Adventures day: Thermal Springs and Waterfalls

Cold water, big payoff in the Valencia hills. This 7–8 hour outing takes you out of the city for waterfalls and thermal-spring swimming in the Montanejos area, with short stops designed so you can be active or just enjoy the views. The vibe is social but not chaotic, with a small group size cap of 19.

I like two things most. First, you get entry fees handled and a smoother day because parking and the air-conditioned vehicle are included. Second, the tour gives you the gear and setup to actually enjoy the water, including water shoes, floating boards, and access to a private place to stash belongings and freshen up.

One possible drawback: the water is 25°C year-round, but it can still feel cold when you first get in, especially if you’re expecting hot tubs.

Key highlights to know before you go

• Blue Lagoon springs at Fuente de los Baños de Montanejos: caves, canyon scenery, and swimming in consistent 25°C water
• Optional fish pedicure at the Blue Pools: a weirdly fun add-on if you’re game
• Bridal Veil Waterfall in Segorbe: summer-friendly swimming under the falls and by the river
• Easy pacing with just a few main stops: you’ll spend most of the day enjoying, not sprinting
• A private house by the springs: secure space for your stuff plus toilets and showers
• Guides who work the group well: praised for energy, organization, and taking photos so you’re not stuck behind a phone

Valencia Thermal Springs and Waterfalls: The vibe and the value

This is the kind of day trip that feels like a reset button. You start in Valencia at 9:30am, ride out to the mountains, then spend hours moving between water, viewpoints, and a lunch break that changes with the season. It’s built for friends or couples who want nature time without a full-on hiking expedition.

At $107.63 per person, the price is easier to swallow than it first appears. You’re not paying separately for entry fees at the stops where admission applies, plus the tour includes parking, an air-conditioned vehicle, and water-entry gear like water shoes and floating boards. Lunch isn’t included, but you get a setup near the springs where you can eat your own food or join in with local options.

The small-group cap matters too. With up to 19 travelers, you’re less likely to feel swallowed by a big bus crowd, and the guide can keep track of everyone’s timing around the swims.

Getting from Valencia to Montanejos without wasting the day

Your meeting point is Estació del Nord (C/ de Bailèn, 34, L’Eixample, 46007 València). From there, the tour runs by vehicle and returns you back to the same meeting point at the end of the day. With a total duration of about 7–8 hours, plan on wearing your swim-ready outfit under something you can toss on and off during the stops.

Because it’s a good-weather activity, bring patience for the mountain weather swings. If the tour is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. That’s important here because a wet, gloomy day can make the water and footing less pleasant.

Stop 1: Segorbe’s Bridal Veil Waterfall swim (and what to expect)

The first stop is Segorbe, centered on the Bridal Veil Waterfall. During summer season, you can swim under the waterfall and in the river next to it. That’s the main reason to wake up and start early: the water setting is dramatic, and the waterfall creates a natural “switch off your city brain” moment.

This stop is short—about 1 hour—which is exactly right for a waterfall swim. You get enough time to get in, take photos, and still keep energy for Montanejos afterward. Admission is listed as free here, so you’re not adding extra costs mid-day.

A practical note: even if you’re going in summer, bring a towel and be ready for slippery rocks. The tour provides water shoes, but you’ll still want your own steady footing habits.

Stop 2: Montanejos Blue Lagoon springs and the fish pedicure option

Next is Fuente de los Baños de Montanejos, the star of the day for most people. This is where you go for crystal-clear swimming, exploring caves, and hanging out along canyon scenery. The key detail is the water temperature: it’s consistently 25°C, which makes year-round swims possible.

Here’s the reality check that saves disappointment: multiple people describe the water as colder than they expected, with only some warmer spots. In other words, it’s not a bath. It’s a refreshing mountain river-fed soak, and once you’re in, it can feel great—just don’t plan your day around the idea of warm, lounge-by-the-pool water.

This stop runs about 1.5 hours, with admission included. You’ll also have the option to try a fish pedicure at the Blue Pools. If you like quirky experiences that don’t take much time, this is a fun add-on. If you don’t, you can skip it and spend your time swimming and taking in the scenery.

What’s helpful gear-wise

The tour brings what you need for water time: water shoes, floating boards, and life jackets if necessary. That’s a big value point, especially if you don’t want to buy gear just for one day. Still, you should bring your own towel and swimsuit plan so you’re not scrambling when you finish swimming.

Lunch in Montanejos: plan for sandwiches in warm months, local food in winter

Lunch is where this tour changes flavor by season. In summer months, the plan is usually to stay at the Blue Lagoon area. You’ll eat sandwiches and sip drinks while still being surrounded by the canyon scenery. In winter, you head into the nearby town for local Spanish cuisine.

Lunch itself is not included in the ticket price. But you’re not stuck with only one choice. The tour notes vegetarian options at both lunch setups, and you can also stay at the house near the springs to eat your own food.

This stop is about 1.5 hours, so it’s not just a quick bite. It’s enough time to warm up a bit (especially after cold water), change clothes, and regroup before the final scenic segment.

The private house detail that actually matters

One of the most underrated parts is the exclusive house next to the springs. It’s meant to keep your belongings safe and private, and it includes toilets and showers. After a swim day, that’s comfort you’ll feel immediately, not something you’ll remember as an abstract benefit.

Stop 3 (plus stop 4): Canyons, the water jet, and the day’s last wow moment

After lunch, you’ll explore the vicinity of the springs again, with the final focus on canyon views and a dramatic waterspout described as massive and ponytail-like. The overall final segment includes around 1 hour of sightseeing and time to enjoy the views.

Some people say the last stretch involves more walking than they signed up for, so bring sturdy shoes for getting around rockier edges. You don’t need hiking boots for everything, but safe footing helps.

Not every stop hits the same way for everyone, and that’s normal. Many people say the springs are the best part of the day, with the waterfall and water jet bringing the extra variety. The good news is the pacing keeps the “not my favorite stop” feeling from ruining your day.

Photos, guides, and the small-group energy

One reason people rate this tour so highly is how guides handle the group. Names you might see on different departures include Mike, Ana, Sofia, Morgan, Thomas, Nick, and Kiu—and the consistent theme is that they keep things moving, stay encouraging in the water time, and make photo moments easy.

Some guides focus on taking pictures for everyone so you can actually enjoy being in the moment. If you like the idea of photos without constantly asking strangers or balancing your phone against rock edges, this is a nice touch.

Also, the tone is part of the value. Guides are described as fun, funny, and supportive—helpful when the water is colder than your optimism. A little encouragement goes a long way when you’re deciding whether to jump in right away or talk yourself into it.

Price and logistics: what you’re really paying for

Let’s talk value in plain terms. At $107.63, you’re paying for a full day outside Valencia: vehicle transport, parking, and the heavy lifting of entry fees where they apply. You’re also getting practical extras that would cost you time and money if you tried to DIY: water shoes, floating boards, and even life jackets when needed.

Lunch is the one major gap in coverage. But that can also be a good thing. You can eat at the springs setup (sandwiches in warm season) or opt for local Spanish cuisine in winter. If you prefer your own food, you can use the house by the springs to hang out and recharge.

Group size also protects the experience. With a maximum of 19 travelers, the day stays manageable. It feels like a tour, not a cattle call.

What to pack for Montanejos water time

The tour provides water shoes, but you should still pack like you’re doing a water-and-view day.

Bring:

• A towel and a change of clothes
• A bathing suit you’re comfortable wearing for a longer swim window
• Sunscreen and water for the road and sun
• Optional: sandals or water-friendly footwear you already own, if that’s your preference

Also think about timing and temperature. Even with 25°C water, the first minutes can feel chilly. If you’re prone to getting cold quickly, bring a light layer for before and after swimming.

Who this tour is best for (and who should look elsewhere)

This tour fits best if you want a nature day with swimming and a few standout scenic moments, without spending the whole day hiking. It’s great for solo travelers who want social energy without being stuck in a big group. It’s also a smart pick for families with older kids who can handle short swims and some rocky paths.

It’s less ideal if you want purely warm, comfortable water like a resort spa. The tour’s water is consistent at 25°C, but multiple people emphasize that it still feels cold—especially at the start. If that will ruin your day, you might prefer a different kind of thermal experience.

Finally, if you hate any walking at all, keep expectations realistic. There’s time at viewpoints and some people mention the last stop can involve more walking than expected.

Should you book this Thermal Springs and Waterfalls day trip?

If you’re coming to Valencia and you want something beyond the usual city highlights, I think this is an excellent book. You get a full day outside the urban grid, entry fees handled, and enough time at each main stop to enjoy yourself rather than just pose and sprint.

The decision hinges on one thing: your relationship with cold water. If you can handle a chilly first dip and you’re in it for the scenery—canyons, waterfalls, clear water, and the option to try something like a fish pedicure—this is one of the best-value ways to experience the Montanejos area.

If you only want warm, soothing water where you can float for hours, you’ll likely feel disappointed. In that case, look for a different style of thermal soak.

FAQ

What time does the tour start, and how long does it last?

The tour starts at 9:30am and runs about 7 to 8 hours. It ends back at the meeting point.

Where do I meet the tour?

You meet at Estació del Nord, C/ de Bailèn, 34, L’Eixample, 46007 València, Valencia, Spain.

Is lunch included in the price?

No. Lunch isn’t included, but you can stay at the house next to the springs with your own food, or go with the group to eat local cuisine in the nearby village.

What’s included in the tour price?

The tour includes parking fees, an air-conditioned vehicle, and the operator pays all entry fees when they apply. You also get access to the private house next to the springs (for belongings plus private toilets and showers), and water shoes, floating boards, and life jackets if necessary.

How warm is the water at the springs?

The water is described as a consistent 25°C, but it may still feel cold at first when you get in. It’s recommended for swimming all year round.

Is the fish pedicure included?

The fish pedicure is listed as optional and takes place at the Blue Pools. The tour information doesn’t say it’s required or always included.

What happens if the tour is canceled due to weather?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. If you cancel, the experience is non-refundable and can’t be changed.