From Valencia: Full Day Tour to Montanejos & Thermal Pools

Montanejos gives you a proper change of scene from Valencia: pine-covered hills, canyon walls, turquoise sections of the Mijares River, and a natural swimming area at Fuente de los Baños. The day works especially well because you can choose between a moderate guided hike and a slower riverside visit.

I like the mix of effort and rest, plus the guides who keep the group moving with humor and useful local stories. Arturo, Alex, Taoufik, and Eszter are among the guides praised for their energy and care. The main catch is simple: the thermal water is not hot. At about 23°C, it feels refreshing rather than spa-like, and the route includes rocky ground, slopes, and uneven sections.

Key points to know before you book

• About 1.5 hours each way by coach: The ride takes you from Valencia into the mountains of Castellón, but it does use three hours of the eight-hour day.
• A real hike, not just a viewpoint walk: Expect moderate difficulty, uneven ground, slopes, and roughly 5 kilometers with around 250 meters of elevation according to one tour description from the route.
• The cave may be part of the adventure: Guides sometimes include a cave visit, so sports shoes are essential and a small light can be useful.
• Fuente de los Baños is refreshing, not hot: The mineral water stays close to 23°C throughout the year.
• Guides shape the experience: Arturo, Alex, Taoufik, Kate, Eszter, and others have been praised for humor, patience, safety, and local knowledge.
• Bring your own day supplies: Food, drinks, towel, swimwear, sunscreen, a hat, and water shoes are not included.

Leaving Valencia for Montanejos

The tour starts at one of two central pickup points: Torres de Serranos, in front of the MYR Hotel bus stop, or the Hola Trip office on Carrer de Ramon Llull 21. The bus and guide arrive together on the main road, and you need to be ready at the stated time. The driver waits no more than five minutes, so this is not the morning to arrive casually.

Once aboard, you have about 90 minutes to settle in. The coach is air-conditioned, and the drive changes from city streets to inland scenery and mountain roads. I see the journey as part of the appeal, since Montanejos feels far removed from Valencia, but you should also be realistic: almost three hours of an eight-hour outing are spent in transit.

The guides often set a friendly tone early. Arturo is repeatedly singled out for humor and group spirit, while Alex, Taoufik, Eszter, Kate, and other guides have been praised for patience and clear direction. Guide assignments can change, so book this for the outing itself rather than for one particular person.

Choosing the hike or a slower day

When you reach Montanejos, you can join the guided route or skip it and spend more time near the river. This choice is one of the tour’s best features because it gives you some control over the day.

The hiking option suits you if you enjoy a steady walk, rocky trails, canyon views, and stops for photos. It is described as moderate, with slopes and uneven terrain. One route estimate puts it at about 5 kilometers and 250 meters of elevation, though the exact path can change with weather and trail conditions.

You do not need to be an expert walker, but you should have a basic level of fitness. Several parts may feel harder in hot weather, and one uphill section has been described as fast enough that you may want to tell the guide if you need a slower pace. Good footwear matters more than stylish footwear here. Flat soles make the rocky sections less secure.

If you skip the hike, you can stay around Montanejos, sit by the river, explore at your own pace, or simply enjoy the mountain air. You will give up the higher viewpoints, cave visit, and some of the more dramatic canyon scenery, but this is a sensible choice if you are not comfortable with slopes.

Walking through canyons, pine forest, and caves

The hiking route follows trails around the river and through pine-covered mountain country. You can expect viewpoints over the canyon, rock formations, river sections, and broad views of the surrounding hills. The guide adds local nature facts and stories, including the legend of a Moorish queen said to have bathed in these waters centuries ago.

The route has more variety than a simple walk to a swimming spot. Depending on conditions and the guide’s plan, you may visit a cave, see a dam from above, or reach quieter sections of the river. Some guides have also led groups to waterfalls and places for an extra swim, though these additions should not be treated as guaranteed parts of every departure.

A cave visit can be one of the day’s most memorable moments, but it has practical drawbacks. You may get dirty, and one useful tip is to bring a small light. Baby wipes or similar cleaning supplies can help after the cave. The trail can be exposed and warm, so carry water rather than relying on a later purchase.

The group normally stops along the way, giving you time to rest and take photos. Still, this is a guided group hike, not a private walk. If you want to linger at every viewpoint, the pace may feel brisk. Tell the guide early if you need more time or a slower climb.

Fuente de los Baños and the 23°C water

After the walking portion, the group spends about 90 minutes at Fuente de los Baños. This is the payoff for many people: a swim in clear sections of the Mijares River, surrounded by cliffs and trees.

The water is mineral-rich and stays at about 23°C all year. That constant temperature explains why it is called thermal water, but do not arrive expecting a heated spa. In summer, the water feels wonderfully refreshing after a hike. On a cooler day, it can feel cold, and you may not want to stay in for long.

The setting is the real attraction. You can swim, sit beside the river, sunbathe, and take in the cliffs. Water shoes are useful because river edges and submerged surfaces can be uneven. Swimwear, a towel, and a dry change of clothes are practical necessities.

The area can become crowded, especially in warm weather. Toilets and changing facilities are available, but supplies may run low, so carrying wet wipes is wise. There is also a kiosk, including large cups of sangria, but food and drinks are not included and prices may make sharing sensible. I would bring a packed lunch and plenty of water instead of depending on the kiosk.

What the day really costs in time and money

At $52 per person, the trip offers reasonable value if you want transport, a guide, the hike, and access to Fuente de los Baños without arranging the day yourself. A private taxi or rental car would give you more freedom, but you would still need to plan the route, parking, trail, swimming area, and timing.

The value is strongest if you take the hike. You get a full day outdoors, a guide who handles route-finding, and a mix of walking and swimming for less than many organized adventure outings. If you plan only to sit by the river, the price may feel less attractive because the coach journey takes three hours and the free time is limited.

The group can be fairly large. One account refers to a group of 32 people, which helps explain the social feel and the need to follow a schedule. Larger groups can also mean a slower start, less time at individual viewpoints, and a busier feel at the swimming area. In return, you are unlikely to feel isolated on the trail, and the guides work to keep people together.

The outing lasts eight hours, normally leaving in the morning and returning to Valencia in the late afternoon. That makes it easy to fit into a short Valencia stay, especially if you want one day away from museums, markets, and city streets.

What to pack for a comfortable day

Pack for two separate activities: hiking and swimming. I would bring:

• Sports shoes with a secure grip
• Water shoes for the river
• Swimwear and a towel
• A dry change of clothes
• Sun hat and sunscreen
• Plenty of water
• Food or a packed lunch
• A small light for the cave
• Wet wipes for after the cave or crowded facilities

Do not wear shoes that you would hate to get dusty or muddy. The cave and rocky trails may leave you dirty, and changing into dry clothes after the swim makes the return coach ride much more pleasant.

The thermal water is not heated, so a towel and dry layers matter even in summer. On a hot day, the hike can feel intense, while on a cooler day the swim can be brief. Check the weather before leaving and adjust your clothing accordingly.

Safety, fitness, and age limits

This is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, heart problems, respiratory issues, or for pregnant women. The route includes slopes and uneven ground, and you need to walk comfortably for several hours.

The supplied age guidance is not fully consistent. One part gives a range of 12 to 70, while another says the outing is not suitable for children under 14 or people over 65. If your age falls near either limit, confirm the current rule before paying.

You should also understand that a guide can support and encourage you, but cannot turn a moderate mountain walk into an easy stroll. If you become tired, speak up. A kind guide can help you manage the pace, but the group still has a timetable.

Weather and trail conditions can change the route. A cave, waterfall, extra swim, or particular viewpoint may not be possible on every departure. That flexibility is sensible in the mountains, but it means you should treat these as possible additions rather than fixed promises.

The guide can make or break the day

This experience depends heavily on the guide’s style. The strongest reports point to guides who combine clear instructions with humor and personal attention. Arturo is noted for keeping the mood high and watching out for safety. Taoufik has been praised for finding quieter river spots and adding extra points of interest. Alex, Eszter, Kate, and others have been described as patient and encouraging on the route.

That matters when the group includes people with different fitness levels. A good guide keeps the stronger walkers from racing too far ahead and helps less confident hikers finish without feeling embarrassed. You still need to make an honest assessment of your ability, but friendly leadership makes a difference.

The coach ride can also become part of the social side of the tour. Guides may share local facts, jokes, and suggestions for things to do in Valencia. You should expect a group atmosphere rather than a quiet private excursion.

Who should book this Montanejos trip

I would choose this tour if you want a simple way to see the mountains outside Valencia and like having your active time organized. It suits you especially well if you enjoy a moderate walk, natural swimming, photo stops, and meeting other people during the day.

It also works well for a short stay. If you have only two or three days in Valencia, this gives you a very different side of the Valencian Community without renting a car.

I would think twice if you want genuinely hot water, long uninterrupted swimming time, a private guide, or a gentle stroll with no hills. The 23°C pools are refreshing rather than warm, the route may be rocky, and the swimming stop lasts about 90 minutes.

The flexible hiking choice helps, but the best version of the day is probably the full combination: hike first, then swim. That is when the cool river feels most rewarding.

FAQ

How long is the tour from Valencia?

The complete experience lasts about eight hours, with a morning departure and a late afternoon return. The coach ride takes around 1.5 hours each way.

Where can I meet the coach?

You can choose Torres de Serranos, at the bus stop in front of the MYR Hotel, or the Hola Trip office at Carrer de Ramon Llull 21. Wait on the main road at the scheduled time.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. You need to travel to one of the two stated pickup points in Valencia.

Is the hike difficult?

The hike is described as moderate and includes slopes, uneven ground, and rocky sections. A basic fitness level and suitable sports shoes are recommended.

How warm are the thermal pools?

The water stays at about 23°C throughout the year. It is not artificially heated, so it may feel cold, especially in cooler weather.

Can I skip the hike?

Yes. You can choose a more relaxed day in Montanejos, with time to stay near the river, explore independently, or rest before the swimming stop.

What languages does the guide speak?

The tour is offered in English and Spanish.

What happens if the weather changes?

The route may be altered because of weather or trail conditions. Specific viewpoints, caves, waterfalls, or other route sections may therefore vary.

Should you book it?

Book this Montanejos trip if you want strong scenery, a moderate outdoor challenge, and a refreshing river swim without arranging transport yourself. At $52, it is a fair buy when you use the hike and guided access as well as the pools.

Bring proper shoes, water, food, and realistic expectations about the temperature. If you are hoping for hot springs or a quiet spa day, choose something else. If you want one lively day of canyon views, pine trails, cave possibilities, and cold clear water, this is one of the better escapes from Valencia.