Montanejos Thermal Springs and Waterfall, food included

Leave Valencia’s city streets behind. This day trip combines a warm natural swimming pool with the lovely Salto de la Novia waterfall, a reservoir stop, and a relaxed small-group feel. I like the mix of swimming and sightseeing, and I like how guides such as Miguel and Borja add humor, local facts, photos, and practical help along the way. The main catch is that the water may feel cooler than the word thermal suggests, especially below the surface.

You will spend about eight hours away from Valencia, traveling by air-conditioned van or bus through the Valencian countryside. The $108 price is fair if you value private transport, guiding, lunch during the April to October season, and a full day outside the city. Still, summer crowds and heat can change the plan, with the short hike sometimes canceled for safety.

Five details that shape the day

• The water stays around 25°C: This is pleasantly mild rather than hot-tub warm, and some swimmers find the lower water cooler.
• Salto de la Novia comes first: The waterfall offers a separate swim and a pretty opening stop before Montanejos.
• Miguel and Borja set a friendly tone: Guides are praised for humor, useful facts, photos, music, and careful attention to the group.
• Lunch is built into the April to October program: The stated meal includes one sandwich or tapa, a soft drink or beer, and coffee.
• The group is deliberately small: The tour runs with at least two people, so the experience can feel personal even when the party is tiny.
• The summer hike may disappear: Forest-fire and heat risks can mean more swimming time instead.

From Mestalla to the Valencian countryside

The meeting point is easy to identify: the side of Mestalla football stadium facing Aragon Avenue, at gate A3. Look for a guide wearing a Batwalking shirt. The tour returns to this same spot at the end of the day.

The first drive lasts roughly 45 minutes. Your transport is private and air-conditioned, which matters on a hot Valencian day. It also saves you the trouble of piecing together regional buses and local connections to Montanejos.

The journey is part of the change of scene. Valencia gives way to villages, hills, reservoirs, and rocky country. Borja was praised for filling the ride with facts about places along the route, while Miguel is often singled out for his easy humor and upbeat manner. That personal touch matters on a day with several stretches in the vehicle.

The group size can vary, and the tour requires at least two people to operate. A very small party may feel almost like a private outing, though that also means the social mood depends more heavily on the guide and the people who book that day.

Salto de la Novia: a waterfall before the springs

After the first drive, you stop at Salto de la Novia, known here as the Girlfriend waterfall. This waterfall is not beside the Montanejos springs, so treat it as a separate part of the day rather than a quick view on the way to the pool.

You get about an hour for a guided visit and walk. During summer, the stop includes time for a refreshing swim. The setting is described as tranquil and beautiful, and arriving early can make a real difference. One small group reached the waterfall before the area became crowded and had a quieter swim.

Bring your towel and swimsuit from the start of the day. You may also want water shoes, since the stony riverbed at the thermal area can be uncomfortable underfoot. The supplied information does not promise changing facilities at every stop, so wear practical clothing and keep your swim gear easy to reach.

The waterfall is a strong opening because it gives you something active right away. You are not simply photographing a viewpoint. You can walk, get in the water during the warm months, and let the guide handle the timing.

After the waterfall, expect another drive of about 45 minutes to Montanejos. This break lets you dry off and settle in before the main swim.

Montanejos springs: warm, clear, and not truly hot

The main stop is Aigües Termals de Montanejos, where you have around two hours for swimming. The pool water is listed at 25°C, or 77°F, all year in the swimming area.

That temperature is best understood as mild and comfortable, not hot. On a hot summer day, it may feel refreshing. On a cooler day, you might wish it were warmer. One important detail from the feedback is that the top few centimeters can feel warm while the water below feels noticeably cooler. Do not arrive expecting a steaming spa pool.

The water and canyon scenery are the real attraction. The area has the feel of a natural swimming place rather than a polished resort. Clear water, rocky surroundings, and the chance to swim outside make this a welcome change from museums, plazas, and city traffic.

In midsummer, the pool can be busy. You may find more peace by moving farther around the swimming area, away from the most crowded entry point. The tour gives you roughly two hours here, including time to change, swim, take photographs, and simply sit beside the water.

Some guides bring buoyancy aids, which can help if you are not fully comfortable in unfamiliar water. That is a thoughtful practical detail, but you should still follow safety advice and be honest about your swimming ability. The experience is not suitable for people with heart problems, and it is not designed for wheelchair users or babies under one year old.

Your guide may also watch belongings while the group swims and take photographs with your own camera. Miguel has been praised for taking photos and videos, and Borja reportedly helped the group share pictures through WhatsApp. These small services are not the headline attraction, but they make the day easier and give you memories without needing to ask strangers for help.

Lunch and a useful pause in the middle

Lunch follows the main swim and lasts about an hour. From April through October, the stated meal includes one sandwich or tapa, a soft drink or beer, and coffee. Water is also included.

The food is simple, not a grand regional feast. That is fine for this kind of day. After swimming, a straightforward meal and a reserved table are exactly what you need. Guides have arranged tables at the café, which saves you from hunting for a place during a busy period.

The terms specifically state lunch is included from April to October. If you are booking outside those months, check the current details carefully, since the meal inclusion may differ. Some feedback also describes buying food or provisions at local shops, so the exact food arrangement can vary by season or operating conditions.

A beer is listed as an option, but alcoholic drinks are not allowed in the vehicle. Keep any drink for the meal stop and follow the vehicle rules. Food, drinks, smoking, alcohol, drugs, fireworks, and explosive substances are prohibited inside the vehicle.

Arenós Reservoir and the short walk

After lunch, the group visits Embalse de Arenós for about an hour. This is mainly a scenic stop with time for photographs and a walk around the area.

The reservoir adds a change of pace after the waterfall and swimming pool. You get broader views, still water, and a chance to see more of the area around Montanejos rather than spending the whole day beside one swimming spot. The official plan also includes a hiking route of about 30 minutes with attractive views.

The walk is described as moderate, not a demanding trek. Comfortable shoes are important, especially if you are moving over uneven ground. In summer, the route may be canceled because of heatstroke risk and the high risk of forest fires. In that case, you spend more time in the water.

This is a sensible safety decision, even if you were looking forward to the walk. Do not choose this tour mainly for hiking. Choose it for the combination of water, scenery, and a short outdoor walk when conditions allow.

The guides are a major part of the value

The natural sites are attractive, but the guide can shape the entire day. Miguel receives particularly warm praise for his humor, energy, local knowledge, and care with safety. He has been described as making solo pairs feel comfortable, helping people connect, keeping the mood light with Spanish music, and answering questions about the countryside.

Miguel and Paula have also been praised for making the group feel included and safe. Borja is noted for arriving early, driving carefully, sharing facts during the trip, stopping at interesting places, taking photographs, and even dropping people near their accommodation in one case. That last service should not be assumed, since the official end point is Mestalla, but it shows the kind of helpful attitude you may encounter.

The guide’s personality matters more here than on a large city bus tour. You spend several hours together in a small vehicle, and the day works best when the guide is attentive and cheerful. The strongest feedback consistently focuses on that human side of the experience.

At the same time, a friendly guide cannot control the weather, crowds, water temperature, or seasonal changes. Go for the places first, then regard the guide’s care and humor as a valuable bonus.

What the $108 price really buys you

At $108 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach a swimming hole. You are paying for an eight-hour outing with private transport from Valencia, an air-conditioned vehicle, a live guide, taxes, insurance, water, and lunch during the stated April to October period.

The value improves if you want to avoid driving, do not have access to a car, or prefer a planned day with several stops. Transport is the biggest practical benefit. Montanejos is far enough from Valencia that arranging the route yourself takes time, and a rental car brings its own costs and responsibilities.

The price also buys flexibility within the day. Your guide manages the order of stops, watches the clock, helps with photographs, and may reserve your lunch table. For a first visit to the area, that can be worth more than saving a little money on transport.

The value is weaker if you only want a long swim. You get about two hours at the thermal springs, not a full day beside the pool. You also need to accept the possibility of a canceled hike, summer crowds, and water that feels cool rather than hot.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms help if your Valencia plans are still shifting.

What to pack for a smoother day

Pack light, but pack for water and walking.

• Swimsuit and towel
• Sunscreen
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Water shoes for the pebbly riverbed
• Comfortable clothes
• A camera or phone in a waterproof case
• Dry clothing for the ride home

The supplied instructions ask for comfortable shoes, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and comfortable clothing. Water is included, but you should still use sunscreen carefully because much of the day takes place outdoors.

The tour is available in English, Spanish, and German. It is suitable for all ages in general, but the restrictions matter: it is not suitable for people with heart problems, wheelchair users, or babies under one year old.

Who should book this Montanejos day trip?

I would recommend it to you if you want a break from Valencia’s urban sights and enjoy a day that mixes swimming, short walks, scenery, and easy conversation. It works especially well for couples, friends, families with older children, and solo visitors who prefer company without joining a huge group.

You should also like flexible outdoor plans. The waterfall swim is seasonal, the hike may be removed during hot or fire-risk periods, and the springs are mild rather than hot. If you need a fixed schedule or a guaranteed hike, this may frustrate you.

The trip is less suitable if you dislike van travel, cannot manage uneven ground, or want a luxury spa experience. The natural setting is attractive precisely because it is simple and outdoors, not because it offers resort-style facilities.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want an easy escape from Valencia with several worthwhile stops and a guide who takes an active role in making the day enjoyable. The waterfall, clear swimming area, reservoir, and countryside give you a good range of scenery, while lunch and transport keep the logistics simple.

I would book in spring or early autumn if you want a more comfortable balance of swimming and walking. In high summer, the water can feel refreshing and the waterfall can be excellent, but crowds and heat are more likely. Bring water shoes, do not expect a hot bath, and check the lunch terms if you are traveling outside April to October.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

It starts at Mestalla football stadium on the side facing Aragon Avenue, at gate A3. The guide wears a Batwalking shirt.

Where does the tour finish?

The tour ends back at the meeting point beside Mestalla stadium.

How long does the experience last?

The full activity lasts about eight hours. Check availability for the exact starting time.

How warm is the Montanejos thermal water?

The swimming area is listed at 25°C, or 77°F, throughout the year. It may feel pleasantly mild rather than genuinely hot.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is included from April through October. It consists of one sandwich or tapa, a soft drink or beer, and coffee. Check the current terms for other months.

What happens at Salto de la Novia?

You have about an hour for a guided visit and walk. During summer, you can also swim at the waterfall.

Is the waterfall next to the thermal springs?

No. Salto de la Novia is a separate stop, followed by transportation to the Montanejos springs.

Is the hiking route guaranteed?

No. In summer, the route may be canceled because of heatstroke and forest-fire risks. Extra time is then spent in the water.

What languages are offered?

The live guide service is offered in English, Spanish, and German.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. Reserve now and pay later is also available.