Montanejos Hiking Tour & Thermal Pools from Valencia

The best part of this day trip is the change of scene. In about an hour or so, depending on traffic, Valencia’s city streets give way to pine forests, rocky cliffs, the Mijares River, and the dramatic canyons around Montanejos. After the hike, you can swim in the famous Fuentes de los Baños pools.

I like the planned transport and the chance to reach a rural corner of inland Valencia without sorting out buses or car hire. I also like the mix of activity and rest: guides such as Arturo, Alejandro, Nouha, and Nico bring energy to the walk, then you get free time beside the water. The main caution is that these are mineral pools at about 23°C, not hot springs. On a cool day, the water may feel distinctly chilly.

Key points to know before you book

• A full day outside Valencia: The excursion lasts about eight hours, including the coach journey.
• A scenic but real hike: Expect mountain paths, uphill sections, rocky ground, and a fairly brisk pace.
• A 23°C swimming stop: The water is refreshing rather than hot, despite the name thermal pools.
• A large-group outing: The coach can carry up to 53 people, so this is not a private or slow-paced walk.
• Bring your own supplies: Food and drinks are not included. Pack water, a hat, sunscreen, sturdy shoes, swimwear, and a towel.
• Two simple pickup points: Meet at Torres de Serranos or the Hola Trip office on Carrer de Ramon Llull.

Why Montanejos makes a good break from Valencia

Valencia is easy to enjoy for several days, but the city does not show you much of the region’s mountain country. Montanejos gives you that contrast in one outing. The route passes through Mediterranean vegetation, pine woods, cliffs, and river scenery that feels far removed from the coast and city.

The Mijares River is the star of the setting. Its turquoise water runs through a narrow valley shaped by steep rock walls, with the Arenoso Reservoir and the Sierra de Espadán Natural Park adding more distant views. You get several photo stops, and the guide may point out plants, birds, geological features, and local stories along the way.

This is not just a ride to a swimming hole. The walk helps you understand the place before you reach the water. You see how the river has cut through the rock, then finish at the spring that made Montanejos famous.

The tour is offered in English, which makes it useful if you want some explanation rather than only transport. Guides have different personalities, but the strongest part of the experience seems to come from their energy and personal touch. Arturo is often praised for his humor and care, while Alejandro, Nouha, Nico, Taoufik, Paco, Filip, and others have led groups along the route.

The four-hour Montanejos hike

The walking portion takes about four hours, though the exact route and pace can vary. You follow mountain paths above the river, through pine forest and past rocky outcrops. Some sections are gentle, but this is not a flat park stroll.

You should be ready for uphill stretches and uneven ground. Several people describe the walk as manageable, while others found the pace fast or the route challenging in hot weather. Your experience will depend on your fitness, the temperature, and how comfortable you are walking on mountain paths.

The payoff comes at the viewpoints. You can look down toward the turquoise Mijares River, across the canyon, and toward the reservoir and surrounding peaks. Seasonal conditions may add waterfalls, wildflowers, and birds riding the air above the cliffs.

The route can include more than the basic viewpoints. Guides have taken groups to a cave, a waterfall area, a water jet, and places where you can see mountain goats. Some excursions have also included a clear lake as an alternative swimming stop when the main pools were cloudy or conditions were less appealing.

That variety is part of the fun, but you should not assume every group will visit every feature. The exact route depends on the guide, weather, water levels, and the group itself.

A hike where group size matters

The maximum group size is 53 people, and that matters more here than it would on a city sightseeing tour. On a mountain path, a large group can stretch out, slow down at narrow points, or make it harder to hear explanations.

If you walk quickly, you may stay near the guide and hear more of the information about the area. If you prefer to stop often for photos, you may find the pace less relaxed. A few people have felt the walk was rushed, while others found it comfortably doable.

I would book this as an organized outdoor outing, not as a quiet guided trek. The guides work hard to keep things moving, and that helps the group complete the route within the day. The tradeoff is less freedom to wander or linger at each viewpoint.

You should also know that belongings cannot be left on the coach during the hike. Carry what you need in a small daypack, including water, sunscreen, a hat, snacks, and anything needed for swimming later.

What makes Fuentes de los Baños special

After the hike, you get free time at the Fuentes de los Baños de Montanejos. The pools sit along the river beneath cliffs and greenery, creating a striking place to rest after several hours on foot.

The water stays around 23°C throughout the year because of its mineral composition. That is mild by swimming-pool standards, but it is not hot. If you are expecting a steamy spa or a warm bath, you may be disappointed. In summer, the water feels refreshing. In autumn or on a cloudy day, it can feel cold when you first get in.

The name thermal refers to the spring’s mineral qualities and origin, not a high water temperature. Some areas may feel warmer than others, particularly farther into the canyon, but you should plan for a cool swim rather than a heated soak.

You can swim, float, sit on the rocks, or relax beside the river. You may also walk along the bank or have a picnic. Fish have been seen in the water, adding to the natural feel of the place.

There are washrooms at the pool area, which makes changing into swimwear easier. A café or snack bar may be available, but conditions can change. One visit found the café closed for refurbishment and no easy place to buy a drink, so bring enough water for the whole day.

The tour includes skip-the-line access to the Fuentes de los Baños. That saves you from arranging entry separately and is especially useful during busy periods. Still, the pool area can feel crowded, particularly in summer. The natural setting remains attractive, but do not expect a private swimming hole.

Is the $59.26 price good value?

At $59.26 per person, the price is fair if you want transport, a guide, the hike, and pool access in one package. The coach removes the biggest practical problem: reaching Montanejos from Valencia without a car.

You are also paying for a full day rather than a short transfer. The excursion includes a guided route of about four hours, time at the springs, round-trip air-conditioned transport, and entry access. If you value convenience, that combination is useful.

The price looks less appealing if you only want to swim. You may spend much of the day on the bus and hike before reaching the water, and food and drinks are not included. Someone seeking a spa-style experience may also feel the outing misses the mark because the pools are not hot.

The tour information also mentions rafting and kayaking options to Montanejos. Confirm the exact activity when booking, since the route and equipment needs will differ from the hiking version described here.

Transport, meeting points, and timing

You choose one of two pickup locations in Valencia:

• Torres de Serranos, at the bus stop in front of MYR Hotel
• Hola Trip office, Carrer de Ramon Llull 21, opposite the purple office

At Torres de Serranos, wait 10 minutes before the stated starting time. At the Hola Trip office, pickup is 10 minutes after the stated starting time. The guide arrives with the coach on the main road, so look for the person wearing a Hola Trip badge.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. The coach is air-conditioned, and some people have found the air conditioning very strong. I would carry a light hoodie even during warm weather.

The eight-hour duration includes the journey to and from Valencia. That makes this a substantial day, but the coach lets you rest between the city and the mountains. Confirmation is provided at booking, and the tour operates in English.

What to pack for the mountain and the river

Pack for two different activities. You need sensible clothing for a hike and a change of clothes for swimming.

Bring:

• Plenty of drinking water
• Food or substantial snacks
• Hiking shoes with a good grip
• Swimwear and a towel
• Sunscreen and a hat
• A light hoodie for the coach
• Toilet paper or tissues for the first bathroom stop
• A small bag for wet clothing

You should carry these items during the hike because you may not be able to return to the coach before the swimming stop. A small backpack is more practical than a shoulder bag.

Hot weather can make the walk much harder. The Chorro or water spray can offer some relief on certain routes, but do not rely on it as your only way to cool down. Drink steadily and take the hike seriously, even if the route is described as moderate.

Who will enjoy this outing most?

This trip suits you if you want a nature day with a clear plan and do not want to rent a car. It works well for people who enjoy a moderately active walk, scenic viewpoints, and a swim at the end.

It can also suit solo visitors. The shared coach and group format make it easy to meet other people, and the guides help keep the day social.

You may want a different option if you prefer a private guide, a slow walking pace, or a small group of serious hikers. The maximum capacity is 53 people, and the pace may not allow long photo stops.

The activity is not suitable for people under 14 or over 65, people with mobility impairments, or anyone who cannot manage a moderate physical effort. That restriction is important because the route includes uneven and uphill sections.

Practical booking advice and cancellation terms

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations made inside that period are not refunded, and late changes are not accepted.

The outing depends on suitable weather and a minimum number of participants. If poor weather or low enrollment causes cancellation, you are offered another date or experience, or a full refund.

I would check the forecast before booking, especially in the hottest part of summer. A clear, warm day makes the swimming stop pleasant, but intense heat can make the hike uncomfortable.

Should you book the Montanejos tour?

Book it if you want an easy way to reach inland Valencia, enjoy a guided mountain walk, and finish with a refreshing river swim. The scenery is the real reward, and the combination of coach transport, local guiding, and pool entry is convenient for the price.

Do not book it expecting a hot bath, a quiet private outing, or a gentle stroll with unlimited time for photos. Bring plenty of water, accept the possibility of a brisk group pace, and think of the springs as cool mineral swimming pools.

For an active day beyond Valencia, this is a solid choice. The best plan is to hike first, carry your own supplies, and treat the 23°C water as a refreshing finish rather than a spa soak.

FAQ

How long does the Montanejos tour take?

The experience 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, tour guide services, and skip-the-line access to the Fuentes de los Baños.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, so bring enough water and food for the hike and the full day.

Are the Montanejos pools hot?

No. The pools remain around 23°C. They are called thermal because of their mineral composition, but the water may feel cool, especially outside hot weather.

Where does pickup take place?

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

How early should I arrive at the pickup point?

At Torres de Serranos, arrive 10 minutes before the starting time. At the Hola Trip office, pickup is scheduled for 10 minutes after the stated starting time.

Is the hike physically difficult?

The tour requires moderate physical fitness. The route includes mountain paths, uphill sections, and uneven ground, and the pace may feel brisk.

Can children join the tour?

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

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Poor weather or failure to reach the minimum number of participants may also lead to a different date or a full refund.