Valencia: Waterfalls and Thermal Springs Tour with Swimming

The best part of this day is the change of scene. In about 45 minutes, Valencia’s city streets give way to mountain roads, a 60-meter waterfall, clear thermal water, and the rocky Mijares River gorge. The main event is swimming in Montanejos’ Blue Lagoon, said to stay around 25°C all year.

I like two things here. First, you get four distinct stops without a long hike between them. Second, the guides make the day social and easy, taking photos, lending water shoes, and helping nervous swimmers. The possible drawback is simple: lunch is extra, and the water may feel cooler than expected despite its advertised 25°C temperature.

Key points at a glance

• Four natural stops in one day: Visit Bridal Veil waterfall, the Blue Lagoon, the Mijares River canyons, and Montanejos dam.
• A practical swimming setup: Water shoes, changing facilities, bathrooms, and a secure place for belongings are provided at the Nomad Soul Retreat.
• Good for mixed fitness levels: The vehicle parks close to each stop, though the route to the swimming area can include a short hill.
• Small-group atmosphere: Guides including Mike, Anna, Siobhan, Morgane, Thomas, and Sofia are praised for friendly help and group interaction.
• Photos are included: The team takes pictures and videos, useful when you do not want to carry a phone into the water.
• A full eight-hour outing: Depart from Valencia’s Estació del Nord at 9:30 AM and return around 5:30 PM.

From Valencia’s Estació del Nord to the mountains

Your day begins in front of the main entrance of Valencia’s Estació del Nord on Calle Xàtiva. Look for the large clock on the station tower. Construction may alter the exact pickup spot, so meeting just outside the gated area is the practical plan.

The first drive lasts about 45 minutes. You ride in a new, air-conditioned minibus, a useful feature in Valencia’s hot months and a much friendlier setup than a large coach. The group size is generally small, often around a dozen people, which makes it easier to ask questions and get to know the others.

Mike leads the experience, and the guide may also be Anna, Siobhan, Morgane, Thomas, or Sofia. English is available, with French and Spanish also offered. Dutch can be requested, though you should confirm language availability when booking.

The tone is informal rather than formal. Expect local stories, music, jokes, and help with the practical bits. This matters because the day includes swimming, changing clothes, scrambling over uneven ground in places, and getting people comfortable around water. The strongest part of the guiding is the personal attention, especially for solo visitors or anyone unsure about swimming.

Bridal Veil waterfall and the first taste of wild scenery

The first major stop is Bridal Veil, a 60-meter waterfall reached after the initial drive. It is a striking opening to the day because you hear and feel the water before you fully take in the height of the drop.

You can admire the falls from nearby and, conditions permitting, stand under the spray. The waterfall is not just a quick photo stop. There is time for sightseeing, wildlife watching, and enjoying the mountain setting. Mountain goats may appear along the ridges, adding a genuinely wild note to the visit.

This is also where sensible footwear starts to matter. The tour supplies water shoes, but bring comfortable shoes as well. Paths are described as manageable, yet the area is still outdoors, with wet surfaces and natural ground rather than polished walkways.

Do not expect a demanding trek. The vehicle parks close to the points of interest, and the walking is limited. Still, minimal walking does not mean every step is flat. One account describes a short hill on the way to the swimming stops, so anyone with knee or mobility concerns should move at their own pace and tell the guide early.

The Blue Lagoon: the day’s main event

After the waterfall, the minibus continues toward Montanejos and the Blue Lagoon. The listed water temperature is about 25°C year-round, making swimming possible well beyond the hottest part of summer.

The pool sits among cliffs and clear water, with the Mijares River area providing the setting. You can swim, wade, take photos, and spend time looking up at the rock walls. The water is the reason most people book this trip, but the surrounding scenery gives the swim its appeal.

A practical warning: 25°C is comfortable for many swimmers, but it is not bathwater. If the air is cool, cloudy, or windy, you may find the water brisk when you first enter. Bring a towel, and do not assume you will want to stay in for hours.

The tour team helps make the swim less awkward. Water shoes are included, and the guide can assist people who are not confident in the water. One guide, Thomas, has been praised for having equipment that helped less confident swimmers feel at ease. That does not turn the activity into a swimming lesson, so you should still be honest about your ability.

There is time for fun, including the possibility of a jump into the water where the guide considers it suitable. Do not feel pressured to take part. You can enjoy the pool, the cliffs, and the company without doing anything that makes you uncomfortable.

Nomad Soul Retreat: useful comforts by the springs

A short distance from the Blue Lagoon is Mike’s Nomad Soul Retreat, set among olive trees. This is one of the tour’s practical advantages. You have access to changing rooms, clean bathrooms, a place to leave belongings safely, and a spot to sit in the sun.

Those details may sound minor, but they make a big difference on a swimming day. Without them, you would be changing behind a towel, carrying wet clothes around, and worrying about your phone while in the water. The retreat gives the group a base between swimming and lunch.

It is not presented as a grand resort, and you should not expect luxury facilities. Think of it as a private, comfortable stop that keeps the day organized. You can dry off, change, use the bathroom, and settle down before the next part of the outing.

The guides also take photos and videos during the day. This is especially handy at the lagoon, where you may not want to risk a phone or camera. The photos are part of the experience, not a paid add-on sold at the end.

Lunch in Montanejos, with the bill separate

Lunch is not included in the $101 price. The guide points you toward budget-friendly food at the Blue Lagoon snack bar or in Montanejos town, and the group may eat together at a local restaurant.

That arrangement gives you some choice. Bring your own food if you prefer to control the cost, or buy something locally and use lunch as another chance to sit with the group. One recommended village stop has been praised for reasonably priced, authentic local food, but the exact restaurant can vary.

I would budget for lunch and drinks before booking. The tour price covers transport, guiding, entry fees, and water shoes, but not food. That keeps the base cost clear, though the final spend will be higher than $101 once lunch is added.

Lunch also breaks up the active part of the day. After swimming and walking around the waterfall, you will appreciate a slower meal before the afternoon viewpoints.

Mijares River canyons and the Montanejos dam

After lunch, the route moves to a lookout over the Mijares River canyons. This is a short photo stop, around 15 minutes, but it gives you a different view of the area. Instead of looking at water from pool level, you see the river cutting through steep rock formations.

Your guide takes group photos and can point out the best angles. The stop is brief, so have your camera ready when you leave the minibus. You will not need to plan a long walk to reach the viewpoint.

The final major sight is Montanejos dam and its reservoir. Here, the mood changes again. The waterfall is all motion and spray, the lagoon is for swimming, and the dam shows the scale of human engineering beside the mountain setting.

You can take photos, look over the reservoir, and hear about how the structure fits into the area. The dam is not a separate adventure activity, but it rounds out the day well. You see four different sides of Montanejos rather than spending the entire outing at one swimming hole.

The itinerary allows roughly 30 minutes around Montanejos for sightseeing and walking. That is enough for a proper look, but not enough for an unhurried village exploration. If you want a slow afternoon in town, this is not the right format. The appeal here is variety and efficient access to several sights.

What the $101 price really covers

At $101 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend a day outside Valencia. The value comes from reaching Montanejos without renting a car, arranging public transport, finding the swimming area, and organizing four stops yourself.

Public transport to Montanejos can be difficult, especially if you want to combine the waterfall, thermal springs, canyon viewpoint, and dam in one day. A rental car would give you more freedom, but you would need to drive mountain roads, plan parking, and manage the group schedule.

The tour includes air-conditioned transport, a live guide, entry fees, water shoes, and photos. The reserved base at the Nomad Soul Retreat adds comfort that a standard day trip may not provide. Add lunch and drinks to your budget, but the included features explain why the price can make sense for visitors without a car.

The main value is not luxury. It is good coordination. You get picked up in central Valencia, transported between sites, helped with swimming logistics, and returned to the same station around 5:30 PM.

Who will enjoy this day most

I would recommend this experience to you if you want nature without committing to a serious hike. It suits couples, solo visitors, friend groups, and families with older children who are comfortable around water.

It is also a strong choice for a first solo trip. Guides such as Siobhan and Morgane have been praised for helping people connect with the group, taking photos, and keeping the mood relaxed. You can arrive alone and still have a social day without needing to organize anything yourself.

People with mobility concerns may also find the format manageable because the vehicle stops close to the sights. Tell the guide about your needs, and remember that the short hill and natural surfaces may still require care.

I would hesitate to recommend it if you want a quiet, independent day. The group moves on a schedule, and the friendly atmosphere includes conversation, shared meals, and group photos. It is also not ideal if your main goal is a long mountain walk, a full day at the lagoon, or a detailed visit to Montanejos town.

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, water, comfortable clothes, and shoes that can handle wet ground. The trip runs in rain or shine, with cancellations described as rare, so check the forecast but prepare for changing conditions.

Should you book the Montanejos waterfalls and springs tour?

Book it if you want to see several of Valencia’s best outdoor sights in one organized day, especially if you do not have a car. The Blue Lagoon swim, Bridal Veil waterfall, canyon views, and dam create a satisfying mix, while the small minibus and personal guiding keep the day from feeling like a rushed bus excursion.

The $101 cost is fair for the transport, entry fees, water shoes, photos, and on-site support, but remember to add lunch. If swimming is important to you, pack well and expect water that feels refreshing rather than hot.

For easy access to Montanejos with little walking and plenty of scenery, this is a strong choice. For solitude, a long hike, or complete control over your schedule, rent a car or plan an independent visit instead.

FAQ

Where does the tour meet in Valencia?

The meeting point is in front of the main entrance of Estació del Nord on Calle Xàtiva. Look for the large clock on the station tower. Due to construction, pickup may take place just outside the gated area.

What time does the tour start and finish?

The stated departure time is 9:30 AM, and the group is expected back at Estació del Nord around 5:30 PM. The total duration is about eight hours.

Is swimming included in the tour?

Yes. Swimming at Montanejos’ Blue Lagoon is a central part of the experience. The water is listed at about 25°C year-round.

Are water shoes provided?

Yes. Water shoes are included, along with transportation, guiding, entry tickets, and photos.

Is lunch included?

No. Food and drinks are not included. You can bring your own food or follow the guide’s suggestions for the snack bar or restaurants in Montanejos.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, drinking water, comfortable clothes, and comfortable shoes. A swimsuit is essential if you plan to use the thermal springs.

Is the tour suitable for people who do not want a strenuous hike?

Yes. The vehicle parks close to each stop, and the tour involves minimal walking. There may be a short hill and uneven outdoor paths, so comfortable footwear and a slower pace may be useful.