Mountain Hike & Thermal Springs – private full day tour

Montanejos gives this day its winning contrast: a proper mountain walk through pine woods and river canyons, followed by a long pause in 25°C thermal water. You leave Valencia’s city streets behind and spend the day outdoors, with private transport connecting the hike and springs.

I like two things in particular: the private format, which lets your group set a comfortable walking pace, and the chance to pair a scenic hike with a swim rather than choosing just one kind of day. Kevin, the guide associated with the tour, is praised for being punctual, attentive and good at setting that pace.

The main consideration is the walk itself. Some gravel sections climb or descend, and ordinary trainers without good grip may be awkward. This is a better fit for someone with moderate or better fitness than for anyone seeking a mostly flat stroll.

Key points before you book

• The hike lasts about three to three-and-a-half hours, following a river through pine forest and canyon scenery.
• You get two hours at Montanejos thermal springs, where the water is described as a clear 25°C.
• The tour is private, so only your group participates, with private, air-conditioned transport.
• Bring shoes with good grip, at least one litre of water and a snack. Gravel tracks can be uneven.
• Lunch is not included. Bring food or plan to pay separately for a meal.
• The day starts at 9:00 am and takes about seven to eight hours, so expect a full day away from Valencia.

A mountain day beyond Valencia

This outing is a welcome change of pace if you want to trade Valencia’s streets and plazas for a day in the mountains. Montanejos is the focus: a natural setting of pine forest, canyons and a river, followed by the thermal springs at Fuente de los Baños de Montanejos.

The structure is simple and satisfying. You spend the first part of the day walking, then finish with time to swim and relax. That order matters: after several hours on your feet, a soak feels like a reward rather than a quick stop squeezed between activities.

A private tour also changes the feel of the day. You travel with your own group, not a larger mixed party, and the guide can set the pace with your group in mind. If your party includes different fitness levels, that flexibility is useful. It does not make the route flat or effortless, though, and you should still be ready for uneven ground.

The tour is offered by Different Valencia and costs $192.04 per person. The rate buys more than a ride to a swimming spot: private transport, parking, a guided hike, spring admission and snorkelling equipment are included. Your value depends partly on your group size and how much you want a private day rather than an independently planned outing. There is no lunch in the price.

The drive from Valencia and a 9:00 start

Pickup is offered, and the tour begins at 9:00 am. Private, air-conditioned transport takes you from Valencia toward Montanejos, with parking fees covered. That makes the day easier to manage than arranging your own transport, especially when you are carrying walking shoes, water and swim gear.

The full experience runs about seven to eight hours. The two main activities account for roughly five to five-and-a-half hours: around three to three-and-a-half hours of hiking, then two hours at the springs. The remaining time allows for the journey and the transitions between stops. Treat the duration as an estimate, not a promise that you will be back at a particular minute.

The tour is booked, on average, about 35 days ahead. If your Valencia dates are fixed, it is sensible to check early, especially since the outing is private and confirmation depends on availability. Booking confirmation is provided within 48 hours, subject to availability.

Walking the river canyons near Montanejos

The hike is the active heart of the day. For about three to three-and-a-half hours, you follow a route through pine forests and canyons alongside a river. The setting offers a change from city sightseeing: instead of moving between buildings and monuments, you spend several hours among trees, rock and water.

The walking is not described as extreme, but there are sections on gravel tracks with uneven footing, including some ups and downs. One useful lesson from the route is that footwear matters more than fashion here. Trainers with worn or smooth soles can make the trickier sections less comfortable, so choose shoes with good grip.

A moderate level of fitness is a sensible minimum. You do not need to be an expert hiker, but expect sustained walking rather than a short scenic stroll. If you have concerns about your pace, tell the guide at the start. Kevin, the guide associated with this outing, has been praised for setting a pace that keeps the walk manageable while still giving the group a sense of achievement.

Pack at least one litre of water and a morning snack. The tour information specifically recommends both, and they are practical basics for several hours on foot. In summer, add a sun hat and sunscreen. In winter, bring a top and jacket. The route is outdoors, so dress for the conditions rather than relying on the vehicle for comfort.

The hike is included, and there is no admission charge for that stop. The reward is the walk itself: time in the mountain setting and a chance to see a different side of the region around Valencia. If your ideal day means gentle strolling with frequent indoor breaks, this may be too active. If you like a moderate walk and want scenery as part of the day, it is a good match.

Two hours at the 25°C thermal springs

After the hike, the tour spends about two hours at Fuente de los Baños de Montanejos. Entry is included, as is the use of snorkelling equipment. The spring water is described as crystal clear and around 25°C, making this more than a quick photo stop: you have time to swim and relax.

Do not expect the water to feel warm like a heated hotel pool. One useful tip is to go in rather than judging it from the edge: the initial chill can put you off, but the water is the point of the stop. Bring swimwear and a towel, though the provided information does not specify whether towels are supplied. Snorkelling equipment is included, but you can also simply enjoy the swim.

Two hours gives you room to slow down after the hike. Still, the springs are an outdoor stop, not a spa appointment with indoor facilities promised. If you are counting on a particular amenity beyond the included admission and snorkelling gear, check directly with the operator before booking.

The order of activities is one of the tour’s best features. The hike gives the day movement and purpose; the spring stop gives you time to rest. You get both an active and a relaxing experience without trying to cram several distant attractions into one itinerary.

Lunch, cost and what the price covers

At $192.04 per person, this is a substantial day tour rather than a low-cost transfer. The price includes private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, parking fees, the thermal spring admission and snorkelling equipment. The private arrangement is a meaningful part of the value: your group participates alone, with no other tour party sharing the activity.

Lunch is not included. Plan to bring your own food or budget for a meal separately. A tapas lunch has featured during a past outing, but you should not assume that meal is part of the package or included in the price. Bring a morning snack as well, since the hike takes up a good part of the day.

Group discounts are offered, though the exact discount is not specified. If you are travelling with family or friends, check the total for your party rather than judging value from the per-person price alone. The private format may be especially appealing if you value a guide’s attention and a pace suited to your group.

The strongest case for the cost is convenience and combination. You do not need to arrange your own transport, parking, spring entry or equipment, and you get a guided walk as well as time in the water. If you only want to visit the springs, or prefer to organise every part of a day yourself, you may not need the full package.

Who will enjoy this day most

I would choose this tour if you want a full day outdoors and are comfortable walking for several hours. It suits couples, friends and families who want a private outing rather than a group departure, and the stated minimum age is six. The maximum age is 80, though fitness and comfort on uneven ground matter more than a number alone.

It is also a strong choice if you are spending several days in Valencia and want one outing that feels different from city sightseeing. The mountain scenery, river route and thermal swim give the day a clear identity. The guide’s pacing and attentiveness are particularly valuable when your group has a range of walking speeds.

It is less suitable if you have limited mobility, dislike gravel paths or are looking for a restful day from beginning to end. There is a substantial hike before the swim, and the route includes uneven sections. Ask the operator about your specific needs rather than assuming that a private tour can remove the physical demands of the trail.

Weather matters. The experience requires good conditions; if poor weather causes cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made later than that are not accepted for a refund.

Should you book the Montanejos hike and springs tour?

Book it if you want an active, well-rounded day out of Valencia, value private transport and like the idea of earning your swim with a mountain walk. The combination of river scenery, pine forest and warm spring water is the real draw, and two hours at the springs gives you time to enjoy them rather than rush through.

Before you commit, be honest about footwear and fitness. Bring shoes with good grip, water, a snack and weather-appropriate clothing, and make a plan for lunch. If those basics suit you, this is a practical way to see Montanejos without organising the transport and timing yourself. If your priority is a flat walk, a very low-cost outing or a guaranteed lunch, look for a different fit.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 9:00 am.

How long does the tour last?

Allow about seven to eight hours for the full day.

What is included in the price?

Private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, parking fees, admission to the thermal springs and use of snorkelling equipment are included.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, so bring your own food or plan to pay separately.

How difficult is the hike?

The hike lasts about three to three-and-a-half hours and includes uneven gravel sections with some ups and downs. Comfortable shoes with good grip are recommended.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. If poor weather cancels the tour, you are offered a different date or a full refund.