Valencia: Montanejos Thermal Spring & Girlfriend Waterfall

The best part of this day trip is the combination of two very different swims: Salto de la Novia, a dramatic waterfall near Navajas, and Montanejos, where a sheltered thermal pool stays at about 25°C year-round. You get mountain scenery, a little local history, and plenty of time in the water without planning the transport yourself.

I like the small-group feel, which lets guides such as Ivan, Miguel, Serena, and Kika keep an eye on everyone and share stories along the road. I also like the practical extras: air-conditioned transport, cold water, snorkel masks, noodles, life jackets, and help for anyone who forgets water shoes.

The main thing to understand is that Montanejos is warm, not hot. In cooler weather, the river water can feel chilly, and even in summer the pool may not match your idea of a spa. Food details also need checking, since the booking information says food is not included while recent trips have provided a sandwich and drink.

Key points at a glance

• Two swimming stops: Salto de la Novia offers a cool waterfall swim, while Montanejos gives you a gentler 25°C pool.
• A guide-led mountain day: Ivan, Miguel, Serena, Kika, and other local guides add history, practical help, and humor along the way.
• Eight hours from Valencia: The day includes roughly 45-minute road sections, a longer 75-minute return, and time for swimming and lunch.
• Useful equipment included: Noodles, life jackets, snorkel masks, and children’s water toys are available.
• Options beyond swimming: You can choose hiking, rafting, or kayaking instead of the Girlfriend Waterfall stop when booking.
• Best for active visitors: You need comfortable shoes, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and enough mobility for uneven natural surfaces.

Two mountain-water experiences in one day

This excursion takes you from Valencia into the Valencian Community’s inland mountains. It is not a formal spa visit and it is not a hard hiking expedition. Think of it as a relaxed outdoor day built around swimming, short walks, scenic stops, and a guide who handles the roads and timing.

The usual route includes Salto de la Novia, also called Girlfriend Waterfall, and Aigües Termals de Montanejos. The sites are separate, so you ride between them rather than walking from one to the other. That matters when packing: keep your swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and water shoes easy to reach instead of buried in a large bag.

You meet at Av. d’Aragó, 31, at The Little Corner Café, though the exact meeting point can depend on the option you book. Hotel pickup is not included. The return is to the same general meeting location, giving you a simple start and finish in Valencia.

The ride from Valencia to Salto de la Novia

The first road section takes about 45 minutes. In a small bus or van, the journey is part of the experience rather than a dead stretch of transport. Guides often use the drive to explain local culture, Spanish history, the countryside, and points of interest along the route.

Ivan receives especially strong praise for his stories about the Spanish Civil War, the area’s natural resources, and local life. Miguel has also been singled out for keeping the group relaxed and included. Guide quality can vary from day to day, of course, but the company clearly puts a lot of weight on having a personable local guide.

The vehicle is air-conditioned, and several people appreciated the clean, comfortable vans. If you sit at the back, sound may be harder to catch, especially if you have hearing loss. Ask to sit nearer the guide if that matters to you. One guest with motion sickness was also allowed to sit at the front, so it is worth explaining any practical concern before departure.

Swimming below the Girlfriend Waterfall

Salto de la Novia is the more dramatic of the two water stops. The name means Girlfriend’s Leap, and the waterfall gives you a striking setting for photographs, a walk, and a swim. The water here is cooler than Montanejos, which makes this stop especially refreshing on a hot summer day.

You get about 1.5 hours at the waterfall according to the planned schedule. That is enough time to look around, take pictures, and swim without turning the stop into a rushed photo call. The water may feel cold, but that is part of the appeal. In summer, it provides a sharp contrast to the warmer pool later in the day.

The area can include slippery rocks and uneven ground. Water shoes are a very good idea, and one guide even helped a visitor who had forgotten theirs. Bring your own if possible, since you should not count on a particular size being available.

The waterfall is also a good place to use the supplied snorkel equipment, if available on your departure. Some guides bring masks and water toys, and the equipment is particularly handy for families and anyone who wants more than a quick swim. At some departures, guides may take photographs with your own camera and help the group share pictures afterward.

Montanejos and its year-round 25°C water

After the waterfall, you continue by vehicle to Montanejos. The planned drive takes another 45 minutes. Here, the setting changes from a single waterfall to a larger natural swimming area framed by mountain scenery and the Mijares River.

The water temperature in the swimming area is listed as 25°C, or 77°F, throughout the year. That is pleasant and mild, but it is important not to picture a steaming hot spring. In winter, the water can feel crisp, especially where colder mountain runoff mixes with the warmer spring water.

The warmest water may be found in a small retaining pool rather than across the entire swimming area. One useful detail from a winter visit is that this pool may hold only two or three people comfortably. Small fish can nibble gently at your feet if you stay still, a quirky natural detail that some people enjoy and others may find odd.

The best approach is to enter the water gradually and give yourself time to adjust. On a warm day, the river feels comfortable and refreshing. On a cool day, you may spend more time photographing the setting, walking nearby, or staying in the warmer section rather than swimming for a long stretch.

The planned Montanejos stop lasts about two hours, including a guided visit, a walk, photographs, and swimming. That is a generous amount of time for a day trip. You should not feel pushed from one activity to the next, although the exact balance can change with weather and group needs.

A short walk, local stories, and a possible surprise

The Montanejos portion includes some walking, but this is not sold as a demanding mountain trek. Wear comfortable shoes because natural paths, rocks, and wet ground can make sandals awkward. The walk helps you see more than just the swimming area and gives the guide room to explain the springs, surrounding countryside, and local stories.

A few departures have included a stop at Spanish Civil War trenches. This adds a useful human layer to a day otherwise focused on water and scenery. The stop may be brief, but it helps explain why the region is more than a pretty swimming spot.

The experience also promises a surprise, though its exact form is not set out in the booking details. That means you should treat it as a pleasant extra rather than the main reason to book. The sure things are the waterfall, Montanejos, swimming, transport, and guide-led touring.

Lunch, changing facilities, and the practical side

The schedule allows about 30 minutes for lunch at Montanejos. Several departures have included a sandwich and drink, and the food has been described as fresh and satisfying. One guide made sure a gluten-free lunch was available, but you should still state dietary needs at booking.

There is an important mismatch in the published information. Food is listed as not included, while recent operating details describe lunch being provided. I would confirm the arrangement before departure and carry some money for extra food, drinks, or ice cream. A concession stand and bathrooms are available at the thermal pool area.

Changing facilities are available at the thermal pool location. They are useful, but do not assume a full spa setup. A quick-drying towel, a plastic bag for wet swimwear, and water shoes will make the rest of the day easier.

The guides regularly carry cold drinking water. Still, bring your own reusable bottle if you can. You will be outdoors for much of the day, and sunscreen is essential even when the air feels mild.

Optional hiking, rafting, or kayaking

When you reserve, you may have the option to choose hiking, rafting, or kayaking instead of the Girlfriend Waterfall stop. This changes the character of the excursion.

Choose the standard waterfall option if you want variety, easy swimming, and a relaxed day with two different natural settings. Choose an activity option if you care more about a particular outdoor sport than seeing both water sites.

The available details do not set out the length, difficulty, or exact equipment for each alternative. Read the option carefully before paying, especially if you are choosing based on fitness level or previous experience. The standard trip includes safety equipment for the water stops, but do not assume every optional activity has the same setup unless it is stated in your booking.

What the $57 price really covers

At $57 per person, this is strong value if you want a full day outside Valencia without renting a car. The price covers private transport from Valencia, air conditioning, a professional local guide, tickets, taxes, accident insurance, and general safety support.

You are also paying for the driver’s time on winding mountain roads and for the coordination between two separate sites. Doing this independently would require transport, route planning, parking, entry arrangements, and a way to get back after swimming. The tour removes that work.

The value is best for couples, solo visitors, families with older children, and anyone who wants company during an outdoor day. It is less compelling if you already have a car, prefer to set your own pace, or want a genuinely hot thermal bath rather than a warm natural pool.

The group size is described as intimate, but no fixed number is given. Some departures have been very small, even with only two people, while others include a larger mix of families and couples. A small group generally makes it easier to ask questions and get help, though seating and conversation may be less comfortable if the vehicle is full.

Who should book this day trip

I would choose this outing if you want a break from Valencia’s city streets and like active sightseeing without a punishing schedule. You get swimming, short walks, views from the road, and useful cultural context in one day.

It is also a good fit for families with children old enough to manage natural swimming areas. Life jackets, noodles, snorkel masks, and children’s water toys are included when available. Parents still need to supervise closely, since this is an outdoor river and waterfall setting rather than a controlled pool.

Couples may like the mix of quiet swimming, mountain scenery, and a shared day away from the city. Solo visitors can benefit from the friendly group format, especially on a day when independent transport would be awkward.

I would think twice if you use a wheelchair, since the experience is not suitable for wheelchair users. Babies under one year are also not accepted. The tour involves vehicle transfers, natural paths, swimming areas, and uneven surfaces, so it is not the right choice for anyone needing fully step-free access.

What to pack and what to leave behind

Bring comfortable walking shoes, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and light comfortable clothes. Add water shoes if you have them. Rocks around the swimming areas can be uncomfortable under bare feet.

A waterproof phone pouch is sensible if you want pictures near the water. Keep valuables to a minimum, since the day revolves around swimming and outdoor stops. A small bag with dry clothes will help you feel better on the ride back.

Pets are not allowed. Smoking, food, drinks, and alcohol are not allowed in the vehicle, and fireworks, drugs, and explosive substances are prohibited. These rules are simple, but they matter in a small, shared van.

The language of the tour is English and Spanish. If you have difficulty hearing, request a seat near the guide before the vehicle fills. The guides are generally attentive, but being close makes it easier to catch stories during the drive.

Is Montanejos really a hot spring?

This is the key expectation to set correctly. The Montanejos water is warm at about 25°C, but it is not a steaming bath. The swimming area can feel cooler where mountain water mixes in, particularly outside the warmest pool.

That is not a flaw if you want a natural swim in a beautiful setting. It is a drawback if you are seeking deep heat for sore muscles or a traditional spa experience. The word thermal describes the spring source, but your actual swim may feel more like a mild natural pool.

The waterfall is colder still, so the two stops work well together. Cool water wakes you up, while Montanejos gives you a gentler, longer swim. In hot weather, this balance is excellent. In winter, you should be prepared for a bracing outdoor day.

Should you book it?

Book this trip if you want a well-organized escape from Valencia with two very different water stops, a local guide, and transport included for $57. The strongest reasons are the beautiful mountain setting, the relaxed timing, and the guides’ habit of supplying water, lending equipment, sharing local stories, and watching out for the group.

Do not book it expecting a hot spa. Montanejos is warm, not hot, and the waterfall is cold. Confirm lunch arrangements, bring water shoes, and choose the standard or activity option based on whether you want variety or a sport-focused day.

For most visitors who want nature without hiring a car, this is an easy recommendation. It gives you a full day outside the city, enough free time to swim, and the comfort of having Ivan, Miguel, Serena, Kika, or another local guide manage the details.

FAQ

How long does the Montanejos day trip last?

The experience lasts about eight hours. The planned schedule includes a 45-minute drive to Salto de la Novia, another 45-minute drive to Montanejos, and about 75 minutes for the return to Valencia.

Is the Montanejos water hot?

No. The swimming area is about 25°C, or 77°F, all year. The water may feel cooler in places where mountain runoff mixes with the spring water.

Can I swim at the Girlfriend Waterfall?

Yes. The Salto de la Novia stop includes time for swimming, photographs, and exploring the area. The planned stay is about 1.5 hours.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and comfortable clothing. Water shoes are especially useful because the swimming areas have rocks.

Is lunch included?

The published details are inconsistent. Food is listed as not included, while recent operating arrangements have provided a sandwich and drink. Confirm the lunch plan before departure and bring money for additional food or drinks.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users and babies?

No. The experience is not suitable for wheelchair users or babies under one year. It includes natural swimming areas, walking, and uneven outdoor surfaces.