Montanejos Hiking Tour & Thermal Pools from Valencia

Thermal pools wait after a real hike. This Montanejos day trip swaps Valencia streets for mountain paths, canyon views, and a long soak at Fuentes de los Baños. It’s a guided plan with round-trip coach transport, so you’re not stuck figuring out buses in Spain’s countryside.

I love how the Montanejos walk is structured around big viewpoints over the Mijares River and the Arenoso Reservoir, with the Sierra de Espadán Natural Park as your backdrop. I also like that the day ends with 4 hours at the thermal pools, so you can cool down without rushing.

One heads-up: the water is around 23°C all year, so it won’t feel like a hot spa. On some days it can still seem chilly, especially right after a sweaty hike—and the pace can feel brisk if you like slow stops.

Key things to know

• 4 hours hiking with panoramic viewpoints over the Mijares River, Arenoso Reservoir, and Sierra de Espadán
• 4 hours at Fuentes de los Baños with skip-the-line access and time to swim, float, and relax
• Coach transport included plus a guide on the trail (English offered)
• Thermal water is steady near 23°C, not boiling hot
• Bring essentials for sun, comfort, and bathrooms (toilet paper can be a factor)

How the Valencia-to-Montanejos day works (coach, timing, pickup)

This is built as a full day out of Valencia, and the total time is about 8 hours, including the ride there and back. You get a round-trip transfer in an air-conditioned coach, which matters here because Montanejos is far enough away that DIY transport would eat your day.

Pickups are straightforward but time-sensitive. You choose one:

• Torres de Serranos bus stop (in front of MYR Hotel): the coach arrives 10 minutes before the start time.
• Hola Trip office (C/ Ramon Llull 21, in front of a purple office): pickup is 10 minutes after the start time.

The guide meets you on the main road with a HOLA TRIP badge, so don’t wander off into side streets. You’ll also use a mobile ticket.

Reality check: even with hotel-free pickups, you’ll want to dress for the bus ride too. Several people noted the air conditioning can be powerful, so a light layer or hoody is an easy win.

Montanejos hiking: river canyons, panoramic viewpoints, and cave surprises

The hike portion runs about 4 hours with a guide leading your route. Expect mountain paths above turquoise-looking stretches of the Mijares River, plus deep canyon views that shape the valley. You’ll move through pine forests and rocky sections with Mediterranean vegetation around you and that quiet outdoor soundscape that’s hard to find back in the city.

A big part of why this hike feels worth it is the built-in rhythm of stops. You’re guided to panoramic viewpoints where you can photograph:

• Arenoso Reservoir
• Surrounding peaks in the Sierra de Espadán Natural Park

Guides also share stories along the way, including local geology, plants, wildlife, and the legend tied to the Moorish Queen’s Baths—the thing that helped make Montanejos famous for its waters.

You might spot seasonal extras depending on when you go—waterfalls, wildflowers, and birds soaring over cliffs. And for many people, the hike isn’t just “walk and look.” More than one guide was described taking the group through special cave-style spots, including cave and waterfall-cave moments. That’s one of those travel details that can turn a good outing into a memorable one.

Two practical considerations:

• The route can feel challenging in heat, even if it’s not a technical hike.
• If you’re a slow hiker, the group pace may feel fast at times. One person even pointed out that the pace didn’t leave much space for linger-and-photograph moments.

Fuentes de los Baños thermal pools: 23°C water and the reality check

After the hike, you get about 4 hours of free time at Fuente de los Baños de Montanejos. This is where the “thermal” part matters—but the key point is what thermal means here.

The water is around 23°C year-round thanks to its mineral composition. That’s consistent, but it doesn’t mean hot. Several people specifically said the pools can feel chilly or only mildly warm, especially right after the hike. If you’re expecting hot-springs heat, you’ll be disappointed. If you want refreshing water in a beautiful canyon setting, you’ll probably feel happier.

The setting is what sells it. You can:

• Swim or wade
• Float in the river area
• Sit by rocks and soak your feet
• Spend time simply watching the water and cliffs

Water conditions can change. Some people described calmer, clearer pools; others saw cloudy water and were offered an alternative swim spot that ended up clearer. That’s normal for natural water areas.

One more useful note: the pool area has wash rooms for changing, which helps a lot when you’ve been hiking in sweaty clothes.

And yes, bring toilet paper if you can. One clear warning from a review: the first bathroom stop there didn’t have toilet paper.

There’s sometimes a small restaurant/bar on-site, and it can be handy for a snack or drink—but there have been days when that café was closed for refurbishments, and people reported nowhere to buy even water. Since food and drinks aren’t included, I’d plan to arrive ready with your own supplies.

Guides make the day: humor, local stories, and safety on tricky bits

This tour lives or dies by the guide, and the good news is you’re likely to get a very active host. English is offered, and the guides described in real experiences were funny, energetic, and willing to keep the group engaged.

Names you may hear include:

• Arturo, praised for humor and keeping people laughing while sharing information
• Alejandro, described as helpful and animated, with cave/waterfall exploration
• Taoufik / Tofiq, noted as funny and knowledgeable with a comfortable pace
• Filip, mentioned for helping people explore cave areas and even attempting cliff jumps
• Paco and Nouha, with positive feedback tied to guidance and an overall smooth day
• Italo and Nico, noted for both knowledge and a fun attitude

What matters for you isn’t which name you get—it’s the approach. You should expect:

• Clear guidance on the route
• Explanations about what you’re seeing (geology, plants, legends)
• A safety-minded vibe around water play and any cliff-edge fun

If you’re worried about hiking in heat, it helps that multiple guides were described as managing the day so it felt manageable rather than brutal. Still, bring water and pace yourself.

Price and value: what $59.26 really covers (and what costs extra)

At $59.26 per person, the value comes from what’s included for once you’re outside Valencia:

• Round-trip coach transfers in an air-conditioned coach
• A guided hiking route in Montanejos
• Skip-the-line access to Fuentes de los Baños
• A tour guide throughout
• Admission time at the thermal pools (included)

What’s not included is also important:

• Food and drinks
• Hotel pick-up and drop-off

For me, this pricing makes sense if you don’t want to spend your limited time in Valencia tracking transport, timing, and separate tickets. You’re paying to have the hard parts handled: getting you there, guiding the hike, and getting you into the pools efficiently.

It’s also capped at 53 travelers, which is big enough to feel like a group outing but small enough that you’re not wandering around alone in the wilderness.

What to bring: AC bus, chafing-proof comfort, and swim reality

This day has two different temperature worlds: warm sun on the hike, then cooler water at the pools. Pack for both.

Bring:

• Hiking shoes (the ground is rocky in places)
• Sunscreen and a hat
• Plenty of water and some snacks or food (since food isn’t included)
• Swimwear and something to change into
• A light layer/hoody for the coach ride (air conditioning can be very strong)

If you’re prone to chafing, don’t ignore it. One person had thighs chafing badly and ended up skipping the hike portion to just go straight to the pools. That’s a sign you should protect your skin: blister care or anti-chafe cream can make the difference between enjoying the whole day and cutting it short.

Also bring:

• Toilet paper, just in case (especially because the first bathroom stop may not have it)
• A small towel if you like, since you’ll be wet and ready to change quickly

Who should book this Montanejos hike plus thermal pools

This tour is best for you if you want:

• A guided plan with big viewpoints
• Nature time without having to organize logistics
• A long relaxing block at thermal pools after walking

You should fit the eligibility rules too:

• Not allowed under 14 or over 65
• Not allowed for people with mobility impairments
• Designed for people with moderate physical fitness

And be honest with yourself about pace. If you like slow hiking with lots of time to stop and take photos, this can feel fast in a larger group. The good side: guides often keep things fun and keep everyone moving safely.

Finally, plan around weather. This experience requires good weather. If conditions aren’t right, you’ll be offered a different date or a refund.

Should you book the Montanejos hiking tour and thermal pools?

I’d book it if you’re trying to get the best mix of inland Valencia nature—guided views, canyon feeling, and a proper 4-hour soak—without wrangling transport or ticket timing.

Skip it (or at least adjust expectations) if you’re chasing hot waters. The pools are around 23°C, so you’ll need to want refreshing, not steaming. Also, if you’re mobility-limited or very sensitive to cooler water right after exercise, look for a different format.

If you go, bring the right kit: sun protection, water, swimwear, and toilet paper. Do that, and this is a strong day out with guides who actually make the experience feel lively—whether you’re hearing stories from Arturo, following Alejandro through cave time, or just enjoying the river-and-pools rhythm in Montanejos.

FAQ

How long is the Montanejos hike plus thermal pools day?

The experience is about 8 hours total, and that includes transportation time from and back to Valencia.

Where do I meet the tour in Valencia?

You can choose between Torres de Serranos (bus stop in front of MYR Hotel) or the Hola Trip office at C/ Ramon Llull 21 (in front of a purple office). The guide meets you on the main road with a HOLA TRIP badge.

What time should I arrive for pickup?

At Torres de Serranos, you should be there 10 minutes before the starting time. At the Hola Trip office, pickup is 10 minutes after the starting time.

What’s included in the ticket price?

It includes round-trip transfers by air-conditioned coach, a guided hiking route in Montanejos, skip-the-line access to Fuentes de los Baños, and a tour guide. Admission to the thermal pools is included.

Is food or drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included.

How long is the hiking portion, and how hard is it?

The hike is about 4 hours. The tour asks for moderate physical fitness, and it isn’t designed for people with mobility impairments.

What are the age limits?

You must be 14 to 65 years old to join.

Are the thermal pools hot?

The pools maintain a temperature of around 23°C all year due to their mineral composition. Some people may still find the water chilly.

Is there toilet paper available at the pools?

A warning from experience: the first bathroom stop may not have toilet paper, so bringing your own is a smart idea.

What happens if the weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.