Hiking in Montanejos and swim in Thermal Springs – OFFICIAL GUIDE

Hiking around Montanejos is interesting because you go from dry, rocky canyon paths to cool water time in a thermal area, all in one half day. You get real altitude effort paired with an easy reward at the end, without needing to plan anything complicated. It also runs from Valencia with air-conditioned transport, so you spend more time moving and less time figuring out logistics.

Two things I like a lot here: the route along the Maimona ravine rock walls and views, and the chance to soak in Fuente de los Baños after your walk. For balance, one consideration is that this is rated for moderate fitness, and one review noted it was still challenging even when the guide chose an easier option.

Key highlights you should care about

• Maimona ravine canyon walk along huge rock walls with big canyon views
• River time at Maimona, including a crossing plus a scenic break
• Guided pacing from a licensed guide, with repeat praise for Jan
• Pine forest descent into the Fuentes de los Baños area
• Thermal spring entrance included, plus optional bathing in the river Mijares for the bravest

Montanejos to thermal springs: what makes the day work

This is an 8 hour day that mixes two very different modes: a guided hike with climbs and descents, then thermal water time. That rhythm is what makes it good value. You earn your rest on foot, then you cash out with included entrance to Fuente de los Baños, plus time to go for a quick dip in the river Mijares if you want to push your comfort level.

The day starts outside Valencia, then you move into the Montanejos area where the canyon formed by the Maimona ravine sets the tone. You are not just walking on a flat trail. You’ll feel the effort in the ascent, and you’ll notice the change when you drop down to cross the river section. After that, the hike becomes a loop-like progression across both sides of the ravine, then down through trees to the springs area.

One practical benefit: because it’s a guided group activity with a licensed guide, you’re not making route calls or second-guessing where the best photo spots are. Reviews also point to a guide choice that can affect how hard the hike feels, so you get some flexibility inside a structured day.

Valencia pickup and the ride into Montanejos country

You meet at Pg. de l’Albereda, 30D in El Pla del Real (València) at 9:00 am. There’s pickup offered, and you travel by air-conditioned vehicle, which matters in this region when the day heats up.

If you prefer not to juggle local transit, this part is a win. I like tours like this because your day starts clean. You show up on time, you’re in the vehicle, and the driver and guide handle the back-and-forth.

Also, you are in English with a mobile ticket, so you are not scrambling with paper directions. And because it’s listed as private for your group only, you avoid the big crowd feeling that can happen with larger join-in tours. That usually means you can ask small questions about the route without feeling rushed.

The first climb: ascending the Maimona ravine rock walls

The hike begins with an ascent from Montanejos up to the top of the canyon created by the Maimona ravine. This is the part where you’ll understand why people come to the area. You walk alongside huge rock walls, and you get those wide canyon views that make the effort feel worth it.

What to expect here:

• A steady upward push before the day’s “easy” part
• Narrower, rockier footing in places, where you’ll want to keep your eyes on the ground
• Lots of pauses for viewing, since the guide will be showing you what you’re looking at

One useful hint if you’re packing mentally: plan to treat the first climb like the warm-up and the setup. If you go too fast, you’ll feel it later during the descents and crossings. Reviews also include a note about guide decisions on route difficulty, which is a reminder that pacing is part of the experience.

If you are the type who likes photos, this is where you’ll want to be ready with your camera or phone strap secured, because the terrain is close enough to the canyon to make you keep moving with care.

Crossing the river Maimona and taking your lunch break

After the first climb, you start a descent to cross the river Maimona. There’s a stop here for lunch, and the plan is to enjoy the scenery and the sound of mountain water while you eat.

Even though lunch is not included, this break is valuable because it’s built into the physical rhythm. You don’t get shuffled off to a random café where you feel rushed. You stop in the middle of the scenery, and that makes the hike feel like an outdoors day, not a bus tour with a short walk.

What you should do practically:

• Bring your lunch or plan to buy it before you go. The tour specifically notes lunch is not included.
• Use the break to reset your legs, not just your stomach. Hydrate, stretch lightly, and take a moment before the next ascent.

This river section is also where a lot of the “real hike” feeling happens. The group pauses around the crossing, and then you get moving again, heading toward the other side of the ravine. If you’re worried about water levels or footing, you’ll be glad there’s a licensed guide. You’re not guessing. You’re following the route decisions in real time.

The second ascent and the pine forest descent into Fuentes

Once you’re across and rested, the hike climbs again to the other side of the ravine. This second ascent is where you’ll appreciate the guide’s route choice. One review highlighted that the guide (Jan) picked what was described as an easier way, but it was still challenging. That tells me the terrain is naturally demanding, and you should come expecting effort even if the pacing is optimized.

As you continue, the views over the river Maimona return, so you’re not stuck in a single perspective for the whole day. Then the plan shifts toward a dense pine forest descent down to the village near Fuentes de los Baños.

Why that pine forest part matters:

• It changes the feel underfoot and visually. Instead of only canyon rock, you get a more shaded, tree-lined section.
• It’s often the part of the day where your legs start to tire, because descents can be harder than climbs in a different way.
• It sets you up for the reward at the springs, so the transition feels natural.

If you’re a careful hiker, this is when you’ll slow down slightly on your steps. Keeping balance on uneven trail is the difference between a smooth day and a day spent thinking about your footing.

Fuente de los Baños thermal springs: how to use your included entry

Your thermal stop is centered on Fuente de los Baños, and entrance is included. This is one of the best practical pieces of the tour. You don’t have to figure out where to buy entry or what time slots work. The guide brings you to the thermal area as the end-of-hike reward.

There’s also coffee and/or tea included on the day. That’s a small detail, but it helps, especially when you’ve worked up a sweat and your energy is dropping. Warm drinks after an active morning can be a surprisingly good recovery tool, even if you end up cooling off in the water too.

From here, the tour also gives you an option. The description says the bravest can bathe in the river Mijares near the village. I like that the tour doesn’t force it. You can keep things comfortable and just use the thermal area, or you can decide on the spot if you want the extra-chill river experience.

Practical advice for the springs time:

• Bring a swimsuit and a towel if you have one. The tour includes entrance, not gear.
• Plan a quick routine: change, soak, rinse off, then relax. If you linger too long in the first soak, you may feel it in the return walk through the area.
• If you’re sensitive to cold water, treat the river option as optional, not necessary.

Price and value: what you pay for (and what you avoid paying)

The price is $143.29 per person for an approximately 8 hour experience. That’s not the cheapest outing in Valencia, but it’s also not built around just a short walk.

Here’s what you actually get for the money:

• Air-conditioned vehicle transport
• Licensed guide
• Entrance to Fuente de los Baños
• Coffee and/or tea
• Pickup offered
• Group discounts are listed

What you do not get:

• Lunch is not included

So the value equation becomes simple. If you would otherwise pay for transport out to Montanejos and separately pay for thermal entry, you’re already halfway to justifying the tour cost. The guide also turns it into an organized day, with a plan that links canyon hiking to the springs stop.

My quick “smart buyer” thought: plan to spend extra on lunch, but save money and effort by not adding your own separate transport and entry plans. Also, because it’s private for your group, the pricing may feel more reasonable when split across people in your party.

Who should book this hike and thermal springs day

This tour fits best if you like outdoors time and you want the day to feel like a real regional outing, not just a photo stop. It’s designed for moderate physical fitness, and that means you should be comfortable on uneven ground and ready for climbing and descending.

It’s also a good match for:

• Couples and small groups who want a guided day with less crowd pressure
• Visitors who want a canyon hike near Valencia without doing navigation
• People who enjoy a “move first, relax second” schedule
• Swimmers who like the idea of thermal water, plus the optional river Mijares dip

If you are a true beginner who needs flat, easy walking, this is probably not your best choice based on the described challenges and the review note about seasoned hiking being preferable. If you’re used to moderate trails, this is a great way to experience Montanejos in a structured, rewarding half-day-to-day plan.

What to pack and how to prepare

Since lunch is not included and the hike includes climbs, a river crossing, and a pine forest descent, your best prep is straightforward.

Bring:

• A swimsuit (thermal springs and possible river Mijares swim)
• Trail-ready shoes with grip for uneven paths
• Your lunch or money for lunch, because it’s not provided
• A light layer for after your soak, since water time can cool you off

Wear:

• Something you can move in for an 8 hour day
• Sun protection if you burn easily. Canyon routes and forest sections both get sun.

One more prep idea: treat your hydration like part of the itinerary. The day starts in Valencia, then you’re outdoors with physical effort. Coffee or tea helps, but water habits are what keep you comfortable for the second ascent and the descent.

Should you book this Montanejos hike and thermal springs trip?

If you want a day that blends effort with a clear payoff, this is a solid choice. I would book it if you:

• Enjoy guided hiking with views from the Maimona ravine area
• Want Fuente de los Baños entrance included so the thermal part is effortless
• Like the idea of a river crossing and the optional river swim after your hike

I would skip it if:

• You need an easy, beginner-level walk
• You hate hiking transitions like climbs and descents
• You can’t do moderate physical activity even with a guide controlling the pacing

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

It starts at 9:00 am.

Where do I meet for the tour?

The meeting point is Pg. de l’Albereda, 30D, El Pla del Real, 46023 València, Valencia, Spain.

How long is the experience?

It lasts about 8 hours.

What is the activity based on?

It includes hiking in Montanejos and time at thermal springs at Fuente de los Baños, with an optional swim in the river Mijares for the bravest.

Is pickup included?

Pickup is offered.

What does the price include?

It includes an air-conditioned vehicle, coffee and/or tea, entrance to Fuente de los Baños, and a licensed guide.

Is lunch included?

No, lunch is not included.

What fitness level do I need?

You should have a moderate physical fitness level.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. It’s private, and only your group participates.

What is the cancellation policy if the weather is bad?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and the experience requires good weather. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.