From Valencia: Montanejos Thermal Springs & Great Waterfall

The best part of this day trip is the contrast: one stop gives you a waterfall and cool swimming, while another brings you to Montanejos’ warm mineral water. The river scenery feels far removed from Valencia, yet the journey is short enough to fit into one day.

I like the two very different swimming stops and the practical help from the guides. The tour also supplies safety gear such as life jackets and pool noodles when needed, a thoughtful touch for children and weaker swimmers. The main drawback is the big-group format, which can mean less quiet time and less control over the schedule.

Key points to know before booking

• Two swims in one day: Visit Salto de la Novia and the thermal pools at Montanejos.
• Water temperature: The swimming area at the thermal springs stays around 25°C, or 77°F, all year.
• Full-day outing: Plan on about eight hours, including road time and a lunch break.
• English and Spanish guides: Your guide handles the route, timing, local information, and basic safety support.
• Transport included: Travel in an air-conditioned bus or van from Valencia.
• Bring your own meal: Food and drinks are not included, and eating or drinking is not allowed in the vehicle.

Why Montanejos makes a good break from Valencia

Valencia is easy to enjoy for several days, but the city does not give you the same sense of open space as the inland valleys around Montanejos. This trip takes you into the Valencian countryside for swimming, short walks, views, and a change of pace.

The attraction is not a single famous sight. It is the full combination: a village setting, warm river water, a waterfall, and a day without having to rent a car or work out rural bus connections. I see this as a practical choice for you if you want nature but prefer to let someone else handle the driving.

Montanejos is especially appealing because the thermal swimming area stays at about 25°C throughout the year. That is warm enough to feel pleasant, but not hot like a spa bath. You are still swimming outdoors in a river setting, so expect a natural-water experience rather than a polished resort.

The scenery around the springs has a tropical feel in places, with clear water and steep rocky surroundings. The exact conditions can vary by season and weather, but the setting is the reason to come. You get to spend time outside rather than moving from one indoor attraction to the next.

Starting at Mestalla and heading inland

The meeting point is beside Valencia’s Mestalla football stadium, on the side facing Suecia Avenue, at gate N1 in the corner. That is more precise than simply saying to meet at the stadium, but I would still arrive early enough to identify the exact curbside meeting area.

From there, you travel in air-conditioned private transport. The journey includes a 45-minute ride to the first main stop, another 45-minute transfer between the swimming sites, and about 75 minutes on the return leg. Those drives matter when you judge the value of the day. This is not eight hours of swimming. It is an eight-hour outing with roughly two and a half hours of road time built into it.

The vehicle may be a bus or a van. One recent family outing used a small air-conditioned van, while the general description also allows for a larger bus. If you strongly prefer one type of vehicle, ask the operator before booking. The advertised format is a big group, although the actual vehicle size can vary.

The guides speak English and Spanish. Their role is more than pointing out the meeting place. You can expect help with timing, route details, local information, and practical advice during the swimming stops. The strongest praise has focused on friendly, helpful guides who gave tips about Valencia and explained stories from the city and nearby areas.

Salto de la Novia and the waterfall stop

The first main stop listed for the day is Salto de la Novia, also called the Girlfriend waterfall. You have about 90 minutes here for photographs and swimming. It is a good opening stop because the waterfall gives you an immediate visual reward after leaving Valencia.

The name is memorable, but the useful detail is the time allocation. Ninety minutes is enough to see the site, take pictures, and get into the water without turning the stop into an all-day visit. You will want to move efficiently if you plan to do all three.

Swimming conditions at a waterfall are naturally less controlled than at a pool. Wear shoes that are comfortable around wet ground, and bring a towel and swimwear in an easy-to-reach bag. The supplied information does not promise changing rooms, lockers, or a particular type of river access, so do not plan on hotel-style facilities.

The waterfall is not next to the Montanejos thermal springs. That point is easy to miss when reading a short description. You will use the vehicle to move between them, so pack your swimming things where you can reach them without opening large luggage.

This stop may be the most photogenic part of the outing, while the thermal pools are likely to be the more relaxing part. If you want a full waterfall hike, this is not described as a long walking excursion. It is a photo and swimming stop with a fixed schedule.

The 25°C thermal pools at Montanejos

After the waterfall, the group travels for around 45 minutes to Aigües Termals de Montanejos. You have about two hours for photographs and swimming, followed by a 30-minute lunch break in the same general area.

The water temperature is the practical selling point. At around 25°C year-round, it is mild and comfortable for a long swim, especially compared with colder mountain water. It is not a hot spring in the very hot, steamy sense, so I would set your expectations correctly. Think warm natural river water, not a heated spa.

The mineral water is described as medicinal, but you should treat that as part of the destination’s character rather than a medical promise. The value here is the pleasant water, the outdoor setting, and the chance to loosen up after the ride and waterfall stop.

The area has deeper parts. A family outing found the supplied life jackets and pool noodles useful for a 12-year-old, and the guides paid close attention to safety. That is a meaningful benefit if you are visiting with children or anyone who is not a confident swimmer. Still, flotation aids do not replace supervision. Keep children close and follow instructions from the guide.

Two hours gives you a decent amount of time. You can swim, sit by the water, take photographs, and enjoy the surroundings without rushing every minute. The schedule is still fixed, so do not assume you can wander far from the meeting area and return whenever you like.

After swimming, the 30-minute lunch period is short. Food is not included, so bring something suitable or buy food if that option is available locally. The supplied details do not identify a restaurant, picnic arrangement, or food stop, so you should not book this outing expecting a long sit-down meal.

A full day, not a private retreat

The tour is advertised as a big-group experience. That affects the feel of the day more than the scenery does. A larger group can make transport more affordable and provide a social atmosphere, but it also means you may wait for people to board, gather, or return from the water.

A few details suggest that the actual group may sometimes be smaller, with one outing taking place in a van. I would treat that as a possibility, not a guarantee. If privacy, flexible timing, or silence on the road matters to you, a private excursion would be a better match.

The guide-led format is useful in a rural area. You do not need to navigate the road, find the swimming spots, or judge how much time remains. The guides have also been praised for being warm, practical, and ready to help. That human element is one of the strongest reasons to choose this tour instead of simply arranging transport.

The trade-off is control. You follow the group timetable, and you cannot extend your favorite stop because the waterfall looks perfect or the warm water feels good. I would book this when convenience matters more than complete freedom.

What the price includes at $69

At $69 per person, the tour is priced as a full-day transport and guiding package rather than an admission-only outing. You get air-conditioned transport from Valencia, a local guide, tickets, taxes, and accident insurance. That makes the price easier to judge if you are not planning to rent a car.

The route covers two separate natural attractions, with round-trip transport and roughly eight hours away from the city. You also avoid the work of driving inland, finding parking, and coordinating the return. For a solo visitor, couple, or family without a car, those benefits can make the price reasonable.

The cost does not include food or drinks. Hotel pickup is also not included, so you must reach the Mestalla meeting point yourself. The vehicle rules prohibit food and drinks inside, so plan to eat during the designated lunch period rather than relying on snacks during the drive.

There is also a practical saving in the included safety equipment when it is provided for the group. Life jackets and pool noodles were available on one family outing, which helped a younger swimmer feel secure. Since the description does not promise that every item is always available, ask the operator if you need specific flotation equipment.

What to pack for the water

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, comfortable clothes, and comfortable shoes. I would also use a small day bag that keeps your dry clothes and valuables separate from wet items.

You need to be ready for two water stops, not just one. A towel that dries quickly will be more useful than a bulky beach towel, and a waterproof pouch can help protect a phone during the waterfall and spring visits.

Alcohol, drugs, smoking, and alcoholic drinks are not allowed in the vehicle. Food and drinks are also not permitted inside. These rules are simple, but they matter on a long road day. Eat before departure, carry food for the lunch break, and keep water for use outside the vehicle.

The information says the activity suits all ages. That does not mean every part will suit every ability. Natural water can have deeper areas, and the waterfall stop may involve wet or uneven ground. If you have mobility concerns, ask the operator for current access details before booking, since no specific accessibility information is provided.

Who will enjoy this trip most

I would recommend this outing to you if you want a nature day without renting a car. It works well for couples, families, solo visitors, and friends who like swimming more than strenuous hiking.

Families may value the guides’ attention to safety and the availability of flotation aids. Children still need close supervision, but the warm water and two-stop format can keep the day interesting.

It is also a good fit if you want a break from Valencia’s streets and museums. You get a different side of the region without giving up an entire night away from the city.

I would think twice if you dislike group schedules, need a long restaurant lunch, or expect a luxury spa. The springs are natural, the group may be large, and the day includes significant road time. You should also avoid booking if your main goal is a demanding mountain walk, since the published plan centers on swimming, sightseeing, and transfers.

Booking advice and final verdict

I would book this for the combination of warm natural water, a waterfall, and simple transport from Valencia. The strongest practical advantage is that the day gives you two distinct stops, while the guides add local context and help keep the outing organized.

The main question is your tolerance for a group schedule. If you are happy with fixed departure times and a short lunch break, $69 is a fair price for transport, guiding, tickets, and insurance. If you want to linger, eat slowly, or choose your own route, arrange a private trip instead.

Before leaving, confirm the meeting details at Mestalla, pack your swimwear and towel where you can reach them, and bring food for the lunch period. With those expectations in place, this is a lively and practical way to trade Valencia’s city streets for warm river water and an impressive waterfall.

FAQ

How long does the Montanejos day trip last?

The activity lasts about eight hours, including transport between Valencia, the waterfall, the thermal springs, and the return to the city.

Where is the meeting point?

Meet at Mestalla football stadium, on the side facing Suecia Avenue, at gate N1 in the corner. Hotel pickup is not included.

What swimming locations are included?

The route includes Salto de la Novia, also called the Girlfriend waterfall, and the natural thermal swimming area at Aigües Termals de Montanejos.

How warm is the thermal spring water?

The swimming area stays at about 25°C, or 77°F, throughout the year.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included. A 30-minute lunch period is scheduled near the thermal springs.

What languages are available?

The live guide service is available in English and Spanish.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and comfortable clothes. Food and drinks cannot be consumed in the vehicle, and alcohol is not allowed.