Hiking in Montanejos and swim in Thermal Springs – OFFICIAL GUIDE

Montanejos offers a fine change of pace from Valencia: a demanding mountain walk through the Maimona ravine, followed by a chance to swim near Fuentes de los Baños. You get big views and a proper hike, not just a scenic drive to a bathing spot.

I like two things in particular: the route takes you through varied terrain, from high rock walls to riverbanks and pine forest, and the private format lets your own group hike with a licensed guide. Guide Jan has led this trip, and one account describes him picking a gentler route option that was still challenging.

That challenge is worth taking seriously. The walk is described as roughly four hours, and the fitness guidance is moderate, but a past hiker advises that it is not for beginners. Bring lunch, too: the meal stop is part of the day, but food is not included.

Key points

• A real mountain hike: Expect an ascent above the Maimona ravine, a river crossing and a descent through pine forest.
• A swim at the end: The route finishes near Fuentes de los Baños, where you can bathe in the Mijares.
• Private group format: Only your party joins the activity, with a licensed guide.
• About eight hours door to door: The listed start is 9:00 am in Valencia, and the trip returns to the same meeting point.
• Bring your own lunch: Food is not included, though coffee or tea is.
• Plan for effort: Moderate fitness is recommended, and the hike may feel too hard for a beginner.

From Valencia to Montanejos

The day begins at 9:00 am at Pg. de l’Albereda, 30D, in Valencia. The tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle for the journey to Montanejos, and pickup is offered. Since the stated meeting point is specific, confirm your pickup arrangement before the day rather than assuming a hotel collection.

The drive is part of the appeal. You leave the city behind and head into the countryside around Valencia, a change that helps the outing feel like more than a walk in a nearby park. You also avoid the work of arranging transport to the trailhead yourself.

The activity lasts about eight hours in total. One account describes the hike itself as roughly four hours, leaving time for the journey, a lunch stop and the swim near Fuentes de los Baños. Exact timings beyond the 9:00 am start are not specified, so keep the full day free.

Climbing above the Maimona ravine

The route begins with an ascent from Montanejos to the top of the canyon formed by the Maimona ravine. As you climb, the trail brings you alongside large rock walls and opens up views across the ravine. This first section sets the tone: you are here to walk through mountain terrain, not simply to reach the springs by vehicle.

A climb can feel harder than its map distance suggests, and no route length or elevation gain is provided. The tour recommends a moderate level of fitness, while a hiker who took it advises that beginners may find the outing too demanding. If you are unsure about your ability, ask the operator about the route and the effort involved before booking.

There is more than one possible way to tackle parts of the hike. Jan chose an easier option for one party, yet the walk still proved challenging. That is useful context: a guide can make a route choice, but an easier version should not be mistaken for an easy stroll.

The steepest or most exposed sections are not described, so I would not assume the trail is suitable for every fitness level or comfort with heights. If you have concerns about uneven ground, sustained climbing or river crossings, check directly with Valencian Hiking Buddies. The only clear preparation advice the outing itself gives is to be ready for a moderate hike, and the practical choice is to take that seriously.

Crossing the river and stopping for lunch

After the high route, the hike descends toward the Maimona river, which you cross before stopping for lunch. This pause gives you time to rest and enjoy the mountain setting before the next climb. It also breaks up the effort of the day, which matters on a route that gains and loses height.

Lunch is not included in the price. Bring food with you, since the stop is built into the walk and you should not count on buying a meal along the route. Coffee or tea is included, but that is not a substitute for lunch on a multi-hour hike.

The river is part of the scenery and the route, not just a backdrop. You will be walking close to water after spending time above the ravine, and the stop offers a natural point to slow down. The exact facilities at the lunch location are not stated, so pack what you need rather than relying on a café or shop.

Climbing out and descending through pine forest

After the break, the trail climbs to the opposite side of the ravine. This second ascent brings more views over the Maimona river and makes the hike a loop of sorts through different sides of the gorge, rather than a simple out-and-back walk. The route then heads down through a dense pine forest toward the village near Fuentes de los Baños.

That change in scenery is one of the trip’s strengths. The day moves from exposed rock walls and broad views to river scenery and shaded woodland. You get a more varied sense of the area than you would from visiting the bathing spot alone.

Still, the sequence means you have another climb after lunch, followed by a descent. If your legs are already tired after the first ascent, the second half may feel long. The guide’s presence and the private format can make it easier to discuss how the pace feels, but there is no promise that the route can be shortened on the day.

A swim near Fuentes de los Baños

The final reward is a chance to bathe in the Mijares near Fuentes de los Baños. Entry to Fuente de Baños is included, so you do not need to add that admission cost separately. The swim comes after the hike, making it a welcome way to cool off and rest before the return trip.

The description calls the water thermal, but it does not give a temperature or guarantee that everyone will find it warm. The swim is optional, and the wording makes clear that it is for those willing to get into the river. Bring whatever you need for a swim, and confirm any practical details about changing facilities or storage with the operator, since those are not specified.

One account describes swimming at the springs before returning to Valencia, which suggests the bathing stop is a meaningful part of the day rather than a brief photo stop. But the amount of time available for swimming is not stated. If a long soak is your main goal, ask about the schedule; the main focus here is the hike, with the swim as a strong finish.

What the private format and price include

At $143.29 per person, this is not just a ticket to a bathing area. The price includes an air-conditioned vehicle, a licensed guide, entry to Fuente de Baños and coffee or tea. You also get a private activity, meaning only your group participates, rather than joining a larger mixed party.

That setup can be good value if you want transport and a guided route handled for you. It is especially useful for a hike that includes a ravine, river crossing and multiple climbs, where route choices and pacing matter. Group discounts are offered, which may improve the per-person value for a party, though the exact discount depends on the booking.

The price does not cover lunch, and the tour does not state that other personal gear or refreshments are included. Factor in the meal and anything you need for hiking and swimming when judging the full cost. You can cancel without charge up to 24 hours before the start, and if poor weather cancels the trip, you are offered another date or a full refund.

Who will enjoy this day most

This outing makes the most sense for you if you want a physical day in the countryside and are comfortable spending several hours on a mountain trail. The scenery is a major draw, but the walk is not a small add-on to a spa visit. You earn the swim with a sustained hike.

It also suits a private party that values having a guide and transport arranged. Guide Jan has been named by people who took the trip, and he selected a less demanding route option for one group. That is encouraging, but it does not erase the warning that the hike can still challenge even reasonably active walkers.

I would be cautious about booking if you are a beginner, dislike uphill walking or need a gentle day. The advertised fitness level is moderate, but a prior participant’s practical advice is to be a seasoned hiker. When in doubt, ask the provider how demanding the current route is and what footwear or equipment is expected.

Should you book the Montanejos hike?

Book this tour if you want a guided, private hike with striking ravine views and a swim at the end, and if a full day of physical activity sounds appealing. The mix of rock walls, river scenery, forest and bathing gives the outing a satisfying shape, while transport and entry are included in the price.

Skip it, or get more details first, if you are new to hiking or are mainly looking for a relaxed visit to thermal water. The walk can be challenging even when the guide chooses an easier route, and you need to bring your own lunch. For a fit walker who wants to see more of the Valencia countryside, the combination is compelling; for a casual outing, it may ask too much.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The experience lasts about eight hours, starting at 9:00 am and ending back at the meeting point in Valencia. The hike itself has been described as roughly four hours.

Where does the tour start?

The listed meeting point is Pg. de l’Albereda, 30D, El Pla del Real, 46023 València, Spain. Pickup is offered, so confirm the exact arrangement when you book.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. Only your group participates in the activity.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, so bring food for the stop during the hike. Coffee or tea is included.

How difficult is the hike?

The tour recommends a moderate level of physical fitness. The route includes ascents, a descent, a river crossing and a pine-forest section, and it may be too challenging for beginners.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If poor weather causes the activity to be canceled, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience starts.