Montanejos Hiking Tour & Thermal Pools from Valencia

Montanejos gives you a full change of scene from Valencia: pine woods, rocky gorges, the turquoise Mijares River, and a swim in natural pools beneath the cliffs. I like the way this $59.26 day trip removes the transport headache, and I like the mix of a guided hike with several hours beside the water. Guides such as Arturo, Alejandro, Nouha, and Nico are often praised for bringing humor and energy to the day.

The main catch is simple but important: these are refreshing pools, not hot springs. The water stays around 23°C, and some people find it chilly. The hike can also feel brisk in hot weather, and a group of up to 53 people is not ideal if you want a quiet, slow-paced mountain walk.

Key points to know before booking

• The pools are about 23°C: They are called thermal because of their mineral composition, not because the water is hot.
• The hike takes about four hours: Expect mountain paths, pine woods, cliffs, river views, and some uphill sections.
• Transport is included: The air-conditioned coach makes Montanejos practical without arranging regional buses or a rental car.
• The group can be large: The maximum is 53 people, so the pace and amount of guide commentary may vary.
• Bring water, food, sun protection, and toilet paper: Food and drinks are not included, and facilities can be limited.
• You can focus on the pools if needed: Some people skip the hike and spend the free time by the water, though the tour is built around both activities.

Why Montanejos makes a good escape from Valencia

Valencia is easy to enjoy for several days, but its flat coastal setting does not prepare you for Montanejos. The town sits inland among mountain ridges and river gorges, where the Mijares River cuts through pale rock and pine-covered slopes.

The change begins during the coach ride. You leave the city behind and spend the day in fresh mountain air, away from traffic and city streets. Since the tour includes round-trip transport, you do not need to work out a complicated connection or decide who will drive after a hot hike and swim.

The full outing lasts about eight hours, including the journey from and back to Valencia. That makes it a substantial day, not a quick half-day stop. At $59.26, the price is fair if you want transport, a guide, and access to the Fuentes de los Baños in one booking. It is less appealing if you only want to sit beside the river, since you are paying for the organized hike and coach as well.

The four-hour walk through the Mijares valley

The walking portion is the active heart of the day. You follow a guide along mountain paths above the Mijares River, with views into the canyon and across the surrounding peaks. Pine trees, Mediterranean plants, rocky walls, and open viewpoints give the route variety.

The best part is the sense of progression. You are not simply dropped beside a swimming hole. The path takes you through the wider setting first, then brings you toward the water as the reward. Several viewpoints offer time for photographs, and the guide may explain local geology, plants, wildlife, and the story of the Moorish Queen’s Baths.

Do not picture a gentle stroll on a paved path. The route includes uphill sections and uneven mountain ground, and the pace may feel fast if you are not used to walking in heat. One useful detail is that the full description does not show every demanding part of the route. Some sections follow an access road and pass near electrical transmission lines, so the scenery is not untouched wilderness at every step.

The route can also change in character with the season. You might see waterfalls, wildflowers, or birds circling above the cliffs. Some departures have included a cave, a waterfall area, or a surprise stop at a clear lake. These additions depend on the route and conditions, so treat them as possible extras rather than guaranteed stops.

I would wear proper walking shoes, not smooth city trainers. Bring a hat, sunscreen, and more water than you think you need. A hot day can make even a moderate walk feel demanding, especially when the group keeps moving.

Guides who shape the day

The human side of this outing matters. Arturo is frequently praised for his humor and kindness, while Alejandro is described as animated and attentive. Nouha, Nico, Tofiq, Paco, Filip, Kate, and Jean-Francois have also led departures or helped with groups.

The strongest guide experiences combine practical care with a sense of fun. A good guide can point out the cave, explain the gorge, keep people together, and make a large group feel less formal. Cliff jumping and cave exploration have been included on some outings, but you should never assume those activities are part of every departure. Follow the guide’s instructions and only attempt anything that is clearly permitted and suitable for you.

There is a tradeoff. A large group makes the trip social and can be an easy way to meet people if you are traveling alone. It also means the guide cannot give every person much individual attention. Slow walkers may fall behind the main commentary, and the group may pause less often than an experienced hiker would prefer.

If you want a quiet walk with plenty of time for photographs, a small private outing would suit you better. If you want a simple, social day with an upbeat guide, the larger format may work well.

Fuentes de los Baños: beautiful, clear, and not hot

After the walk, you get free time at Fuentes de los Baños. This is the part shown in the tour’s name, but the word thermal can create the wrong expectation.

The water is about 23°C throughout the year. That is cooler than body temperature, so it may feel cold when you first enter, especially in autumn or on a cloudy day. Some warmer spots may be found farther into the canyon, but this is not a hot bathing resort.

What you get instead is a natural river setting with clear water, rock shelves, cliffs, and green vegetation. You can swim, float, sit on the rocks, wade along the edge, or relax on the shore. Fish may be visible in the pools, and a spring provides mineral water for filling bottles when available.

The swim is particularly welcome after the hike. On a very hot day, the cool water is a reward rather than a problem. In cooler weather, you may prefer to keep your swim short and spend more time sitting beside the river.

There may be a small café or snack bar near the pools, but you should not rely on it. One departure found the café closed, with nowhere nearby to buy a drink or refill a bottle. Bring your own food and water, since neither is included.

The area can also become busy, especially in summer. A large organized group arriving at once will not give you a private riverbank. Still, the cliffs and water make this a memorable setting, and you can use your free time at your own pace once the group reaches the pools.

What to pack for the coach, hike, and swim

Packing well will improve the day more than almost anything else. You will need to carry your belongings during the walk because you may not be able to leave items on the bus.

Bring:

• Sturdy walking shoes
• Swimsuit and a towel
• A hat and sunscreen
• Plenty of water
• Food or a packed lunch
• A small backpack
• Dry clothes for the ride home
• Toilet paper or tissues
• A light hoodie for the coach

The last item may sound odd in Spain, but the air conditioning on the coach can be very strong. A hoodie is also useful after swimming when the temperature drops.

Wear clothing that handles heat and movement. If your thighs tend to chafe, use your usual prevention before the walk. There are washrooms at the pool area where you can change, but facilities should not be treated as guaranteed at every stop.

Toilet paper is especially worth carrying. At least one early bathroom stop may have no paper, and this is the sort of small detail that can affect your mood for the next six hours.

Meeting the coach in Valencia

You choose between two pickup points. One is at Torres de Serranos, at the bus stop opposite the MYR Hotel. The other is the Hola Trip office at C/ Ramon Llull 21, opposite the purple office.

The timing is slightly different at each point. At Serranos Towers, wait ten minutes before the starting time. At the Hola Trip office, pickup is ten minutes after the starting time. Your confirmation will provide the scheduled time, and you should look for the guide wearing a HOLA TRIP badge.

The coach is air-conditioned, and the journey is included in the price. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to reach one of the listed meeting points yourself. Both are served by public transport, which keeps the start reasonably simple.

Communication is usually straightforward when you follow the pickup instructions. Arrive early, especially at the bus stop, since a city pickup is not the place to rely on a last-minute sprint.

Fitness, age limits, and accessibility

This is not an easy sightseeing bus tour. You need moderate physical fitness and the ability to walk on mountain paths with uphill sections. Hot weather can make the route feel harder, and the pace may not suit someone who wants frequent, long stops.

The tour is not offered to people under 14 or over 65. It is also not suitable for people with mobility impairments. That is a firm practical limit, not a minor note. If you need accessible paths, a slower pace, or regular seating, choose another way to visit Montanejos.

For fit teenagers and adults within the stated age range, the walk is manageable for many people. Still, you should be comfortable walking for several hours and carrying your own water and personal items.

Is the $59.26 price good value?

The value depends on how much of the day you want organized for you. The price covers the coach in both directions, the guided hike, the tour guide, and skip-the-line access to Fuentes de los Baños. It also saves you the effort of planning the route and arranging transport into the mountains.

For a first visit to Valencia, that convenience has real value. You can leave the city, hike, swim, and return without renting a car or studying bus connections. The tour also gives you a social setting if you are traveling alone.

The price is less compelling if you want a small group, a slow hiking pace, or a guaranteed hot-water experience. You are also buying a full-day schedule, so the outing may feel long if your main goal is simply to sit beside the river.

The overall rating of 4.6 from 111 ratings points to a generally strong experience, but the lower scores highlight the same issues you should weigh carefully: cool water, large groups, limited commentary for people at the back, and scenery that can include utility lines. Those are not deal breakers for everyone, but they explain why this is not a perfect match for every visitor.

Who should book this Montanejos day trip?

I would recommend it to you if you want:

• A nature day outside Valencia without planning transport
• A guided walk with canyon and river views
• A refreshing swim after physical activity
• A social group outing
• A mix of hiking, scenery, and free time
• An active alternative to museums and city streets

I would think twice if you want:

• Hot springs
• A private or very small group
• An easy paved walk
• A quiet, slow photography walk
• Accessible paths
• A guaranteed café or food stop

The outing is especially good for solo visitors, couples, and friends who enjoy being active but do not want to organize a mountain day themselves. It can also work for mixed groups because someone who does not want to hike may spend more time by the pools, although the tour is still designed around the full outing.

Should you book it?

Book this Montanejos tour if you understand that thermal means mineral-rich and naturally warm by local standards, not hot. The real prize is the combination of mountain scenery, a guided route, and a swim in a dramatic river gorge.

Go prepared for heat, uneven paths, a possible brisk pace, and a group that may be much larger than you hoped. Pack your own food, water, toilet paper, towel, sunscreen, and a hoodie for the coach.

If those conditions suit you, $59.26 buys a practical and enjoyable escape from Valencia. If your ideal day is quiet, slow, and spa-like, arrange a smaller outing instead.

FAQ

How long does the Montanejos tour last?

The excursion lasts about eight hours in total, including transport to Montanejos and the return journey to Valencia.

What is included in the price?

The price includes round-trip transfers by air-conditioned coach, a guided hiking route, a tour guide, and skip-the-line access to Fuentes de los Baños.

Are the Montanejos pools hot?

No. The water stays around 23°C throughout the year. The pools are called thermal because of their mineral composition, not because they are hot.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, so bring enough water and food for the hike and the time beside the pools.

Where do I meet the tour?

You can choose Torres de Serranos, at the bus stop opposite the MYR Hotel, or the Hola Trip office at C/ Ramon Llull 21, opposite the purple office.

Is the hike suitable for everyone?

The tour requires moderate physical fitness and includes mountain paths and uphill sections. It is not offered to people under 14 or over 65, or to people with mobility impairments.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not refunded or accepted. If poor weather or an insufficient number of bookings cancels the tour, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.