Adventures day: Thermal Springs and Waterfalls

The best part of this day is the change of scene: you leave Valencia behind for clear mountain water, a waterfall and steep canyon walls. At Montanejos, you can swim, explore a cave or simply enjoy the river views, with the guide helping the group make the most of each stop.

I like two things in particular: the practical gear and secure house make a swim day easier, and the mix of water and nature stops lets you set your own pace. One thing to know before booking: the springs are a steady 25°C, not hot. In cooler weather, that can feel distinctly chilly.

• The springs stay at 25°C: Refreshing water, not a hot-bath soak.
• Four stops make a varied day: Expect a waterfall, the Blue Pools, lunch and more canyon scenery.
• Water gear is supplied: Water shoes, floating boards and life jackets are available.
• Lunch is not included: Bring your own food or join the group for a local meal.
• Groups are capped at 19: A small enough group for a more personal day, though the vehicle is shared.
• It leaves Valencia at 9:30 am: Plan on roughly seven to eight hours away from the city.

From Valencia to the mountain water

This is a full-day nature outing, not a quick swim break. You meet at Estació del Nord in Valencia at 9:30 am, then travel by air-conditioned vehicle toward Segorbe and Montanejos. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

The drive is part of the appeal. You trade city streets for mountain scenery and a day built around fresh air and water. The tour is capped at 19 people, and the vehicle is described as comfortable. Still, there is travel between stops, so bring a bottle of water for the ride and expect the day to feel like an outing rather than a leisurely visit to one site.

The guides are an important part of the format. Mike, Ana, Kiu, Sofia, Thomas, Morgan and Nick have all led trips, so you cannot count on a specific person. The guide typically explains the places you visit, keeps the group moving and helps people feel at ease with the activities. Several guides have also taken photos, a welcome touch if you are travelling solo or would rather not keep your phone in hand.

Segorbe’s Bridal Veil Waterfall

The first stop is the Bridal Veil Waterfall near Segorbe, with about an hour to enjoy the area. In summer, the plan includes swimming beneath the falls and in the nearby river. It is a lively start, and the water gives you an early taste of the day’s main theme: beautiful natural spots where you can get wet, not just take a picture and move on.

Conditions and season matter. The waterfall stop is especially suited to warm weather, when swimming is more inviting. If the day is cool, you may prefer to enjoy the scenery without staying in the water for long. Bring a towel and a change of clothes either way.

Swimming at the Blue Pools in Montanejos

The Blue Pools, also called Fuente de los Baños de Montanejos, are the main event for many people. You have about an hour and a half here to swim in clear water, explore caves and take in the canyon walls. The setting is the kind that rewards a slow look: fig trees, rocky cliffs and river water set against the mountains.

The phrase thermal springs can set the wrong expectation. The water remains around 25°C throughout the year, which makes it warmer than some mountain rivers but not truly hot. In summer, it can be a welcome way to cool off. In cooler seasons, the first step in may be bracing, and you may find only some spots feel warmer. Once you are moving, the water can feel refreshing, but this is not a heated spa.

You can choose how active to be. Swim and look around, explore a cave, or, if you are comfortable, try a cliff jump. The tour also offers an optional fish pedicure at the Blue Pools. These are choices, not obligations; you can enjoy the scenery without taking part in every activity.

One practical point: the water can be deep, and you may need to swim rather than wade everywhere. Water shoes are supplied, along with floating boards and life jackets when needed. If you already own sturdy water sandals, you can bring them instead. Pack a large towel, swimwear and dry clothes so you are comfortable after the stop.

A lunch break with two options

The lunch stop lasts about an hour and a half, giving you time to eat and rest before the final outings. In summer, the group usually stays near the Blue Pools and eats sandwiches while enjoying the setting. In winter, lunch is generally in the nearby village, where you can order local Spanish food.

Lunch is not included in the price. You can bring your own food and use the house near the springs, or join the group for a meal in town. The tour notes affordable options and some vegetarian choices at both locations. If you have a particular dietary need, bringing a suitable meal is the safer plan.

This break is more than a refuelling stop. Swimming and walking can take more energy than you expect, especially if you are travelling with children or choosing to jump from rocks. Bring water and a few snacks for the journey, too. One large bottle may not be enough for a full day outdoors.

Canyons, the waterspout and the final views

The last part of the outing includes two more nearby nature stops, with about an hour listed for this section. You visit the canyons and a large ponytail-shaped waterspout, adding a different perspective after the swimming. The contrast is useful: the day is not only about pools, and these stops let you see more of the area’s dramatic rock and water features.

The amount of walking can vary with the exact stop and conditions. Some visitors find the route more of a hike than expected, so wear secure walking shoes or hiking footwear as well as water shoes. If you have a walking stick and like using one on uneven ground, it may be useful. The views can make the effort worthwhile, but this is not a tour to book if you want to remain seated all day.

What the $107.63 price covers

At $107.63 per person, this is best judged as a transport-and-activities package, not just admission to a swimming spot. The cost includes the air-conditioned vehicle, parking and applicable entry fees. It also covers water shoes, flotation boards and life jackets when needed, plus use of a private house beside the springs with a place to keep belongings, toilets and showers.

Those practical inclusions matter. You do not need to rent a car, work out how to reach several outdoor sites or carry all your swim equipment from Valencia. The secure place for your things is especially useful when you want to get in the water without worrying about your bag. The tour also brings the stops together into one organised day, with a guide and a group of no more than 19.

You still need to budget for lunch, and the value depends on how much of the day you use. If you only want to swim at the Blue Pools and have access to your own car, you may prefer to visit that spot independently. If you want transport, several scenic stops, supplied gear and help coordinating a full day, the package makes more sense.

What to pack and how to pace yourself

Start with swimwear, a large towel, dry clothes and secure footwear. The tour provides water shoes, but sturdy sport sandals can be a good alternative if you already own a pair. Wear or carry walking shoes for the rougher paths, and bring sunscreen and plenty of drinking water.

You do not need to attempt every activity to get value from the day. The group can include people who swim, jump from rocks and explore, alongside people who take a slower approach. Tell the guide if you are unsure about a jump or a swim, and choose the option that feels right for you. The point is to enjoy the place, not to turn a day outdoors into a test.

Weather can shape the outing. The tour requires good weather, and a poor-weather cancellation can be moved to another date or refunded. The booking itself is otherwise non-refundable and cannot be changed, so check your plans before paying. Confirmation is provided within 48 hours, subject to availability.

Who will enjoy this day most

This trip suits people who want a full day outdoors and are happy to get wet. It is a good fit for friends, couples, solo visitors and families with older children who can manage swimming and some walking. Solo visitors need not feel out of place: the small group and an attentive guide can make it easy to join in, and guides have sometimes offered to take photos.

It is less suited to anyone expecting a hot spring, a purely relaxing spa day or a tour with no walking. The water temperature is the most important expectation to set. At 25°C it is pleasant for many people, especially in summer, but it can feel cold on an overcast day or outside the warmer season.

Should you book the Montanejos springs tour?

Book it if you want to leave Valencia for a day, see several natural sites and have the basic swim gear and transport handled for you. The strongest reasons are the clear pools, canyon scenery, waterfall stop and the friendly, involved guiding style that people have encountered with guides such as Mike, Ana, Kiu and Sofia.

Skip it if warm water is essential, you dislike swimming in deep water or you would rather spend the day at one spot on your own schedule. If you go, bring water, sunscreen, a towel, a change of clothes and secure shoes. Most important, expect refreshing mountain water rather than a hot bath. With that in mind, this is a practical and memorable way to see a wilder side of Valencia.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The tour lasts approximately seven to eight hours. It starts at 9:30 am and ends back at the Valencia meeting point.

Where does the tour meet?

Meet at Estació del Nord, C/ de Bailèn, 34, L’Eixample, Valencia. The activity ends at the same meeting point.

Are the springs hot?

No. The water stays at about 25°C throughout the year. It can feel refreshing, but it is not a hot spring bath.

Is lunch included?

No. You can bring your own food or join the group for lunch nearby. The tour notes affordable options and some vegetarian choices.

What is included in the price?

The price includes parking, an air-conditioned vehicle, applicable entry fees, water shoes, floating boards and life jackets if needed. You can also use a house beside the springs with secure storage, toilets and showers.

How large is the group?

The maximum group size is 19 people.