From Valencia: Montanejos Thermal Springs & Great Waterfall

Montanejos gives you the kind of break Valencia cannot: warm river water, a waterfall, and mountain scenery in one long day. You start with a 45-minute ride to Salto de la Novia, then have time to swim before continuing to the thermal pools at Montanejos.

I like the mix of active and restful stops, and I like that the guides bring practical help, including life jackets and pool noodles when available. The main drawback is the big-group format. Transport may be a bus or van, and the day has several road sections, so this is not a quiet private outing.

• Salto de la Novia: Swim and take photos at the waterfall for about 90 minutes.
• Montanejos thermal water: Spend two hours in natural water kept at about 25°C year-round.
• Air-conditioned transport: Ride from Valencia and between the two separate bathing areas.
• Safety equipment: Life jackets and pool noodles may be available, useful for children and weaker swimmers.
• Simple pricing: The $69 fee includes transport, guide, tickets, taxes, and insurance, but not lunch or drinks.

Why Montanejos makes a good break from Valencia

Valencia is easy to love, but after a few days of city streets, tiled markets, and busy plazas, you may want open air and water. Montanejos provides that change without requiring an overnight stay. The round trip lasts eight hours, with the drive broken into manageable sections and the swimming stops doing most of the work.

The appeal is not a grand monument or a formal spa. You are visiting natural river pools and a waterfall, so the experience feels outdoorsy and informal. Bring a towel, swimwear, sunscreen, comfortable clothing, and shoes that can handle a wet setting.

The water at the thermal swimming area is listed at 25°C, or 77°F, throughout the year. That is pleasantly mild rather than hot. If you are picturing a steaming European bath, adjust your expectations. This is closer to a warm natural river swim, with room to move around and enjoy the setting.

Leaving Valencia and meeting the group

The stated meeting point is by Mestalla football stadium, on the side facing Suecia Avenue, at gate N1 in the corner. Arrive early enough to find the exact spot without rushing. The schedule also refers to The Little Corner Café as the starting and ending location, so check the final meeting instructions carefully before you leave your accommodation.

Hotel pickup is not included. You need to reach the meeting point yourself, which is easy enough if you are already in Valencia but adds a small planning task. The tour operates in English and Spanish, and the guide travels with the group for the day.

The vehicle has air-conditioning, an important detail during Valencia’s warmer months. The transport may be a coach or van. The experience is advertised for a large group, though a September departure used a smaller air-conditioned van, so the exact feel can change from one date to another.

That variation matters. A full coach gives you a social outing at a lower price, while a smaller van usually feels more personal and makes it easier to hear the guide. You cannot count on the smaller vehicle, so book this as a group excursion rather than a private tour.

Salto de la Novia and the first swim

After about 45 minutes on the road, you reach Salto de la Novia, translated as Bride’s Jump. The stop lasts roughly 90 minutes and includes time for photos and swimming. The waterfall is one of the visual highlights of the day, so keep your camera ready before you change into swimwear.

This first stop gives the tour some energy right away. You are not spending the morning in a vehicle before seeing anything. The waterfall and surrounding rock make a strong setting for photos, while the swim lets you cool off and get comfortable in the water.

The stop is not only a photo call. You have enough time for an actual swim, but 90 minutes is still a fixed window. If you want a long, unhurried session beside the water, you may find the schedule brisk. Stay aware of the departure time and do not wander too far from the meeting area.

The water conditions can vary from the warm thermal pools later in the day. Bring a towel that dries reasonably well, and pack your wet swimsuit so it does not soak the rest of your bag. Comfortable shoes are listed as essential, and they are a sensible choice for getting around a natural swimming area.

The Montanejos thermal pools at 25°C

After another 45-minute ride, you reach Aigües Termals de Montanejos. The schedule allows two hours for photos and swimming, followed by a 30-minute lunch break. This is the part of the day built for slowing down.

The thermal water stays at about 25°C all year in the swimming area. That steady temperature is the key attraction. It should feel comfortable in many seasons, though it is not hot enough to replace a heated spa. You can swim, float, and enjoy the river setting without expecting a steamy soak.

Some parts of the river are deeper. One family specifically found the supplied life jackets and pool noodles useful for a 12-year-old. If you are not a strong swimmer, or if you are bringing children, ask the guide about the available equipment and stay within your comfort level.

The setting has been compared to Thailand because of the river pools and dramatic natural surroundings. That comparison is more useful as a mood than as a literal promise. You are still in the Valencian countryside, with a natural swimming area rather than a managed resort.

The thermal stop is long enough to feel worthwhile. Two hours lets you swim, sit by the water, take photos, and change at an unhurried pace. It also means you should bring the items you need for several hours outdoors. Sunscreen is especially important, since time beside reflective water can catch you out even when the air feels mild.

Lunch is simple and self-funded

The schedule includes a 30-minute lunch period, but food and drinks are not included. Plan to buy or bring your own meal according to the instructions you receive, and do not assume that a restaurant meal forms part of the $69 price.

A half-hour lunch break is practical rather than leisurely. You have enough time to eat, but not enough for a long sit-down meal with several courses. Pack sensibly and keep your meal easy to manage.

Food and drinks are not allowed in the vehicle, and smoking is prohibited. Alcohol and drugs are also not allowed, with alcoholic drinks specifically prohibited in the vehicle. These rules may feel strict on a long day out, but they keep the shared transport cleaner and more comfortable.

The ride back to Valencia

After the Montanejos stop and lunch, the return drive takes about 75 minutes before you arrive back at the Valencia meeting area. That is the longest single road section in the listed schedule, so save some water for the final stretch and expect the day to feel full.

The route works well because the morning and midday stops break up the driving. Still, this is not a quick half-day outing. You spend about three hours on the listed bus or van sections alone, not counting loading and unloading. If you dislike road trips, the transport time is the main point to weigh.

The air-conditioning helps, and a professional driver is included through the private transport arrangement. Accident insurance, taxes, and general insurance are also included. These details will not make the drive shorter, but they reduce the number of practical arrangements you need to handle yourself.

What the $69 price really covers

At $69 per person, the tour offers solid value if you want both transport and a guide. The fee includes an air-conditioned vehicle, private transport from Valencia, a local guide, tickets, accident insurance, taxes, and insurance.

The strongest value comes from the distance covered. You do not need to rent a car, plan the route, or coordinate two separate natural attractions. You also get a guide who can help with timing, explain the area, and offer advice about Valencia. One guide used the drive to share local stories and suggestions for things to do in the city, which adds useful context beyond the swimming stops.

The price does not include lunch or drinks. You should also budget for getting to the meeting point, since hotel pickup is not provided. The advertised express security access has limited importance for a nature-focused day, but tickets and entry arrangements are included.

For a family, the value improves if life jackets and pool noodles are available, since you avoid arranging extra water safety equipment. For a solo visitor, the group format can be useful because transport and planning are handled for you. For two people with access to a car, compare the total cost with driving independently, but remember that a tour adds a guide and removes the need to navigate.

The guide can shape the whole day

The guide is more important here than at a simple transfer. You need someone to keep the group moving, explain where to swim, help with safety questions, and make the two natural areas easy to understand.

The strongest feedback centers on friendly, helpful guiding and careful organization. Guides have been praised for starting on time, sharing practical tips, and helping families feel safe in deeper parts of the river. That is exactly the kind of service that matters on an outdoor day trip.

Do not expect a private guide focused only on you. With a large group, the guide must divide attention and follow a fixed schedule. You may get less time for personal questions than on a private outing, but you gain the ease of a planned day with clear departure times.

The language options are English and Spanish. If you need one of those languages for detailed explanations, confirm your chosen departure before booking.

Who should book this outing

I would choose this tour if you want a straightforward escape from Valencia with real swimming time, not just a quick photo stop. It fits solo visitors, couples, families, and anyone who prefers a planned day over car rental and route planning.

It also suits mixed-age groups. The water temperature is mild, the day is suitable for all ages, and the option of flotation equipment can help younger swimmers. Parents should still supervise children closely, especially in deeper river sections.

You may want another plan if you need complete flexibility. The itinerary has fixed stop lengths, a shared vehicle, and a set return time. It is also a poor match if you expect a luxury spa, a private group, or a full restaurant lunch.

Wear comfortable clothing and shoes, and pack your swimwear and towel where you can reach them. Sunscreen is essential. Since the waterfall and thermal springs are separate stops, you need to manage your belongings during two different swimming sessions.

Booking details worth checking

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now while paying later. That flexibility is useful when your Valencia schedule depends on weather or changing plans.

Check the departure time before booking because the start time varies by availability. Also confirm the precise meeting point, since the published details refer both to Mestalla stadium gate N1 and The Little Corner Café. Use the current confirmation rather than relying on a general map pin.

The group size and vehicle can vary. The experience is described as a big-group tour, but at least one departure used a smaller van. If a coach or large group would bother you, ask the provider before committing to a date.

Should you book Montanejos?

Book it if you want two different water stops, comfortable transport from Valencia, and a guide to handle the day’s logistics. The waterfall provides the drama, while the 25°C thermal river gives you time to relax. The $69 price is fair for the transport, guide, tickets, and insurance, as long as you remember to pay for your own food and drinks.

Skip it if you want a quiet private outing, a hot spa, or a flexible schedule. For everyone else, this is a well-paced way to trade Valencia’s city streets for fresh air, swimming, and a memorable day outside town.

FAQ

How long does the Montanejos tour last?

The activity lasts about eight hours, including transport from Valencia, the two swimming stops, lunch time, and the return journey.

Where is the meeting point?

The meeting point is at Mestalla football stadium on the side facing Suecia Avenue, at gate N1 in the corner. The schedule also refers to The Little Corner Café, so check your final confirmation for the exact departure instructions.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup is not included, so you need to make your own way to the meeting point.

What languages are available?

The live tour guide service is available in English and Spanish.

How warm is the thermal water?

The swimming area at the Montanejos thermal springs is listed at 25°C, or 77°F, throughout the year.

Is lunch included?

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

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and comfortable clothing.

Can I cancel the booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.