Montanejos Thermal Springs and Waterfall, food included

A warm-water day trip starts with a waterfall. This one pairs Montanejos thermal pools with a separate swim stop at Salto de la novia, plus a dam view that breaks up the day. I like the laid-back rhythm and the way the guide keeps the group moving without making it feel rushed.

Two things that really work for me: the constant comfort of warm springs water, and the small, friendly group vibe that makes it easy to ask questions and get in the photos. One possible drawback: the thermal pool can feel cooler for some people depending on where you float—especially if you expect the whole pool to be equally warm.

If you’re craving a break from Valencia city life, this tour is a practical way to do it. You get transport, guide, tickets, lunch (seasonal), and the kind of natural scenery that makes a day feel longer—in a good way.

Key Points Before You Go

• 25°C thermal water all year makes the swim the reliable centerpiece.
• Two different water moments: Salto de la novia first, then Montanejos hot springs later.
• Intimate group energy with guides like Miguel and Borja who actually manage the day.
• A real dam stop (Embalse de Arenós) that adds variety beyond swimming.
• Summer heat and fire rules change the plan: the hiking part may be canceled and you’ll spend more time in the water.
• Bring beach shoes since the thermal area can be pebbly.

Getting Out of Valencia: The Start Point and the Road Time

You’ll meet at the Mestalla football stadium, on the side facing Aragon Avenue, at gate A3. The guide wears a shirt linked to Batwalking, so it’s usually easy to spot the right person.

Then it’s straight into transit. The day is built for an 8-hour experience with breaks between stops—roughly a 45-minute ride to the first waterfall area, and another 45-minute hop after that. If you like having a plan but still want the day to feel relaxed, this pacing fits.

Salto de la Novia (Girlfriend Waterfall): A Swim Stop With Its Own Personality

The first big stop is Salto de la novia. You’ll get a guided visit and a walk (about an hour total), and in summer you can swim there for a refreshing break. This matters because it’s not the same “hot spring vibe” as Montanejos—so you’re not just repeating the same water experience twice.

Why I think this works: it gives you a quick nature hit early, so you’re not spending the whole day waiting for the thermal pools to start. It also lets you see a different kind of setting before you head into the warm-water canyon feel.

A practical note: keep your swim plan flexible. This is a waterfall swim, and conditions can change with season and crowds, so having a towel ready and being ready to move quickly helps.

Aigües Termals de Montanejos: The 25°C Thermal Pool Core of the Day

After the first stop, you head to Aigües Termals de Montanejos. You’ll have about two hours of swimming time, which is enough to relax without feeling like you’re on a strict timer.

Here’s the key detail that makes the booking make sense: the swimming area water is listed at 25°C / 77°F all year. That’s warm enough to feel like a proper thermal soak even if the air is cooler. In hot months, it can feel like a break from the heat rather than a sauna.

Now, the one caution I’d take seriously: one review mentioned the water being only warm at the top few centimeters, cooler underneath. I can’t promise that happens every day, but it’s a good reason to go in with a flexible mindset. Sit and float a bit first, then test deeper spots before committing to a long, slow swim.

Also, I recommend beach shoes if you’ve got sensitive feet. The pool bed can be pebbly, and that small discomfort can turn a relaxing swim into an end-it-early swim.

What It Feels Like When You Finally Get In

This isn’t a theme-park pool. It feels like a natural thermal setting where the fun comes from the water itself plus the canyon surroundings. If you want a simple day—swim, rest, repeat—this portion delivers.

And if you’re nervous about floating in a new spot, some guides have brought buoyancy aids (one account specifically mentioned them). If that’s your situation, it’s worth asking your guide what’s available when you arrive.

Lunch in Montanejos: Included, Simple, and Actually Helpful

Lunch is included for April–October. The meal is listed as one sandwich or tapa, plus a soft drink or beer, and coffee. You’ll also get about an hour here.

This is the part I like most about the structure: lunch isn’t an awkward pause or a rushed stop. It’s timed after swimming so you can dry off, eat, and reset before exploring around the thermal area and doing the short hike portion.

A small value detail: some guides reserved tables in advance, which cuts down the wait when places are busy. In a day trip where everything else is timed, that matters.

The Short Walk and the Heat-Rule Reality

After lunch, you explore the area near the thermal springs and a hiking trail segment (about 30 minutes). But in summer, the hiking route may be canceled due to the high risk of heat stroke, and additional notes mention forest-fire risk too. When that happens, the tour shifts more time into the water.

So here’s how I’d plan your mindset:

• If you’re visiting in summer, be ready for a “swim-heavy” version of the day.
• If you’re visiting in spring or fall, you’re more likely to get the hiking element as planned.

Either way, you’re not losing the day—you’re just getting a different balance. If you’re the type who likes movement, pack for both conditions (comfortable clothes plus shoes that work for short trails).

Embalse de Arenós: A Dam Photo Stop That Adds Real Contrast

Later in the day, you’ll head to Embalse de Arenós. This is a photo stop plus a visit, and it runs about an hour.

Why it’s worth caring about: you’ve already had water (twice) and warm soaking. The dam stop gives you wide views and a different kind of scenery—useful if you don’t want the entire day to revolve around a single “water canyon” feeling.

It also helps that this part of the day tends to be lower-energy. You can walk a bit, take pictures, and then start thinking about heading back.

Guides and Group Size: Why This Day Feels Personal

This trip is designed for a small group, and it departs with a minimum of two people. That intimacy changes the experience. You’re not just a number in a busload—you’re part of a day that the guide can steer.

The names that show up again and again include Miguel and Borja (with Paula also mentioned with Miguel). The best part of the guide effect isn’t just facts. It’s how they manage the day—taking photos with your own camera, making sure people feel included, and keeping the energy light.

A few concrete guide touches that stood out in the feedback:

• Guides taking pictures for the group using their own timing, then helping you swap photos via a WhatsApp setup.
• Extra-care moments like helping with a minor headache and getting paracetamol (at least one guide did this when a child needed it).
• Encouraging smiles and keeping the mood upbeat so the day doesn’t feel like an endurance test.

If you want value beyond transportation, this tour is one of those where the guide genuinely matters.

Price and Value: What $108 Buys You (And What You Don’t Get)

At $108 per person for an 8-hour day, you’re paying for more than just a ride. You’re getting:

• Air-conditioned vehicle with private transport
• A live guide (English, Spanish, German)
• Express skip-the-line security
• Lunch included April–October
• Water during the trip

That’s a lot bundled into one day, and it’s a smart way to do Montanejos if you don’t want to plan transport and timing yourself.

What you’re not getting: this price doesn’t come with a long gourmet meal or a full-day hike. This is water time first, food second, scenery third. If that matches your vacation style, it’s solid value.

One more value reality check: lunch is seasonal. If your trip is outside April–October, you’d want to confirm what happens with food, since the included lunch window is clearly stated for April–October.

What to Bring: Your List for a Comfortable Thermal Day

This tour is very “show up ready” oriented. I’d pack:

• Comfortable shoes (you’ll walk and hike a bit)
• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Comfortable clothes

If you’re going in summer, add extra sun protection and plan for the possibility that the hike portion gets replaced by more water time.

Also remember the vehicle rules: no smoking, and drinks/food aren’t allowed in the vehicle. Alcohol isn’t allowed in the vehicle either. Bring what you need for after you’re out of the van.

Who Should Book This Day Trip (And Who Might Skip)

This tour fits best if you want:

• A break from city sightseeing without needing complicated logistics
• A warm-water swim with a reliable temperature target (25°C)
• A mix of waterfall, thermal pools, and a dam view in one day

It’s listed as suitable for all ages, which makes sense for the simple structure. But it’s not for everyone. It’s marked as not suitable for wheelchair users, and not suitable for people with heart problems. Babies under 1 year aren’t recommended.

If you’re traveling with kids who handle short swims and short walks, this can work well. Just be ready for pebbles and bring the right footwear.

Should You Book Montanejos Thermal Springs and Waterfall?

I’d book this if you want an easy, nature-focused day where the main event (thermal swimming) is designed around comfort and time. The itinerary makes sense: waterfall first, then warm soaking, then lunch, then viewpoints and a dam stop. The guide quality seems to be a major factor, and the small-group feel helps the day stay fun.

I’d pause before booking if you’re the type who expects the thermal pool to feel uniformly hot in every spot, or if pebbly pool floors bother you and you don’t plan to wear proper shoes. The hiking component can also shift in summer, so be ready for a swim-heavy day if you’re traveling then.

If you want a reliable change of pace from Valencia—water, warm relaxation, and a bit of adventure—this is a strong pick.

FAQ

How long is the Montanejos thermal springs day trip?

The total duration is listed as 8 hours.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is included from April to October. It’s listed as one sandwich or tapa, plus a soft drink or beer and coffee.

What’s the water temperature in the thermal pools?

The thermal springs swimming area is listed at 25°C / 77°F all year round.

Do you swim at Salto de la novia?

During the summer months, Salto de la novia is described as a stop where you can swim for refreshing relief.

What happens to the hiking part in summer?

In summer, the hiking route may be canceled due to high risk of heat stroke (and forest-fire risk is also noted). The tour then spends more time in the water.

What should I bring for the day?

You should bring comfortable shoes, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and comfortable clothes.

Is the tour wheelchair-friendly?

No. The tour is listed as not suitable for wheelchair users.