From Valencia: Montanejos Thermal Spring & Girlfriend Waterfall

Montanejos gives you a different kind of day out from Valencia: a mountain drive, a swim in a river canyon, then another stop at Salto de la Novia, the Girlfriend Waterfall. The spring water stays at about 25°C (77°F) year-round, so the first swim is possible even when the air feels cooler.

I like the contrast between the two stops: Montanejos is known for its warm, clear spring water, while the waterfall offers a second, distinct natural setting. I also like that a local guide handles the drive and keeps the day moving, while you get time to swim and take in the scenery.

The main caution is the footing. The short walk can be steeper and rockier than the word easy suggests, and stones around the water can be slippery. Bring closed-toe walking shoes and water shoes, not just sandals or Crocs.

The day at a glance

• Two separate swimming stops: Spend time at the Montanejos thermal springs, then visit Salto de la Novia. The waterfall is not thermal.
• Spring water stays near 25°C: The temperature is consistent year-round, though the water can still feel cool, especially later in the season.
• A mountain outing, not just a swim: The route includes scenic countryside and a short walk, with some uneven and loose ground.
• Lunch is not included in the stated price: The schedule has a lunch break, so bring food or be ready to buy it.
• Small-group cap: The tour allows up to 24 people, with some departures running in smaller groups.
• Practical transport: An air-conditioned vehicle takes you from Valencia to the stops and back.

Leaving Valencia for Montanejos

The tour starts at 9:00 am at Av. de Suècia, 27, near Mestalla Stadium, and returns to the same meeting point. There is no hotel pickup, so plan to reach the departure point on your own. The round trip takes about eight hours, including the drive and time at both water stops.

The journey out of Valencia is part of the appeal. You leave the city behind for a mountain setting, and the air-conditioned vehicle makes the longer stretches more comfortable, particularly in summer. A professional local guide leads the outing in English. Past guides have included Ivan, Miguel, Kika and Manuel; individual guides vary, but the guide’s role matters here. They manage the timing, explain the stops and help the group feel at ease.

The group limit is 24, though some outings may be smaller. That can make it easier to meet people and get help with practical things, such as finding a safe place for your belongings while you swim. Still, do not assume every departure will have the same group size or the same arrangements.

Swimming at the Montanejos thermal springs

The main event is the Fuente de los Baños de Montanejos, a natural bathing area where the river and surrounding rock create a dramatic place to swim. The water temperature is about 25°C throughout the year. That is mild for a natural spring, but not bathwater hot. In cooler weather, or toward the end of September, you may find it chilly at first.

You have about two hours here, enough time to swim and enjoy the setting without having to rush straight back to the vehicle. The scenery is a major part of the experience: river water framed by rocky slopes and greenery, rather than a built-up resort pool. This is a place to float, swim and look around, not a stop for elaborate facilities or a long guided hike.

Footwear makes a real difference. The route to the water and the riverbed can involve rocks, so water shoes or sturdy sandals with a secure fit can make moving in and out of the water more comfortable. For the approach and any uphill or rocky walking, wear closed-toe trainers or hiking shoes. Avoid relying on flip-flops, open-toed sandals or Crocs for the walk.

Bring a waterproof bag if you want to keep your phone close for photos. You may also want to ask the guide what the plan is for belongings while the group swims. Some guides have helped keep an eye on bags, but it is sensible to pack valuables carefully rather than assume a formal storage service.

A short walk with real footing to consider

This is not presented as a major trek, but that does not mean the walking is effortless. The route can include uneven ground, loose stones and steep sections. Some accounts describe a brief hike and mention historical trenches from the Spanish Civil War. The exact walking experience may depend on the route taken that day, so treat this as an outdoor excursion with a walk, not a vehicle-only sightseeing tour.

Good trainers are the practical minimum. If you have knee trouble, balance concerns or a strong preference to avoid rocky paths, consider that before booking. A walking stick or knee support may be useful for some people, though the tour information does not list special equipment or support as provided.

The terrain is also why the views feel earned. You get more than a roadside photo stop, but you should not book expecting a long wilderness hike. One person looking for a substantial one- or two-hour trek found the walking too brief. If you want a full hiking day, this probably is not the right outing.

Lunch in Montanejos

The schedule allows about 30 minutes for lunch after the spring stop. Lunch is not included in the $107.68 price, so plan to bring food or pay for something during the break. The stop is short, which makes a packed sandwich a reliable option if you do not want to spend your swimming time looking for a meal.

Food arrangements appear to vary. Some people describe sandwiches and drinks or a meal at a local spot, while others mention an open-air place to order food. Do not count on a specific menu or included meal unless the operator confirms it for your date. The tour price covers transport, guide, tickets, taxes and insurance, not lunch.

That distinction matters when you compare this outing with a cheaper tour. At $107.68, the value comes mainly from the transport, the two nature stops and the guided day out, not from a meal. Add the cost of lunch and any snacks or drinks you need when working out your total.

Salto de la Novia, the Girlfriend Waterfall

After lunch, the group travels by private transport to Salto de la Novia. The itinerary allows about an hour for the stop, followed by roughly an hour and a half to see the waterfall and spend time there. It is a separate place from the thermal springs, not another section of the same bathing area.

The waterfall is the day’s visual counterpoint to Montanejos: a dramatic cascade in a natural setting, with the chance to swim in summer. The water here is not thermal, so expect a different temperature from the spring. Some people enjoy a refreshing dip; others may prefer to keep their visit to the shore and viewpoints.

Be cautious on wet rocks. The ground near the falls can be slippery, and a quick swim or photo should not make you forget your footing. Water shoes can help, but they do not make slick rock safe. Take your time and follow the guide’s advice about where it is sensible to walk or swim.

The waterfall stop is a good reason to choose this tour over a spring-only trip. You see two different natural places in one day, rather than spending all your time at a single bathing area. The trade-off is that the schedule is shared between them. If you want hours of uninterrupted swimming at Montanejos, the second stop may feel like time taken away from the springs.

Is $107.68 good value?

The price includes an air-conditioned vehicle, a local professional guide, tickets, taxes and insurance, including accident insurance. Group discounts are available, and the tour is offered in English. For someone without a car who wants to reach both Montanejos and Salto de la Novia in one day, having transport arranged is the core value.

You also avoid piecing together a day trip to two different locations on your own. The guide provides structure and practical support, while the group format can make the ride more social. The maximum group size of 24 is not tiny, but it is limited enough to keep the outing from becoming a large coach excursion. Some days may be considerably smaller.

The price is less compelling if you only want a nearby place to swim. One beach may be a simpler, cheaper choice for a swim and a few hours in the sun. This outing is for the mountain scenery, the spring and waterfall combination, and the convenience of a full-day trip. Remember to add lunch and any personal gear you need to the cost.

The tour is recommended by 95% of participants and has a 4.7 rating from 182 reviews. The most consistently praised parts are the guides’ friendly, energetic approach and the beauty of the swimming stops. Names such as Ivan and Miguel come up often in accounts of especially warm, engaging guiding, but no particular guide is guaranteed.

Who should book this day trip?

I would consider this a good choice if you want outdoor scenery and swimming without renting a car or planning the transport yourself. It suits couples, solo visitors who enjoy meeting a group, and families comfortable with a short walk on uneven ground. Families have taken children on the trip, but the terrain and water mean you should judge your own children’s confidence and needs.

It is also a strong fit if you like a social day. Guides often introduce the group and keep the mood lively, which can make a long day in a vehicle feel more companionable. You still get free time to swim rather than being led through every minute.

Think twice if you dislike rocky paths, need a fully accessible route, want a long serious hike, or expect a hot spa pool. The springs are natural, the waterfall water is not thermal, and the walking can be more demanding than a stroll. Weather can also affect the outing. If poor weather cancels it, you are offered another date or a full refund; if the minimum number of participants is not met, you are offered another date or experience, or a full refund.

What to bring and know before you go

Pack a swimsuit, towel, water shoes and closed-toe trainers. A waterproof phone pouch is useful if you want photos near the water. Bring your own lunch or money to buy food, plus any drinking water and snacks you need. The vehicle is air-conditioned, but you will be outdoors for much of the day.

The meeting point is Av. de Suècia, 27, El Pla del Real, Valencia, with departure at 9:00 am. The tour ends back there after about eight hours. Confirmation is provided at booking, and the activity is described as suitable for most people, but that does not remove the need to be comfortable with swimming and uneven terrain.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours beforehand are not accepted for a refund. Weather and minimum group size can affect whether the tour runs.

Should you book?

Book this if you want a full day outside Valencia that combines a year-round spring swim with a separate waterfall stop, and you are happy with a group outing and some rocky walking. The guides and natural settings are the strongest reasons to go.

Skip it if you mainly want a hot-water spa, a long hike, or an effortless swimming day. For the best chance of enjoying the route, wear proper shoes, plan your lunch and treat the waterfall rocks with care.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

It lasts about eight hours, including transport from Valencia and time at the stops.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Av. de Suècia, 27, in Valencia, and returns to the same meeting point. Hotel pickup is not included.

What time does the tour leave?

The start time is 9:00 am.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included in the stated price. Bring food or be prepared to buy it during the lunch stop.

How warm are the Montanejos springs?

The water is about 25°C (77°F) year-round. The water at Salto de la Novia is not thermal.

What should I wear for the walk and swimming?

Bring swimwear, water shoes and closed-toe walking shoes. The route can be rocky, steep or slippery in places.