Valencia: Waterfalls and Thermal Springs Tour with Swimming

The best part of this day is the change of scenery: leave Valencia by minibus and reach a 60-meter waterfall, clear thermal springs and the Mijares River canyons without planning a difficult drive or hike. The swim at Montanejos’ Blue Lagoon is the main event, with water described as 25°C year-round.

I like two practical touches: water shoes are included, and Mike’s Nomad Soul Retreat gives you a place to change, store your things and take a breather by the springs. Guides such as Mike, Anna, Siobhan and Morgane have also been praised for looking after the group and taking photos.

The trade-off is a full eight-hour day, and lunch and drinks cost extra. The paths are short, but one swim stop involves a small hill walk, and the water can feel cool even when the springs are advertised at 25°C.

At a glance

• Bridal Veil waterfall: See the 60-meter cascade, with the option to get close enough to feel its spray.
• Montanejos Blue Lagoon: Swim in the thermal springs, a central stop on the day.
• Nomad Soul Retreat: Change clothes, store your gear safely and relax among olive trees near the springs.
• Canyons and dam: Make photo stops above the Mijares River and at Montanejos’ dam and reservoir.
• Easy transport: Ride in an air-conditioned minibus from Estación del Norte, with little walking between sites.
• What’s included: Transport, a guide, entry fees and water shoes. Bring your own towel, swimsuit, food and drinks.

From Estación del Norte to the mountains

The meeting point is outside the main entrance of Estación del Norte, Valencia’s central train station, on Calle Xàtiva. Construction may affect the exact pickup spot, so look for the guide just outside the gated area rather than assuming you can stand directly at the entrance.

The tour is scheduled to start at 9:30 AM and return to the station around 5:30 PM. Check your chosen date for the actual start time. That eight-hour window includes the drive out, several nature stops, time to swim and a lunch break, so expect a day out rather than a quick excursion.

The minibus has air conditioning, a welcome detail after a warm day in the city. The drive is split into legs, including about 45 minutes before the first stop and another 40-minute ride later. You spend time on the road, but the vehicle parks close to the sites, which keeps the outing manageable for people who do not want a strenuous hike.

Mike leads the experience or a member of his team does. English, French and Spanish are listed as guide languages, with Dutch available on request in the tour description. The group is described as small, and the guides help set a relaxed tone, take photos and keep the day moving without making each stop feel like a race.

The Bridal Veil waterfall’s cool spray

The first major stop is the Bridal Veil, a 60-meter waterfall. The itinerary allows about an hour at the first nature stop, giving you time to take in the cascade, enjoy the surroundings and, if you choose, get close enough to feel the spray.

The name suggests a delicate curtain, but this is a substantial drop, framed by rocky slopes. Mountain goats may be visible along the ridge. Keep your eyes open, but treat a sighting as a bonus rather than a promise.

You can shower under the falls if you dare, but it is entirely optional. Bring a swimsuit and towel if you want to get wet, and wear shoes that feel secure on uneven paths. The tour is not a hiking trip, but minimal walking does not mean every surface is flat or dry.

A proper swim at the Blue Lagoon

Montanejos’ Blue Lagoon is the main reason to book this outing if a swim in a natural setting appeals to you. The thermal springs are described as 25°C year-round, and the water is clear. That temperature sounds warm on paper, but it may still feel cool when you first get in, especially in spring or on a cloudy day.

You are not required to swim. You can enjoy the setting from shore, but the tour is built around time in the water, so pack a swimsuit if you want the full experience. A few people have found the swim a challenge, particularly if they are not strong swimmers. One guide was noted for offering equipment to help people feel more comfortable, but do not assume that equipment will be available on every departure. If you have concerns, ask the operator before booking and follow your guide’s instructions at the water.

The paths to swimming spots are generally short, though one involves a small hill. People with knee or mobility concerns have found the route manageable, and guides have been attentive to individual needs. Still, this is an outdoor swim stop, not a step-free pool. If walking on uneven ground is difficult for you, contact the operator to discuss your needs.

A useful pause at Nomad Soul Retreat

Near the springs, Mike’s Nomad Soul Retreat offers something more useful than a scenic name. It has changing rooms, clean bathrooms and a secure place for your gear, plus a sunny spot to sit among olive trees. These facilities make a real difference when you are spending part of the day in and out of the water.

Bring a towel and a change of clothes. You will not need to carry every belonging down to the swim area if you use the safe storage, which also means you can focus on the water rather than guarding your bag. The retreat gives the outing a comfortable base, though it is not a substitute for bringing your own essentials.

Lunch in Montanejos

Lunch is not included, so budget for it separately. The guides can point you toward options such as the Blue Lagoon snack bar or a local restaurant in Montanejos. The meal stop is a chance to eat something simple, rest and spend a little time in the village.

You can bring your own food if you prefer. If you want to try a local place, ask your guide what is available on the day and how much time you have. Restaurant plans can vary, and your lunch choice is not part of the $101 price.

Mijares River canyon views and the dam

After lunch, the day turns from swimming to scenery. A viewpoint over the Mijares River canyons offers a short photo stop, with about 15 minutes listed for the river stop. Bring your camera, but do not feel you need to spend the whole day framing shots: guides often take photos for the group, including at the water.

The next stop around Montanejos includes roughly 30 minutes for sightseeing, a walk and more views. The dam and reservoir add a striking change of scale. Here, the landscape shows both natural rock and a large piece of engineering, with the reservoir held behind the dam.

The tour highlights powerful blasts of water from a massive spout. That is an exciting feature to look forward to, but the information does not say how often the release occurs or guarantee that you will see it on your date. Even without a dramatic flow, the dam and reservoir provide a worthwhile contrast to the waterfall and canyon.

What $101 covers, and what it does not

At $101 per person, the price covers transport, a guide, entry fees to the included attractions and water shoes. Those inclusions matter: getting to Montanejos without a car can be difficult by public transport, and arranging several stops independently would take extra planning. The minibus also lets you see multiple sites in a single day without navigating mountain roads yourself.

The water shoes are especially practical around rocky or wet areas. You still need to bring comfortable shoes for walking, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, water and comfortable clothes. Food and drinks are not included, so factor in lunch and anything you want during the drive or at the springs.

This is not the cheapest way to visit Montanejos, and it is not a quiet, do-everything-at-your-own-pace private outing. You are paying for a full-day route, transport between four natural highlights, a guide and the convenience of having the stops organized. The value is strongest if you do not have a car, want to swim, and would rather have someone else handle the route and practical details.

Who will enjoy this day most

Choose this tour if you want to leave Valencia’s city center for a full day outdoors without committing to a long hike. It suits solo visitors, couples and friends, and the relaxed group format can make it easier to meet people along the way. Families can also enjoy it, though parents should consider their child’s comfort with swimming and the short walks between the vehicle and the sites.

The guides’ personal approach is a real part of the appeal. Mike and team members including Anna, Siobhan, Morgane, Thomas and Sofia have been praised for clear communication, attention to the group and help with photos. Specific guides vary, so book for the route and format rather than expecting a particular person.

The outing runs rain or shine, so pack for the forecast rather than assuming perfect weather. It has rarely been canceled over the years, but conditions can affect how comfortable the swim feels. If you are visiting in a cooler month, bring warm clothes for after the water as well as your swimsuit.

If mobility is a concern, contact the operator before booking. The tour avoids long hikes and parks close to its stops, but there may be a hill and uneven paths. Likewise, if you are uneasy in open water, ask about the swimming conditions and available support instead of treating the swim as a guaranteed easy float.

Should you book the Montanejos tour?

I would book this if you want a practical way to see the waterfall, springs, canyon views and dam in one day, especially if you do not have a car. The included shoes, gear storage and photo help take some small hassles off your plate, while the Blue Lagoon gives the trip a clear focal point.

Think twice if you want a leisurely day with no schedule, dislike group transport or expect lunch to be included. And pack for a real swim: swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, water and comfortable footwear. For an active but not strenuous break from Valencia, this is a strong choice.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

It lasts about eight hours. The listed schedule starts at 9:30 AM and returns to Estación del Norte around 5:30 PM, but check availability for the start time on your date.

Where is the meeting point?

Meet outside the main entrance of Estación del Norte on Calle Xàtiva in Valencia. Construction may mean the pickup is just outside the gated area.

Is swimming included?

Swimming time is part of the day at Montanejos’ Blue Lagoon, and the Bridal Veil stop also offers the chance to get close to the waterfall. Swimming is optional.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, water, comfortable shoes and comfortable clothes. Water shoes are included, but food and drinks are not.

Is lunch included in the price?

No. You can bring your own food or ask the guide about options such as the Blue Lagoon snack bar or places in Montanejos.

Is the tour suitable if I do not want to hike?

The tour is not a hiking trip and involves minimal walking, with the vehicle parking close to the stops. Some paths may be uneven, and one swimming spot involves a small hill.