montanejos tour?

I would book this at $57 if you want a well-organized escape from Valencia with two distinct water stops and a guide who adds more than directions. The strongest reasons are the comfortable transport, the equipment support, the relaxed timing, and the steady stream of practical help from guides such as Ivan and Miguel.

I would not book it expecting a hot spa, a strenuous hike, or a guaranteed restaurant-style lunch. Confirm the food arrangement, check whether your chosen option replaces the waterfall, and prepare for cool water in the larger swimming areas.

For a first visit to the Valencian countryside, this is a good-value day. You get mountain scenery, local stories, a waterfall, a spring-fed river, and enough free time to enjoy the places rather than merely photograph them.

FAQ

How warm is the Montanejos thermal spring?

The swimming area is listed at 25°C, or 77°F, all year. It is warm enough for a comfortable swim for many people, but it is not a hot spa pool. The larger river area may feel cooler because mountain water mixes with the spring water.

Is Girlfriend Waterfall close to the thermal springs?

No. Girlfriend Waterfall, also called Salto de la Novia, is a separate stop. Transport is provided between the waterfall and Montanejos.

How long is the excursion?

The activity lasts about eight hours, including transport from Valencia, time at the waterfall, time at the thermal springs, lunch or a break, and the return journey.

What languages do the guides speak?

Live guiding is available in English and Spanish. Guides named in the supplied information include Ivan, Miguel, Serena, Borja, Kika, Paula, and others.

Is food included?

The formal details say food is not included, although some departures have provided a sandwich and drink. Confirm the current arrangement for your booking and bring suitable snacks if needed.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and comfortable clothes. Water shoes are strongly useful because the swimming areas can be rocky.