From Valencia: Montanejos Thermal Spring & Girlfriend Waterfall

Montanejos gives you something Valencia cannot: a mountain river day with warm spring water, rock walls, waterfalls, and a short trip through the interior of the province. You spend about eight hours away from the city, swimming at Fuente de los Baños and Salto de la Novia rather than simply looking at nature from a bus window.

I like the combination of two very different swimming spots and the friendly guiding style. Ivan, Miguel, Kika, Manuel, and Paola are often praised for keeping the group involved, explaining the area, and helping with photos and belongings. The air-conditioned ride also matters during a hot Spanish summer.

The main caution is footwear and terrain. This is not a polished pool outing. Rocks can be slippery, the short walk may feel steeper than advertised, and the waterfall stop can feel brief. Wear proper closed-toe trainers for the walk and sturdy water shoes for the river.

Key points to know before booking

• Two natural-water stops: Swim at Montanejos, where the water stays around 25°C year-round, then visit the separate Salto de la Novia waterfall.
• A social small-group day: The vehicle holds no more than 24 people, and guides often make introductions and encourage the group to mix.
• Good guides make the difference: Ivan, Miguel, Kika, Manuel, and Paola are praised for humor, care, local information, and safe driving.
• Bring serious footwear: Trainers are needed for rocky paths, while water shoes help on uneven river stones.
• Lunch is not included in the listed price: Plan for a meal stop, and check exactly what your departure package provides.
• The value is in the setting: At $107.68 per person, you are paying for transport, entry tickets, a guide, insurance, and a full day in the mountains.

Why Montanejos makes a strong day trip from Valencia

Valencia has beaches, broad boulevards, and easy city pleasures. Montanejos offers a different side of the region. The road heads inland toward mountain scenery, where the water runs through a river canyon and the air feels far removed from the city.

The journey takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes each way, so the transport time is part of the bargain. An air-conditioned vehicle is especially useful in July and August. You avoid arranging a rental car, finding the springs, and dealing with mountain roads yourself.

The trip begins at 9:00 am from Av. de Suècia 27, near Mestalla stadium. The meeting point is reported as easy to find, with the stadium and its entrance providing a clear landmark. Hotel pickup is not included, so you need to reach the meeting point on your own.

The group can include up to 24 people, though some departures may be smaller. A group of eight was reported on one outing, while other departures brought together people from several countries. That mix suits solo visitors and couples who enjoy meeting people, but it may feel less private than a custom excursion.

Fuente de los Baños and the 25°C river

The main stop is Fuente de los Baños de Montanejos, a natural thermal bathing area where the water temperature is listed at about 25°C, or 77°F, throughout the year. That is pleasantly mild rather than hot. Think refreshing river swim, not a steaming spa.

The setting is the real attraction. You bathe in a river canyon surrounded by rock and vegetation, with time to swim and enjoy the surroundings. Several outings provide enough free time for an unhurried swim, and guides may offer help watching bags while the group is in the water.

The water level and temperature can feel different depending on the season. One late-September visit found the water cold, while summer outings describe it as comfortable and refreshing. At the waterfall, the water is not thermal, so do not expect the same feel as the springs.

The riverbed includes rocks, and water shoes are one of the most useful things you can pack. Chaco-style sandals worked well for one family, but sturdy sea shoes give you better protection. Flip-flops and smooth-soled sandals are poor choices.

Changing facilities are available in portable bathrooms according to one family’s experience. A waterproof phone pouch is also worth bringing if you want pictures from the water. The guides have sometimes provided noodle floats, though you should not assume flotation equipment is guaranteed on every departure.

The walk, views, and extra stops

This experience is sold as a nature outing rather than a serious mountain hike. Still, you should not interpret that as a flat, easy stroll. The route can include loose rock, inclines, and uneven sections. One outing included a short walk to Spanish Civil War trenches, adding a small historical detail to the day.

Good trainers handled the walk for several people, but open-toed footwear and Crocs are not sensible here. A reviewer described the route as trickier than expected, while another found it easy and family-friendly. Both impressions can be true depending on your fitness, footwear, and comfort on uneven ground.

The views are one of the best reasons to accept the walking. You see the river from above, rocky mountain slopes, and thick plant growth around the water. Mountain goats have also been spotted during the drive or walk, though wildlife sightings are never part of the guaranteed program.

One criticism concerns a dam or brief viewing stop that some people found less rewarding than a longer hike. If you want a full day of demanding walking, this is not the right tour. The emphasis is on swimming, scenery, transport, and several short visits rather than a sustained trek.

Lunch and the middle of the day

Lunch is not included in the basic tour details, so check your specific booking carefully. The schedule allows about 30 minutes for lunch, which is enough for a practical meal but not a long restaurant experience.

Food arrangements can vary. Some descriptions mention sandwiches and a drink, while another family had a three-course meal at a hotel and especially enjoyed the calamari. An open-air place near the springs may also offer food and drinks. Because the information is not perfectly consistent, bring some money and confirm whether your package includes lunch before departure.

The short lunch break helps keep the day moving, but it can feel rushed if you prefer to linger. I would treat lunch as fuel between water stops rather than the reason to book the excursion.

Salto de la Novia, the Girlfriend Waterfall

The second major site is Salto de la Novia, known in English as the Girlfriend Waterfall. It is a separate place from the thermal springs, and the water here is not warm. In summer, you can swim in the pool below or near the fall, depending on conditions and access.

The waterfall supplies the most dramatic photo setting of the day. You get time to see the fall, take pictures, and possibly enter the water. One popular photo involves standing beneath the cascade, but wet rocks can be slippery, so take care rather than chasing the perfect image.

The schedule allows about an hour for transport and viewing at the waterfall area, followed by roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes at Salto de la Novia. In practice, the amount of swimming time can feel limited if the group is moving between viewpoints and the water.

This stop works well after the springs because it changes the mood. Montanejos is a broad river bathing experience. Salto de la Novia feels more focused, with the waterfall providing a clear visual centerpiece.

Guides, group energy, and the human side

The strongest part of this tour is often the guide. Ivan is praised for introducing people, making families feel welcome, discussing life in Valencia, sharing local information, and helping with photographs. Miguel is described as funny, attentive, and careful behind the wheel. Kika is praised for her energy and for offering useful Valencia suggestions.

Manuel is credited with creating easy conversation within the group, while Paola has guided alongside Miguel. The style is lively rather than formal. You can expect jokes, practical reminders, short explanations, and encouragement to get involved with the group.

That tone is useful on a full day outdoors. A guide can point out the route, explain the local setting, help coordinate swimming time, and keep the day from becoming confusing. Some guides also carry or offer cold water, and they may watch bags while you swim, though you should still limit valuables.

The social side can be a real bonus for a solo visitor. Several outings have turned into an easy way to meet people from different countries. Couples and families also appear to fit comfortably into the group, with children joining some departures.

Is $107.68 good value?

At $107.68 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend a day near water. A Valencia beach costs far less, and you can find simpler outings with fewer included services.

The price makes more sense if you value the complete package. You receive round-trip transport in an air-conditioned vehicle, a professional local guide, tickets, taxes, and insurance including accident coverage. You also get two mountain-water locations in one day without driving.

The comparison with the beach is important. The beach is easier and closer, but it does not offer the same mountain setting, river canyon, waterfall, or inland scenery. If your priority is simply swimming, the cheaper option may be better. If you want a structured day outside Valencia with several natural stops, the price is reasonable.

Group discounts may improve the value for families or parties. The tour is also free to cancel up to 24 hours before the start time, with a full refund under the stated policy. Poor weather or failure to reach the minimum group size can lead to a new date or refund.

What to pack for a smoother day

Pack for both walking and swimming. The most important items are:

• Closed-toe trainers with a firm sole
• Water shoes for the rocky river areas
• Swimsuit and a towel
• Waterproof pouch for your phone
• Drinking water and sunscreen
• A small bag for wet clothes
• Money for lunch if your package does not include it

Do not rely on flip-flops, Crocs, or open sandals for the walk. Rocks near the falls may be slick, and a small mistake can spoil an otherwise fine day.

You should also keep valuables to a minimum. Guides may help watch bags, but no outdoor swimming stop is a substitute for a secure locker.

Who should book this day trip?

I would recommend it to families, couples, solo visitors, and anyone who wants mountain swimming without organizing a car. It is especially good for people who enjoy a friendly group and prefer several shorter activities to one long hike.

It is less suitable if you want a quiet private outing, a thermal spa with hot water, or a serious full-day walk. The springs are mild rather than hot, the paths can be rough, and the waterfall stop may feel short if you want hours in the water.

The tour requires good weather, and most people can participate, but basic comfort with uneven ground is important. If you have limited mobility or dislike slippery rocks, check the route details with the operator before booking.

Should you book Montanejos and the Girlfriend Waterfall?

Book it if you want to trade Valencia’s city and beach for a full day of river swimming, mountain views, and waterfalls. The guides are a major strength, and the combination of transport, entry tickets, insurance, and two different water stops gives the day solid value.

Skip it if your ideal outing is a long hike, a hot spa, or a leisurely meal. For everyone else, bring proper shoes, confirm the lunch arrangement, and expect a lively outdoor day rather than a polished resort excursion.

FAQ

How long does the Montanejos and Girlfriend Waterfall tour last?

The experience lasts about eight hours, beginning at 9:00 am and returning to the meeting point in Valencia.

Where does the tour start?

It starts at Av. de Suècia 27, El Pla del Real, 46010 València, near Mestalla stadium. Hotel pickup is not included.

Is transport included?

Yes. The tour includes private transport in an air-conditioned vehicle from Valencia to Montanejos and Salto de la Novia, then back to the starting point.

How warm is the water at Fuente de los Baños?

The thermal spring water is listed at about 25°C, or 77°F, year-round. The water at Salto de la Novia is not thermal.

Can you swim at both locations?

You can bathe at the Montanejos thermal springs. Swimming at the Girlfriend Waterfall is possible in summer, subject to conditions at the site.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is listed as not included. Some departure arrangements may offer food options, so confirm the details of your booking and bring money for a meal.

What should I wear for the tour?

Wear closed-toe trainers for the walk and sturdy water shoes for the rocky river areas. Bring swimwear, a towel, and a waterproof phone pouch if you want to take pictures near the water.