From Valencia: Montanejos Thermal Spring & Girlfriend Waterfall

Thermal water and waterfalls in one long day. I love that the Montanejos thermal pools run at 25°C year-round, and I love how the guides (like Ivan and Miguel) keep the day moving with clear, friendly energy. One thing to plan for: the Girlfriend Waterfall is not thermal, and swimming depends on conditions, plus the rocks can get slippery.

From Valencia, you get an air-conditioned ride out into the mountains and a schedule that’s built around two real watery highlights, not a checklist of photo stops. The group stays small (max 24), it’s offered in English, and you get tickets and insurance wrapped in. The only drawback is that you’ll be active enough to want good footwear, so skip flip-flops.

Key highlights you’ll feel from the first hour

• 25°C thermal water all year at Fuente de los Baños
• Time to swim twice: warm pools first, Girlfriend Waterfall later
• Small group size (up to 24) for a more personal day
• Professional local guides known for safety, humor, and group spirit
• Express security check + tickets + accident insurance built into the price

Why Montanejos and Salto de la Novia work so well from Valencia

This trip works because it pairs two very different kinds of water fun in the same day. First you get the steady comfort of thermal pools in Montanejos, where the water temperature stays at 25°C / 77°F all year. Then you shift to the Salto de la Novia, a dramatic waterfall where the vibe is more wild-nature and photo-heavy, with swimming only in summer and not in thermal water.

The value is that you’re not just touring. You’re actually able to cool off, warm up, and keep your day flexible at the water stops. That matters because Spain can be hot, and a mountain day without a real swim break can feel like a long bus ride with scenery. Here, swimming is the point.

Price and logistics: what you’re really paying for

At $107.68 per person for about 8 hours, you’re paying for a bundle: transportation by air-conditioned vehicle, a professional local guide, tickets, and accident insurance. That combination adds up fast if you try to DIY it with a rental car, parking hassles, and separate admissions.

You’ll also appreciate the small-group cap of 24 people. Large tours often feel crowded at the water. A smaller group means you can hear instructions, find your timing for photos, and get back in sync quickly between stops.

And yes, the day starts at 9:00 am from Av. de Suècia, 27, El Pla del Real, 46010 Valencia, and you finish back at the same place. That’s a big deal for a day trip. No extra transfers. No guessing how to get back when you’re tired and wet.

The guide experience: safe driving, fast momentum, and real personality

One of the most consistently praised parts of this tour is the guide style. Names that show up again and again include Ivan, Miguel, Kiki, Manuel, and Paola. What they seem to share: they’re good at explaining what you’re seeing, moving the group on time, and keeping the energy friendly.

You also get a safety-forward tone. People mention feeling cared for during swim stops and feeling confident about the driving. That matters on a day where you’ll be near water, rocks, and changing surfaces. A guide who sets expectations early helps you relax and enjoy the day instead of constantly scanning for what might be unsafe.

English is covered, and group introductions are part of the flow. If you like meeting new people, it’s a pleasant social setup. If you’d rather quietly enjoy your own moment, the structure still gives you the space—especially during swimming time.

Stop 1: Montanejos by private transport and your first mountain reset

You leave Valencia and reach Montanejos after about 1 hour 30 minutes of private transport. This first leg isn’t where the wow-factor happens. It’s where you reset.

The good news: you’re in an air-conditioned vehicle at the start of the day. That helps if Valencia mornings still feel warm. Once you arrive, you get time in and around Montanejos before the thermal pools. Think of this as a gentle warm-up rather than a rushed rush-hour arrival.

Admission at this part is listed as free, so it’s more about arrival and setup than a paid attraction. Still, it matters because the mountain day goes smoother when you aren’t sprinting from bus to swim shoes.

Stop 2: Fuente de los Baños thermal baths at 25°C year-round

This is the heart of the trip. At Fuente de los Baños de Montanejos, you get about 2 hours with admission included, plus real time to change, relax, and swim.

Here are the parts that make this stop special:

• The temperature stays around 25°C / 77°F all year. That’s a huge advantage. You’re not guessing whether the water is freezing today.
• You’re also surrounded by nature, not a sterile pool complex. It feels like a place where locals and visitors come to be outside.
• You get practical help. People mention guides watching belongings during swim time, which lets you focus on the water instead of guarding your phone and bag.

What to expect: even though the thermal water sounds inviting, the surrounding areas can still be cooler. You might feel a shift when you step out of the water. Plan for that by keeping a towel and a dry layer handy.

Lunch in Montanejos: plan your timing and your stomach

After the baths, you get a 30-minute lunch break in Montanejos. Lunch itself is listed as not included, so you’ll want to treat this as your window to grab food you like rather than expecting a set meal included in the ticket price.

That said, the lunch stop is part of the day’s pacing, and people often describe it as decent and convenient. So even if lunch isn’t formally included for every booking, it’s still built in as a real break—good for resetting your energy before the waterfall.

Practical tip: since you’ll be wet and changing between stops, keep your lunch plan simple. Choose something easy to eat fast, and don’t wait until you’re starving and standing in a hot spot. A quick refuel makes the waterfall time much more enjoyable.

Stop 4 and 5: Salto de la Novia, the Girlfriend Waterfall, and swimming rules

Now for the spectacle. You travel to Salto de la Novia, and then you spend time there in two blocks—about 1 hour followed by 1 hour 30 minutes—with admission included.

This is where you’ll feel the difference from the thermal pools. The Girlfriend Waterfall is not thermal. People often describe it as breathtaking and photo-perfect, and you’ll get enough time to enjoy both the view and the water area.

Important swimming reality:

• Swimming at this waterfall is described as available in summer.
• It’s also separate from the thermal spring experience, so don’t expect warm water here.

Also plan for surfaces. Multiple people highlight that rocks can be slippery. That’s why you should wear footwear that grips. Trainers are a safer bet than open sandals, and water shoes can be even better because they protect your feet and help you balance on wet stone.

What to wear and bring: the simple gear that saves the day

If I were packing for this trip, I’d optimize for traction, water comfort, and phone safety.

Bring:

• Closed-toe shoes or water shoes for the springs and waterfall rocks
• Trainers with grip if you’re doing any short, uneven walking near viewpoints or along river paths
• A waterproof phone solution (a waterproof bag or case) for photos at the waterfall
• A small towel if you have one, plus dry clothes for the ride back

In reviews, people specifically recommend water shoes for the rocky areas around the mineral water and point out that footwear matters on the short hikes and near slick rock. Some also mention using a waterproof bag for taking photos—smart move, because you’ll want that waterfall shot where you can actually show what you saw.

Group size, timing, and how the day actually feels

With a maximum of 24 travelers, this doesn’t feel like a cattle-line experience. You still have to follow the group pace, but you’re not fighting for space at the water’s edge.

The timing also makes sense:

• Thermal pools first, when your energy is highest
• Lunch mid-day, when you need a reset
• Waterfall second, when you’ll enjoy photos and cooler outdoor moments

One more practical detail: the tour includes tickets and uses skip-the-line express security check. That likely reduces waiting at the sites. In real life, that’s the difference between spending your day swimming versus checking queues.

Weather, water, and the day’s one big condition

This experience requires good weather. If weather turns, the tour can be canceled and you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. That’s not just legal text—it’s because the waterfall and outdoor swimming depend on conditions.

Your best move is to go in with flexibility. If you’re booking during a time when rain or heavy wind is common, be ready for a schedule change. If you’re traveling during stable weather, you’ll likely get the full magic of both swimming stops.

Who this tour suits best (and who might want a different plan)

This is a great choice if you want:

• Actual swimming time on a day trip from Valencia
• A guided day that takes care of transport and tickets
• A mix of thermal relaxation and waterfall scenery

It’s especially good for families and mixed groups, because the schedule gives structured rest and water breaks rather than a long stretch of walking.

You might want to look elsewhere if:

• You hate getting wet and prefer dry sightseeing only
• You have mobility limitations that make uneven, slippery surfaces hard
• You expect the waterfall water to be warm like the thermal pools (it’s not)

Should you book this Montanejos thermal springs and Girlfriend Waterfall day trip?

Yes, if you’re the kind of person who wants a mountain day that ends with cold water thrills and warm thermal calm. The strongest selling point is the thermal stop at 25°C year-round, paired with a real waterfall visit where you can actually swim in season.

Also, the guide reputation is a big green flag. Names like Ivan and Miguel come up for a reason: they sound like they balance humor with professionalism, keep things moving, and make the group feel safe.

Book it if you’re ready for wet rocks, bring the right footwear, and want a guided day that delivers more than just photos.

FAQ

What is the duration of the Valencia to Montanejos thermal springs and Girlfriend Waterfall tour?

It runs for about 8 hours.

How much does the tour cost?

The price is $107.68 per person.

Where do I meet the tour?

The meeting point is Av. de Suècia, 27, El Pla del Real, 46010 València, Valencia, Spain. The tour starts at 9:00 am and ends back at the same meeting point.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes. The tour is offered in English.

Can I swim at the thermal springs and at the Girlfriend Waterfall?

You can bathe and swim at the thermal baths at Fuente de los Baños de Montanejos. For the Girlfriend Waterfall, swimming is available in summer, and it is not thermal there.

What should I bring for water stops?

You should plan for water footwear and closed-toe shoes for slick areas. Bringing a waterproof solution for your phone can also help if you want photos at the waterfall.