Montanejos Thermal Springs and Waterfall, food included

This day trip is interesting because it packs warm-water relaxation and real waterfall scenery into one smooth, guided outing. You start in Valencia, then you hit Salto de la novia, finally end up at Aigües Termals de Montanejos for a long soak and a short scenic walk.

I love two things most. The 25°C water year-round is a huge comfort factor, and the views feel special without needing to work for them. I also like the small-group energy, often powered by guides like Miguel and Paula, plus an upbeat driver experience (Borja comes up a lot in the feedback).

One drawback to keep in mind: in peak summer, the hiking portion may be canceled for heat safety, and the thermal water can feel a bit cool at first (it warms up once you’re in and moving around).

Key highlights that make this Montanejos trip work

• 25°C hot-spring swimming year-round in the bathing area, so you are not guessing about conditions
• Salto de la novia (Girlfriend Waterfall) stop with time to walk and refresh, then cool off before the pools
• Small, friendly group with standout guide energy from people like Miguel and Paula, plus helpful drivers like Borja
• Lunch included April to October with a simple set menu so you do not have to hunt down food
• Reservoir stop at Embalse de Arenós for photos and a change of pace between swims and viewpoints
• Summer heat plan where the shorter hike may be swapped for more time in the water

A clean Valencia escape to Montanejos thermal springs

If your Valencia trip is mostly city days, this is the easy reset. Montanejos is all about water, and you feel that right away. The day is built to move you through three kinds of water time: a waterfall stop, a long hot-spring swim, and a dam or reservoir viewpoint before heading back.

The pacing is practical. You are not stuck on a timetable that feels rushed, but you also do not end up wandering with no plan. The group stays together via van or bus, with a guide to explain what you are seeing and how to enjoy each spot.

For me, the best part is the contrast. You go from cooler air by the waterfall to warm thermal pools that stay at a steady 25°C. That makes it feel like a proper day trip, not just a sightseeing tour.

The 8-hour flow: Mestalla meeting point to return

You meet at the Mestalla football stadium at Av. d’Aragó, 31, on the side facing Aragon Avenue at gate A3. The guide is easy to spot, wearing a shirt linked to Batwalking.

From there, you travel about 45 minutes out to the first nature stop. After that, you hop again to Montanejos by van or bus. The day is long enough that you will feel the travel, but short enough that you still get back to Valencia without losing an entire afternoon.

In the end, you return to the same meeting point near Mestalla. That matters if you want a simple day logistics plan, instead of figuring out separate drop-off points.

Stop 1: Salto de la novia (Girlfriend Waterfall) time for a quick reset

The Girlfriend Waterfall, Salto de la novia, is your first nature hit. You get a guided visit and a walk that lasts about 1 hour, with time to move around and soak in the setting.

This stop is a good warm-up for the rest of the day. You get a break from city sights early, so the trip does not feel like nonstop transit. It also helps you get oriented with the style of the area, which is all river power, stone, and water sound.

Summer note: if it is hot, this waterfall stop can feel extra refreshing. If it is busy, you will still have your time window, and a strong guide will help you make the most of it without feeling stressed. Some groups have even arrived early enough to enjoy the area with less crowd pressure.

What to expect here

• Guided walk plus time to enjoy photos
• A chance to cool off before the thermal pools
• Comfortable shoes matter because you are walking and standing on uneven ground

Aigües Termals de Montanejos: the 2-hour soak at 25°C

This is the main event: Aigües Termals de Montanejos. You get about 2 hours of swimming time, and the bathing area is kept at 25°C (77°F) all year. That steady temperature is the reason this trip makes sense in any season.

The setting also feels like a vacation scene. In the feedback I saw, people describe the hot-spring pool as clear and visually striking, with enough water movement and rock framing that it gives a slightly tropical vibe.

How to make the soak more comfortable

Pack for real water time, not just a splash:

• Swimwear and a towel
• Sunscreen
• Comfortable clothes for when you are out of the water

One practical tip that comes up: the pool area can have pebbles, so water shoes can make a big difference. You can still enjoy the swim without them, but shoes help you stay comfortable while walking in and out.

Also, some guides bring buoyancy aids, which can be helpful if you want extra confidence in unfamiliar water spots. Even strong swimmers tend to appreciate the extra stability.

One honest drawback about the water temperature feel

Even though the water is listed at 25°C, people have reported that it may feel warmer at the surface and cooler underneath at first. If that happens, do not panic and do not force it. Give yourself a few minutes, move around, and you will usually find a comfortable spot once you are used to the temperature.

Lunch April to October: simple, included, and timed for the day

Lunch is included from April to October, and it is a set meal so you do not waste time deciding. You get 1 sandwich or tapa, plus a soft drink or beer, and coffee.

This works well in a day trip like this because it keeps the pace steady. You can spend more time in the water and less time figuring out where to eat, especially when you are away from Valencia city centers.

In the feedback, lunch stops are generally described as decent and good value for what you get, with some groups noting the guide helped with smooth timing like reserved tables. That kind of small service makes a long day feel easier.

Embalse de Arenós: dam photo stop and a change of tempo

After lunch, the day turns from swimming into viewpoints. You stop at Embalse de Arenós for a photo stop and visit lasting about 1 hour.

This is not a long hiking day, but it gives you variety. Instead of spending all your time beside water at ankle level (the pool) you get a wider perspective of the reservoir and dam area. It is also a nice way to balance the day so the ending does not feel like a second swim session you are already tired from.

A short walk can be part of this segment depending on the flow of the day, but the main point is the scenery and photos. Keep your camera ready, because reservoir views are the kind of thing you will want to remember when you are back in the city.

The summer heat reality: hike can turn into more water time

There is also a hiking trail segment of about 30 minutes with scenic views. The key detail is that in summer, it can be canceled due to heat stroke risk.

That does not mean the day gets worse. In hot weather, the switch often gives you more time to cool down and enjoy the pools. It also makes the trip more realistic. You are planning a day outdoors, and this adjustment helps you avoid overheating.

If you are visiting in summer, I would plan your expectations around the water. Even if you start thinking you will do every bit of the walk, know that the guide will likely prioritize safety and comfort.

Price and value: is $108 per person a fair deal?

At $108 per person, this is not a budget-only outing. But it can be strong value for how the day is structured.

You are paying for:

• Round-trip transport from Valencia in an air-conditioned vehicle
• A live guide during multiple stops
• Express security check and skip-the-line style handling where applicable
• Two hours of thermal pool time
• Lunch included April to October, with a full drink and coffee
• Water provided

For a day trip, the inclusion of swimming time plus lunch is where the price starts to feel reasonable. Without that, you would be spending extra on transportation, entry tickets, and meal planning.

Is it worth it? If you want one organized day that mixes waterfall scenery with an actual hot-spring swim, it likely is. If you are the type who just wants photos and would rather roam independently, the price may feel heavy because you will be tied to the group schedule.

Guides like Miguel and Borja make the day feel easy

The biggest recurring strength is the human factor: guides who keep the day light, organized, and safe.

Names that show up strongly include Miguel and Paula as guides, with Borja showing up as a driver in the feedback. People consistently mention that the guide is friendly, funny, and proactive about making sure everyone feels included, not just marched along.

You also benefit from small group attention. Some groups describe getting help with photos, and even WhatsApp-based photo sharing setups. That is the kind of service that costs extra if you do it yourself. It also means you spend less time asking strangers to take pictures and more time living the moment.

If you care about learning a bit while you travel, the guide’s commentary also adds value. You are not just seeing water, you are getting context on what makes the spots special.

Practical tips before you go

A few things will make this day trip feel smoother the moment you arrive:

What to bring

• Swimwear and a towel
• Sunscreen and comfortable clothes for after swimming
• Comfortable shoes for the walk portions
• If you have them, water shoes for pebble areas in and around the pool

What to avoid

• Pets are not allowed
• No smoking on the vehicle
• Drinks and food in the vehicle are not allowed
• Alcohol and drugs are not allowed

Who should think twice

The tour is listed as not suitable for:

• Wheelchair users
• People with heart problems

And it is not suitable for babies under 1 year. If you are traveling with young kids, you can still use the “suitable for all ages” note, but check the age requirement if your child is under that threshold.

Should you book this Montanejos Thermal Springs and Waterfall tour?

Book it if you want a structured Valencia day trip that gives you real time in warm thermal water, plus a waterfall and dam scenery stop, without you doing planning math all morning.

Do not book it if your travel style is independent wandering with no fixed schedule. The experience is guided, and you will follow that flow, including the possibility that the short hike gets swapped for more swim time in summer.

If you are choosing between purely city days and one outdoors day, this is one of the better bets. The combination of 25°C hot springs, a meaningful waterfall stop at Salto de la novia, and that reservoir photo break gives you three different water experiences in about 8 hours, with lunch included during the season.

FAQ

How long is the Montanejos Thermal Springs and Waterfall tour?

The tour lasts 8 hours total.

Where do I meet the guide in Valencia?

You meet at the Mestalla football stadium, on the side facing Aragon Avenue, at gate A3.

Is lunch included, and what do you get?

Lunch is included from April to October. It includes 1 sandwich or tapa, a soft drink or beer, and coffee.

What is the temperature of the thermal water for swimming?

The swimming area is listed at 25°C / 77°F all year round.

How much time do you spend swimming at the thermal springs?

You get about 2 hours to swim at Aigües Termals de Montanejos.

Is there a hike during the day trip?

Yes, there is a 30-minute hiking trail with views. In summer, it may be canceled due to the high risk of heat stroke, with more time spent in the water instead.

Besides the hot springs, what other stops are part of the day?

You visit Salto de la novia (Girlfriend Waterfall) and you also stop at Embalse de Arenós for a photo stop and visit.

What languages are the guides?

The live guide is available in English, Spanish, and German.

Can I cancel and get a full refund?

Yes. The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.