From Valencia: Montanejos Thermal Spring & Girlfriend Waterfall

Montanejos gives you something Valencia itself cannot: a day of mountain rivers, warm springs, and waterfalls without renting a car. You travel by private transport, swim in the 25°C Fuente de los Baños, then visit Salto de la Novia, also called Girlfriend Waterfall.

I like the mix of water time and scenery, and I like the guides’ personal touch. Ivan, Miguel, Kika, Manuel, and other team members are praised for making solo visitors and families feel included. The main caution is footwear: parts of the walk can be rocky or steeper than the word gentle suggests.

• Two very different swimming stops: The Montanejos spring is warm year-round, while Girlfriend Waterfall is a separate, non-thermal swimming spot.
• A social small-group outing: The vehicle holds no more than 24 people, with some departures much smaller.
• Strong guide service: Ivan, Miguel, Kika, Manuel, and Paola are noted for humor, care, local information, and help with photographs.
• Shoes matter: Bring closed-toe trainers for the walk and sturdy water shoes for slippery rocks and river entry.
• Lunch needs checking: Lunch is not listed as included, though food arrangements described on departures have included sandwiches, drinks, or a sit-down meal.
• Good value for a car-free day: At $107.68, you pay for transport, guiding, admission, insurance, and two natural attractions.

Why Montanejos Makes a Good Day Trip from Valencia

Valencia is rightly loved for its old streets, markets, modern architecture, and beach. Still, the city can leave you wanting a day outdoors. This excursion takes you inland to Montanejos, where the setting changes from urban Spain to rocky hills, river water, and wooded mountain routes.

The trip lasts about eight hours and begins at 9:00 a.m. at Av. de Suècia, near Mestalla Stadium. That meeting point is practical if you are staying in Valencia and can reach the stadium easily. Hotel pickup is not included, so you need to make your own way there.

You ride in an air-conditioned vehicle, a useful feature during Valencia’s hot months. The first drive takes about an hour and a half. That is long enough to make the transport worthwhile, but not so long that the day becomes mostly road time.

The group limit is 24 people. That is not a private tour, but it is far more manageable than a large coach excursion. Some departures have had only eight people, while others will be fuller. The guides make introductions and encourage conversation, which helps if you are traveling alone or want to meet people from different countries.

The Montanejos Thermal Springs at 25°C

The main event is Fuente de los Baños de Montanejos, a natural bathing area where the water remains about 25°C, or 77°F, throughout the year. It is not a steaming hot spring in the usual sense. Think pleasantly mild river water, with a temperature that can feel refreshing in summer and cool at the end of September.

You get about two hours here. That is enough time to swim, float, take photographs, and enjoy the cliffs and river around you rather than simply stop for a quick look. The setting is the real attraction. You are surrounded by rock, moving water, and mountain vegetation, not rows of deck chairs and beach vendors.

The spring area can be busy, especially on Sundays and during summer. That does not make it worthless, but you should not expect a private bathing pool. The benefit of joining a guided trip is that you do not need to work out the road, parking, or entry arrangements yourself.

Bring a waterproof phone pouch or bag. The water and rocks make ordinary phone handling awkward, and the setting is one you will want to photograph. Some guides also help keep an eye on belongings while the group swims, but you should still bring only what you need.

There are portable bathrooms for changing, according to details from the day. Water shoes are especially useful here because the river entry includes rocks. Chaco-style sandals have worked well for some people, but sturdy water shoes give you better footing. Avoid relying on flimsy flip-flops.

The Walk Before or Around the Springs

The excursion includes a short walk connected with the Montanejos area. It is described as easy by some people, but not everyone will find it effortless. Expect inclines, loose rock, and uneven ground rather than a flat stroll.

Closed-toe trainers are the safest choice. Crocs, open sandals, and casual beach shoes are poor companions for the route. If you have knee trouble or feel unsteady on rocky paths, consider bringing a walking stick or brace.

One interesting feature mentioned on the route is a set of Spanish Civil War trenches. This adds a small historical layer to a day that could otherwise be only about swimming. You may also hear about local plants and geography from the guide, and there is a chance of seeing mountain goats.

The walk is not a major mountain hike. If you want a serious one- or two-hour trek, this outing may feel too light. One part of the appeal is the balance: you get views and a little exercise, then plenty of time in the water. That makes it suitable for families and mixed groups with different energy levels.

Lunch Between the Two Water Stops

Lunch is scheduled for about 30 minutes in Montanejos. The published inclusions do not include lunch, so do not assume your $107.68 covers a meal.

The arrangements can differ by departure. Food described on outings has included a selection of sandwiches and a drink, while another day included a three-course meal at a hotel. There may also be a small open-air place where you can order food and drinks. Because the information is not fully consistent, I would confirm the lunch plan before departure and bring a snack if you tend to get hungry after swimming.

Thirty minutes is a short lunch break. That keeps the day moving toward the waterfall, but it does not leave much room for a leisurely restaurant meal. If you value a long Spanish lunch, this tour’s schedule may feel rushed. If you prefer to spend your time outdoors, the brief stop is a fair trade.

Cold bottled water has been provided on some departures. Even so, carry your own refillable bottle if possible. Swimming, walking, and warm weather can catch you out, especially when the vehicle is moving between stops.

Salto de la Novia, the Girlfriend Waterfall

After Montanejos, private transport takes you to Salto de la Novia, known in English as Girlfriend Waterfall. The transfer is followed by about an hour and a half at the waterfall area, with roughly an hour listed for the visit itself.

This is not the same place as the thermal spring. The waterfall water is not thermal, and it can feel notably colder. You can swim there in summer, but the experience is different from Montanejos. Here the attraction is the falling water, the rock setting, and the chance to stand or swim beneath the cascade when conditions allow.

The rocks can be slippery. Water shoes with a secure fit are a sensible choice, and you should move slowly near the water. Some people have felt that the time at the waterfall was short, particularly because it includes photographs, swimming, and moving around a rocky area. Others find the time sufficient for a refreshing dip and a few memorable pictures.

If you want the classic photograph under the falls, this is your chance. Guides such as Miguel and Ivan are known for helping with group pictures. That small service matters when you are traveling alone or with children and do not want to hand your phone to a stranger.

The waterfall stop also gives the day a useful change of pace. Montanejos is about a broad natural bathing area and warmish water. Salto de la Novia feels more focused and dramatic, with the falling water as the center of attention.

Guides Who Shape the Day

The guides are a major part of the experience. Ivan is praised for introducing people, keeping the mood warm, explaining the area, and helping families. Miguel is described as funny, careful behind the wheel, and good at making a mixed group feel like a temporary community. Kika is noted for friendly advice about Valencia, while Manuel is praised for information and group interaction.

The tone is social rather than formal. You can expect local explanations, jokes, practical help, and conversation in English. That suits people who want a day with company. It may be less appealing if you prefer to walk silently at your own pace or avoid group activities.

The team also pays attention to practical comfort. Water may be available in the vehicle, and guides can help with photos or watch belongings while you swim. Those details do not replace normal care with valuables, but they make the day easier.

The strongest praise is not only about the scenery. It is about feeling looked after, safe, and included. That is particularly useful for solo visitors, honeymooners, and families with children.

What $107.68 Includes, and What It Does Not

The price is $107.68 per person. That is not the cheapest way to reach a river near Valencia, but you are paying for more than a swim. The package includes an air-conditioned vehicle, a professional local guide, tickets, taxes, and insurance, including accident insurance.

You also avoid the work of arranging a car, finding the springs, driving mountain roads, and coordinating two separate natural sites. For a full day away from Valencia, that makes the cost reasonable, particularly if you are not comfortable driving in Spain.

The main extra cost is lunch. Since lunch is excluded from the stated package, budget for food and drinks. Group discounts may be available, which can improve the value for families or couples booking together.

The tour is also sold as a mobile-ticket experience and includes an express security check. The exact value of that feature is greater at busy sites, though the springs and waterfall are outdoor places rather than major museum attractions.

Who Will Enjoy This Trip Most

I would choose this outing if you want a simple route into the mountains, two chances to swim, and a guide who keeps the day lively. Families can manage it, provided children are comfortable around natural water and rocky paths. Solo visitors can benefit from the easy social atmosphere.

It is also a good fit for couples who want more than a beach day. The scenery changes throughout the outing, and the waterfall gives you a strong photo stop. People who enjoy casual outdoor activity will get more from it than someone seeking a full hiking day.

You may want another option if you dislike uneven ground, cannot swim, or want a quiet, private experience. The springs can be busy, the waterfall rocks are slippery, and the itinerary moves at group speed. The word thermal may also create the wrong expectation: the water is mild, not a hot spa bath.

Wear closed-toe trainers for the walk and sturdy water shoes for swimming. Pack a towel, swimsuit, sun protection, a waterproof phone case, and a small amount of cash or a card for lunch. Leave bulky valuables at your accommodation.

Booking, Meeting Point, and Weather Rules

The meeting point is Av. de Suècia, 27, in Valencia’s El Pla del Real district, close to Mestalla Stadium. The tour returns to the same meeting point after the drive back from Salto de la Novia.

Confirmation arrives at booking, and the activity is offered in English. Most people can participate, but you should take the walking conditions seriously if you have mobility concerns. The group size cannot exceed 24 people.

Free cancellation is available until 24 hours before the 9:00 a.m. start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not refunded. The outing depends on good weather, and if poor conditions force cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. The same applies if the minimum number of people is not reached.

Should You Book the Montanejos and Girlfriend Waterfall Tour?

Book it if you want a well-organized day outside Valencia with two distinct water stops, friendly English-speaking guides, and no need to drive. The $107.68 price is fair when you value transport, admission, insurance, and practical help from people who know the route.

I would not book it expecting a hot spa, a private swimming hole, or a demanding mountain hike. Bring proper shoes, clarify the lunch arrangement, and accept that popular summer sites may be busy. With those expectations, this is a lively and worthwhile way to trade the city for mountain water, rock, and fresh air.

FAQ

Where does the tour begin and end?

It begins at Av. de Suècia, 27, El Pla del Real, 46010 València, near Mestalla Stadium, at 9:00 a.m. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

How long does the experience last?

The tour lasts approximately eight hours, including transport from Valencia, time at the Montanejos springs, lunch, the Girlfriend Waterfall visit, and the return journey.

Is lunch included in the price?

Lunch is not included in the stated inclusions. Food arrangements described on departures have included sandwiches, drinks, or a sit-down meal, so confirm the plan before you go.

What is the water temperature at Montanejos?

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

Can you swim at both water stops?

You can swim at the Montanejos thermal springs. You can also swim at Girlfriend Waterfall in summer, but its water is not thermal.

What happens if the weather is poor?

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