Valencia: Montanejos Thermal Spring & Girlfriend Waterfall

The best thing about this day is the contrast: you leave Valencia’s streets behind and spend the day moving between a waterfall, a river pool, and the mineral springs of Montanejos. The water is not truly hot, but at about 25°C year-round, it is pleasant for swimming, especially after time in the open air.

I like the small-group feel and the guides’ personal touch. Ivan, Miguel, Serena, Borja, Kika, and Francesca are among the guides praised for lively local stories, careful safety checks, and help with everything from water shoes to gluten-free lunches. I also like the mix of swimming, short walks, history, and mountain scenery.

The main thing to understand is that Montanejos is a warm spring, not a steaming spa. In cooler weather, the river water can feel brisk, and even in summer the waterfall pool may be chilly. Bring a towel, swimwear, sunscreen, and water shoes if you have them.

Key points to know before you book

• 25°C water at Montanejos: Pleasant and refreshing, but not the hot-bath experience some people expect.
• Two very different swims: Salto de la Novia offers a waterfall setting, while Montanejos has broad natural pools and mineral water.
• Strong local guiding: Ivan and Miguel are often singled out for history, humor, safety, and keeping the group together.
• Comfortable transport from Valencia: Air-conditioned buses or vans cover the longer road sections, including the roughly 75-minute return journey.
• Lunch is simple and practical: Food is not generally included as a standard feature, though several outings have included a sandwich and drink.
• Good for active families and couples: The day suits swimmers and nature lovers, but it is not suitable for wheelchair users or babies under one.

Leaving Valencia for the mountains

The day begins at one of the stated meeting points, including Av. d’Aragó, 31, near The Little Corner Café. Hotel pickup is not included, so you need to reach the meeting point yourself. Confirm the exact location and start time when booking because the meeting point can vary with the option selected.

From Valencia, the ride takes you into the Valencian countryside. The drive is part of the experience, not just dead time. Guides have filled it with stories about local culture, the Spanish Civil War, regional economy, and points of interest along the road. Ivan is particularly good at turning the drive into an informal introduction to the area.

Transport is by air-conditioned bus or van. The vehicles are described as clean and comfortable, though the back of a van can be warmer than the front. If you are sensitive to motion, tell the guide early. Miguel has helped passengers prone to car sickness sit near the front.

The group size is intended to feel personal rather than anonymous. That matters here because the day includes swimming and uneven ground. A guide who knows who is in the water, who needs help, and who has forgotten equipment adds real value.

Salto de la Novia and the first swim

The listed itinerary places Salto de la Novia, also called Girlfriend Waterfall, about 45 minutes from Valencia. You have roughly an hour and a half here for photographs, a walk around the area, and swimming.

The waterfall is the more dramatic stop at first glance. Water drops through a rocky setting, with trees and mountain views around it. You can swim below the falls, but expect the water to feel cool. In warm weather, that cold shock can be welcome. The natural slide is another playful feature, though you should follow the guide’s instructions and use sensible care around wet rock.

This stop works well because you are not hurried through a five-minute photo break. There is time to change, swim, take pictures, and enjoy the setting. Guides have also taken group photos with guests’ own cameras, a small service that is useful when everyone wants a picture together.

Do not confuse this waterfall with the Montanejos springs. They are separate places, and transport is provided between them. The day is built around that contrast: a cooler waterfall swim first, followed by a more relaxed stay beside the warm spring pools.

Montanejos thermal springs at 25°C

The main stop is Aigües Termals de Montanejos, reached after another road section of about 45 minutes. You get around two hours for a guided visit, swimming, and a short walk or hike around the area.

Montanejos is known for clear natural water, rocky banks, and mountain scenery that can look surprisingly tropical in bright weather. The swimming area stays at about 25°C, or 77°F, throughout the year. That temperature is comfortable for floating and swimming, but the word thermal can set the wrong expectation. This is not a hot pool where you sit in steaming water on a cold day.

The water can also feel different from one part of the pool to another. Mountain runoff mixes with the spring water, so some areas may be cooler. One small retaining pool can feel warmer, while the larger swimming area may be crisp, particularly in winter. If you want a long soak, summer is the safer choice. In spring, autumn, or winter, plan on a refreshing swim rather than a spa treatment.

The spring water contains minerals, and the excursion presents it as beneficial for the skin, stomach, and kidneys. I would treat that as part of the local appeal, not a medical promise. The real benefit is simple: you get a pleasant swim in a striking natural setting, away from the city.

There are changing facilities and bathrooms at the spring area, plus a concession stand. Water shoes are useful because the bottom and edges can be rocky. One guide even supplied a pair when a passenger forgot theirs, but you should not count on that. Pack your own if your feet are sensitive.

Snorkel masks, noodles, life jackets, and water toys for children may be available through the tour. These extras make the spring stop easier for mixed-age groups, especially if some people prefer floating to swimming. You should still bring your own towel and swimwear.

The short hike and the surprise

The Montanejos stop includes a guided walk or hike, though the exact amount can change with the weather and group. In very hot conditions, guides have reduced hiking and allowed more swimming. That is a sensible adjustment, especially when the main reason for coming is the water.

The walk adds context to the area. You may hear stories about local history and the mountains, and some departures have included a stop at Spanish Civil War trenches. That historical detail gives the day more substance than a simple pool outing. Still, do not book this as a serious hiking tour. The emphasis is on an easy outdoor day with some walking, not a demanding route.

The mention of a surprise refers to an extra stop or detail built into some departures. One group visited unusual places and local shops, while another saw the Civil War trenches. Because the exact surprise is not guaranteed in the fixed details, keep expectations flexible. The value is in allowing the guide to add local color rather than following a rigid sightseeing script.

Food, drinks, and the practical rhythm of the day

Food is listed as not included, so you should clarify the arrangement for your departure. Several outings have included a sandwich and drink, and one guide made sure a gluten-free lunch was available. Other groups bought provisions at local shops or stopped for refreshments and ice cream.

That inconsistency matters. At $57 per person, the tour can be good value if your departure includes transport, guide service, equipment, and lunch. If food is not included, you need to budget for it separately. Ask before you go if you have allergies, dietary restrictions, or a strong preference for a proper meal.

The schedule allows about 30 minutes for lunch at Montanejos. That is enough for a simple sandwich and drink, but not for a long restaurant meal. The short lunch keeps the day moving and leaves more time for the water.

Guides have also kept cold drinking water available during hot days. Bring your own reusable bottle if possible. Staying hydrated is especially important when you are swimming, walking, and sitting in the sun.

After the final stop, the return to Valencia takes about 75 minutes. This is the longest single transport section, but the air-conditioning and relaxed pace help. Expect to return to one of the stated drop-off points, including Av. d’Aragó, 31.

Why the guides make a difference

The strongest part of this experience is the guide service. The best guides do more than drive. They explain what you are seeing, watch the group near the water, offer practical help, and keep the mood easy.

Ivan is frequently praised for his Spanish history stories, local facts, humor, and attention to the group. Miguel has been especially good at making small groups feel comfortable, including a departure with only two passengers. Borja has helped with photographs, local stops, and practical arrangements. Serena, Francesca, Kika, Paula, Alexandra, and others have also been described as warm and attentive.

The guide can change the feel of the whole day. A strong one tells you when the rocks are slippery, points out the best place to swim, checks that nobody is left behind, and adjusts the walking time when the heat becomes too much. For families, couples, and solo visitors, that personal care is a major reason to choose an organized trip instead of arranging the route alone.

English and Spanish are offered. If you have hearing loss, sit near the guide or ask to receive key instructions directly. One passenger found it difficult to hear from the back of the vehicle, so this is worth handling early.

Is $57 good value?

At $57, the tour offers a practical way to reach places that are difficult to combine without a car. The price covers private transport from Valencia, air-conditioning, a professional local guide, accident insurance, taxes, tickets, and safety support. Water equipment may also be provided.

The value is strongest if you want several elements in one day: two swimming locations, transport, local explanation, and help with changing plans. Renting a car would give you more freedom, but you would take on driving mountain roads, parking, route planning, and organizing the stops yourself.

The price is less attractive if you only want a hot spa. Montanejos is warm rather than hot, and the waterfall water can be cold. It is also not the right choice if you want a serious hike, a full restaurant lunch, or a quiet wellness retreat with no group schedule.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and reserve-now, pay-later booking make the commitment easier. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, and babies under one are not accepted.

What to pack for a better day

Pack lightly, but pack for both swimming and walking. Your essentials are:

• Swimwear and a towel
• Comfortable shoes with a firm sole
• Water shoes if you have them
• Sunscreen and comfortable clothes
• A dry change of clothes
• A reusable water bottle
• Food or money for food if lunch is not confirmed

Leave alcohol and loose drinks out of the vehicle. Smoking, food, alcohol, drugs, fireworks, and explosive substances are not allowed in the bus or van. Pets are also not permitted.

A waterproof phone pouch is sensible around the falls and springs, though it is not listed as supplied. Keep your valuables limited. You will be changing clothes and spending time in the water.

Who should book this day trip?

I would choose this tour if you want an easy escape from Valencia and like a full day with variety. Couples get a scenic outing, families get swimming and water toys, and solo visitors get the social ease of a small guided group.

It is also a good fit if you care about local stories. The guides add history and regional detail that you would miss by simply finding the pools on a map. The trip is not only about getting wet, although swimming is clearly the main attraction.

I would think twice if you dislike group schedules, struggle with uneven rocky ground, or expect truly hot water. The thermal pool is warm enough to enjoy, but it is not a traditional hot spring bath. The waterfall swim can be cold, and the amount of walking may change with the weather.

Should you book Montanejos and Girlfriend Waterfall?

Yes, if your ideal Valencia day includes mountain scenery, two very different swims, a friendly guide, and a little local history. The $57 price is fair for the transport and personal help, especially when the group is small and equipment or lunch is included.

Book with realistic expectations. You are getting a warm natural pool, not a steaming spa; a scenic waterfall, not a polished attraction; and a relaxed outdoor day, not an intense trek. Bring water shoes, confirm the lunch arrangement, and ask about the exact meeting point. With those details settled, this is one of the more rewarding ways to trade Valencia’s city streets for fresh air and clear mountain water.

FAQ

How long does the Montanejos day trip last?

The experience lasts about eight hours, including transport from Valencia, the two main stops, lunch time, and the return journey.

Where does the tour meet in Valencia?

One stated meeting point is Av. d’Aragó, 31, near The Little Corner Café. The exact meeting point may vary depending on the option booked.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup is not included, so you need to make your own way to the confirmed meeting point.

How warm is the Montanejos thermal water?

The water in the swimming area is about 25°C, or 77°F, throughout the year. It is warm enough for swimming but is not a hot, steaming spa pool.

Is Girlfriend Waterfall the same place as the thermal springs?

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

Can I swim at both stops?

Yes. The itinerary includes swimming at Salto de la Novia and at the Montanejos thermal springs. The waterfall water may feel cooler than the spring water.

Is lunch included?

Food is listed as not included. Some departures have provided a sandwich and drink, while others have used local shops or refreshment stops, so confirm the arrangement before departure.

What languages does the guide speak?

Guided service is available in English and Spanish.

Is the tour suitable for children?

The tour is suitable for all ages according to the provided information, and noodles, life jackets, snorkel masks, and water toys for children may be available. Babies under one are not accepted.

Can wheelchair users join the excursion?

No. The experience is not suitable for wheelchair users because of the outdoor settings, swimming areas, and uneven ground.