Montanejos Hiking Tour & Thermal Pools from Valencia

Montanejos trades Valencia’s tiled streets and café tables for pine-covered hills, rocky paths, and the turquoise Mijares River. This guided day trip pairs a mountain hike with a swim at Fuentes de los Baños, a natural bathing spot known for its mineral-rich water and dramatic gorge setting.

I like that transport and pool entry are included, so you can reach this inland corner without planning the route yourself. I also like the mix of effort and rest: the hike gets you above the river, then the water offers a welcome pause. The main caveat is that the pools are about 23°C, not hot springs in the usual sense, and the hike can feel demanding in heat or at a brisk group pace.

The day at a glance

• The route gives you a taste of inland Valencia: Expect mountain paths, pine woods, cliffs, and views toward the Mijares River and Arenoso Reservoir.
• The hike is more than a gentle stroll: Fitness needs are moderate, and some sections can feel steep or fast-paced.
• The famous pools are refreshing, not hot: Their water stays near 23°C, so the swim may feel cool, especially outside summer.
• A guide and coach simplify the outing: Round-trip transport, a guided hike, a tour guide, and skip-the-line pool access are included.
• Bring your own food, water, and hiking kit: Meals and drinks are not included, and the bus may not be available for storing your things during the hike.
• Expect a sizable group: The maximum is 53 people, which can affect the pace and the feeling of being out in nature.

Leaving Valencia for the Mijares gorge

Montanejos is a useful change of scene if you want a day outdoors without arranging buses, directions, and pool admission yourself. The air-conditioned coach takes care of the longer transfer from Valencia, while a guide leads the walking route. The advertised excursion lasts about eight hours in total, including the journey there and back.

You choose between two pickup points: Torres de Serranos, at the bus stop in front of MYR Hotel, or the Hola Trip office at C/ Ramon Llull 21. The coach meets you on the main road, and you should look for a guide wearing a Hola Trip badge. Pickup at Serranos Towers is 10 minutes before the tour’s start time; pickup at the office is 10 minutes after it.

That timing matters, so check the pickup instructions sent to you and arrive at the right spot promptly. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. The coach is air-conditioned, which is welcome after a hot hike, though some people find the air conditioning strong. A light layer for the ride is a sensible addition.

Hiking above the turquoise Mijares River

The walk is the day’s main effort, and its reward is a closer look at Montanejos than you get from the bathing area alone. You follow mountain paths above the Mijares River, passing Mediterranean vegetation, pine forest, rocky slopes, and viewpoints across the gorge. The route can also offer views of the Arenoso Reservoir and peaks associated with Sierra de Espadán Natural Park.

The setting is the real draw: steep canyon walls and clear water make for a striking contrast with Valencia’s urban streets. Depending on the season and conditions, you might see waterfalls, wildflowers, or birds above the cliffs. Some outings have included a cave, a waterfall, or mountain goats, but treat these as possible extras rather than guaranteed stops.

Guides may share details about local geology, plants, wildlife, and the legend of the Moorish Queen’s Baths. The quality of that storytelling can vary with the guide and the group’s pace. Guides named on recent departures have included Arturo, Taoufik, Alejandro, Nouha, Nico, Filip, Paco, and others. People particularly value a guide who keeps the group cheerful while also helping with the practicalities of the route.

Be realistic about the walking. The tour calls for moderate fitness, but that label does not mean a flat, leisurely stroll. Some sections are uphill or rugged, and people have found the pace brisk, particularly in large groups. One described stretch follows an electrical transmission line and its access road, so not every view is untouched wilderness. If you want a slow hike with frequent photo stops, a group of up to 53 may frustrate you.

Heat makes a major difference. On a hot day, the route can feel much harder, and shade may not be constant. Wear proper walking shoes, carry enough water, use sunscreen, and bring a hat. You will need to carry what you want during the walk, so pack light. The refreshing water at the end is a fine incentive, but it is not a substitute for drinking water on the trail.

The pools: beautiful setting, cool water

After the hike, you get time at Fuentes de los Baños to swim, rest by the river, or take a short riverside walk. The pools sit among cliffs and greenery, and the setting is a large part of their appeal. You can float, wade, sit on the rocks, or simply enjoy the view from the shore.

One important expectation check: the water is described as staying around 23°C year-round. That makes it temperate and refreshing, not hot. The word thermal refers to the water’s mineral composition, not a hot-tub temperature. In warm weather, a swim can feel excellent; in autumn or on a cloudy day, it may feel chilly. If you are booking because you want steaming hot springs, this is not the right experience.

Water clarity and appearance can shift with weather, season, and water levels. At times, the pool area may be cloudy or crowded. The natural setting is appealing, but it is not a private bathing spot, especially in busy periods. Some outings have offered an alternative swim at a clearer lake when conditions at the springs were less inviting. That is a useful possibility, but you should not count on it as a fixed part of the day.

There are washrooms at the pool area, and you can change into swimwear there. Facilities and nearby refreshments may vary: a café or snack bar has been available at times, but it may be closed, and one visitor found no place to buy a drink. Bring your own food and water rather than relying on a café. Also pack toilet paper, as a bathroom stop on the way may not have any.

What the price covers, and what it does not

At $59.26 per person, the main value is convenience. You get round-trip transport, a guided hike, a tour guide, and skip-the-line access to the pools. If you would otherwise need to work out transport from Valencia and arrange admission separately, bundling those pieces can make the day much easier.

The price does not include food or drinks, and there is no hotel pickup or drop-off. You are paying for a guided outdoor day, not a catered excursion or a small private group. With a maximum group size of 53, the cost is likely to suit you better if you value easy transport and organized access more than a quiet, tailor-made hiking experience.

The excursion is also described as offering hiking, rafting, or kayaking options. This review focuses on the hiking-and-pools outing. Check the exact activity you select when booking, since the details and equipment needs for a water-sport option may differ.

Who will enjoy this day trip

This is a good fit if you want a full day beyond Valencia, enjoy walking outdoors, and would rather have someone else arrange the transport and route. It also works well for solo visitors: the shared coach and group activity make it easy to spend the day among other people without needing to organize a companion.

The combination is especially appealing if you like earning your swim. The hike gives the day shape, and the river provides a relaxed finish. If you would rather skip the walking, one person in a group can go directly to the springs while others hike, but confirm how that will work with the operator before booking.

This is not a good match for anyone seeking hot water, a gentle stroll, or a small-group nature outing. The stated age limits exclude people under 14 and over 65, and the activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. If you are unsure about the hike, consider your comfort with uneven terrain, uphill sections, and warm weather rather than relying only on the moderate-fitness description.

A few practical choices before you go

Wear shoes suited to a rocky hike, not sandals meant only for the pool. Bring swimwear, a towel, a change of clothes if you want one, water, snacks or lunch, sunscreen, and a hat. A light layer is useful on the air-conditioned coach. Keep your day bag manageable, since you may need to take it with you rather than leave belongings on the bus.

The experience is usually booked about 13 days ahead, on average, so do not leave it until the last minute if your dates are fixed. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Later cancellations and changes are not accepted. The tour depends on good weather and a minimum number of participants; if it is cancelled for either reason, you are offered another date or a refund.

Should you book the Montanejos hike and pools tour?

Book it if you want an uncomplicated way to reach Montanejos, enjoy a moderately challenging walk, and finish with a swim in a beautiful river gorge. The scenery, guided outing, and transport make a persuasive package at this price.

Skip it if warm water is your main goal, you need a slow and quiet hike, or you dislike large groups. Go in with the right expectations: the pools are cool, the walking can be strenuous in heat, and the day is an organized group excursion rather than a private escape. Pack well, then enjoy the contrast between Valencia and the mountains.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The excursion lasts about eight hours, including transportation to and from Valencia.

Where are the pickup points?

You can choose Torres de Serranos, at the bus stop in front of MYR Hotel, or the Hola Trip office at C/ Ramon Llull 21. The coach meets you on the main road.

Are the pools hot?

No. The water stays around 23°C. It is mineral-rich and considered thermal for its composition, but it may feel cool rather than warm.

What is included in the price?

Round-trip transfers in an air-conditioned coach, a guided hiking route, a tour guide, and skip-the-line access to Fuentes de los Baños are included. Food and drinks are not.

How difficult is the hike?

The tour is intended for people with moderate fitness. Some uphill or rugged sections and a brisk pace can make it challenging, especially in hot weather.

Are there age or mobility restrictions?

The activity is not allowed for people under 14 or over 65, or for people with mobility impairments.