Valencia: Waterfalls and Thermal Springs Tour with Swimming

Waterfall mist and warm springs in one day. This is a Valencia-area outing that mixes a 60-meter Bridal Veil waterfall with a real swim in Montanejos’ 25°C Blue Lagoon thermal springs, run by Mike and a small team that keeps things organized and fun. The best part is the pace: you get countryside drama without hours of hard walking.

I especially like the way this tour gives you permission to slow down. You’re not just looking at nature; you’re getting in it, using water shoes, and even chilling at Mike’s Nomad Soul Retreat area near the springs. One thing to consider: food isn’t included, so you’ll want to plan for lunch (and you’ll still want a towel, sunscreen, and swimwear ready).

Key points to know before you go

• Blue Lagoon swim at 25°C all year with time to actually relax in the water
• Bridal Veil waterfall (60m) where mist is part of the experience if you choose to get close
• Nomad Soul Retreat gives you changing space, clean bathrooms, and a place to stash gear
• Photo-friendly stops at the Mijares River canyons and the Montanejos dam area
• Small-group feel (often around a dozen) with guides who help with pacing and photos

Why this Valencia waterfalls-and-springs day trip works

Valencia is great for beaches and city wandering, but this day trip flips the script. You’ll trade the usual sidewalks for river canyons, a tall waterfall, and thermal water that’s pleasantly warm year-round. It’s the kind of outing that feels like you found something a bit off the main route, but without the stress of figuring out public transport or driving.

The tour is built around four natural sites, with short transfers and quick stops that keep the day moving. You’re starting from Valencia early enough to beat the heavier crowds, and you’re back by late afternoon. That timing matters because it keeps the whole trip feeling like a day out, not a full-on vacation in itself.

Getting to Montanejos: the minibus ride and why it matters

You’ll meet at Estación del Norte (in front of the main entrance). There’s a big clock on the train-station tower, and because of construction in front of the station, the pick-up is just outside the gated area. From there, you’ll ride in a new air-conditioned minibus, which is a big deal in Spain when the sun decides to show up.

This matters for two reasons:

First, Montanejos can be a pain to reach by public transport if you don’t have a car. Second, the comfort of the ride makes it easier to enjoy the day when you’re not spending energy just getting there.

The guides speak English, French, and Spanish (and Dutch can be arranged on request). In practice, that means you can ask questions on the fly—about what you’re seeing, why it looks the way it does, or how to do the water time safely.

Bridal Veil waterfall: 60 meters of mist and goats on the ridge

The early highlight is the Bridal Veil waterfall, known locally for its height (about 60 meters). Expect mist. If you hang around the viewpoint area and get close to the falls, you’ll feel the dampness before you really see it in full. It’s dramatic in that simple, natural way: you don’t need tech or hype to get the effect.

One of the coolest details is wildlife on the ridge. The day’s description includes mountain goats around the area, and that kind of surprise is exactly why this tour feels more alive than a checklist of sights. You’ll also have a short window for photos, with the guide managing the group so you aren’t left waiting in a slow line.

A practical note: “getting wet” can be optional. If you’re not into the full spray, you can enjoy the waterfall from a closer-but-not-too-close spot. Just keep your shoes and socks in mind. Waterfall mist is still water.

Blue Lagoon thermal springs: swimming at 25°C with real facilities

Then comes the main event: Montanejos’ Blue Lagoon thermal springs, temperature around 25°C year-round. This is the stop where the tour stops being just viewing and starts being doing. You’ll have time to swim, and you’ll do it with water shoes included, which is one of those quietly brilliant choices. It helps with grip around natural stone areas and makes entering/exiting the water less stressful.

Next to the springs is Mike’s Nomad Soul Retreat, and this is not just a branding name. The area is set up so you’re not scrambling:

• Changing rooms
• Clean bathrooms
• A safe place for your gear
• A sunny area to relax

That’s the difference between thermal springs that feel friendly and thermal springs that feel like a logistical headache. Here, you can actually enjoy the water instead of worrying where to put your towel.

What about the water itself? One review noted that the water isn’t always as warm as people expect, which makes sense if you’re going in cooler seasons or if you’re coming in from cooler air. My advice: treat it as refreshing and warm, not a Jacuzzi. Bring a towel and be ready for that first moment of shock, then you’ll settle in.

The Mijares River canyons: a quick photo stop with big payoff

After lunch (more on that in a second), you’ll head to a lookout over the Mijares River canyons. This is where the tour switches from water time to views. The canyon viewpoint is short—think photo stop, scenic views, a bit of wandering time—so it doesn’t eat your day.

Still, it’s a great balance. The waterfall and springs are sensory and active. The canyons are visual and calm. Together they make the day feel varied, not repetitive.

If you’re the type who likes photos but hates slow group logistics, you’ll probably like this part. Guides can help you find angles fast, and they also help manage timing so you aren’t stuck waiting while everyone else gets their perfect shot.

Montanejos dam: nature plus engineering, seen close

The last nature-and-sight segment points you toward the Montanejos dam and its reservoir. This is a strong contrast to the earlier stops. Instead of only rock and water shaped by time, you see water managed and framed by engineering. It’s a different kind of awe.

One review even mentioned seeing the dam overflow, which hints that depending on conditions, you may get extra drama here. The key takeaway for you: don’t treat this like a boring end cap. If you like how humans and nature interact, this stop will feel satisfying.

It’s also practical. The tour is designed for minimal walking. You park close to the sites so you can spend your energy on looking and enjoying, not hiking.

Lunch around Montanejos: how the tour handles food

Lunch is not included, but the guides help you find good options. You can often grab something at a snack bar near the springs area, or you can eat in Montanejos town depending on what looks best that day.

This is worth caring about. When a tour includes the meal, it can sometimes mean bland food at a fixed price. Here, you keep flexibility while still getting suggestions that fit the area. That said, if you’re picky or you have dietary needs, you’ll want to communicate early when the guide asks about preferences.

In reviews, the lunch was described as good value and authentic-feeling. In other words: you’re not stuck with airport-style food. Still, bring some cash or a card that works for local places and plan to eat like a local, not like a cafeteria.

What “minimal walking” actually means on the ground

This tour is built for lots of people, not just hardcore hikers. You’ll use a minibus to park close to each stop, and the itinerary avoids long treks. That’s confirmed by comments about people with mobility concerns and even knees that need an easy pace.

That said, “minimal” doesn’t mean zero. There’s still short walking involved, especially around the swimming areas. If you can handle a few uneven surfaces and short paths, you’re good.

If you’re a weaker swimmer, don’t panic. The tour includes water shoes, and at least one review notes the guide brought equipment to help less-confident swimmers feel comfortable. The safest move: tell your guide your comfort level at the start, so they can guide you to the right spot and pacing.

Safety and support: from water shoes to guide encouragement

A big reason this tour gets high marks is not just beauty. It’s how the guides handle people. Guides are described as calm, friendly, and very professional. They also help with group interaction so you’re not stuck feeling awkward if you’re traveling solo.

In the water, support matters. Even the fun moments—like optional cliff-jump style adrenaline that some groups mention—are handled with a focus on safety and equipment. If you want to do something bold, you’ll get encouragement and the gear you need. If you want to keep it chill, that’s fine too.

Also, photos get handled well. Multiple guides are noted for taking pictures and helping people get good shots without you spending your entire day staring at your phone. Names that come up include Anna, Siobhan, Morgane, Sofia, and Thomas—so you might run into one of these friendly faces on your date.

One more detail that’s oddly charming: some guides play music in the background during the ride. It turns the drive from transportation into part of the experience.

Value check: is $101 worth it?

At $101 per person, you’re paying for a full day outside the city with:

• Air-conditioned minibus transport
• Guides (multilingual options)
• Entry tickets
• Water shoes
• Photos taken by the team
• A plan that hits multiple sites in one day

Food and drinks are on you, which is normal for day trips like this. Still, the cost feels more reasonable when you compare it to:

1) paying for individual tickets and

2) struggling with transport on your own.

If you don’t have a car, this tour can be the difference between seeing Montanejos and missing it entirely. That’s where the value really shows.

Who should book this tour (and who might not)

Book it if you want:

• A swim in thermal water, not just photos from the bank
• A day trip that mixes waterfalls, canyons, and a dam
• A relaxed pace with parking close to the sites
• Guides who help with safety and group comfort

Skip it (or reconsider the day) if you’re looking for a long hike or a full-on walking tour. This is nature time with minimal walking, not a trek.

Also consider whether you’re comfortable with water and uneven ground. The trip is friendly, but you’ll still enter and exit natural areas. Bring the right shoes (even with water shoes, your non-swim footwear matters), and bring your towel.

Should you book this Valencia waterfalls and thermal springs tour?

Yes, I’d book it if you want one day that feels like a story: start with a towering waterfall, cool off or warm up in the Blue Lagoon at 25°C, eat at a local spot near Montanejos, then finish with canyon views and the dam.

It’s not “just a scenic bus ride.” The swimming is the heart of it, the facilities near the springs are actually useful, and the day is paced so you feel satisfied by 5:30 rather than rushed at the edges.

If you want a safe, friendly outdoor day that’s easy to reach and easy to enjoy, this is a strong pick.

FAQ

How long is the Valencia waterfalls and thermal springs tour?

It runs for about 8 hours.

What time does it start, and where do I meet?

You meet at 9:30 AM at Estación del Norte (in front of the main entrance, near the big clock tower). Because of construction, pickup is just outside the gated area.

Do we get to swim?

Yes. The tour includes time to swim in Montanejos’ Blue Lagoon thermal springs.

How warm are the thermal springs?

The Blue Lagoon is described as about 25°C year-round.

Is lunch included in the price?

No. Food and drinks are not included, but the guide will point you to good, budget-friendly options.

Are entry tickets covered?

Yes. Entry fees to all attractions are included.

What languages are the guides?

Guides offer English, French, and Spanish, with Dutch available on request.

Does the tour run if it rains?

Yes. It runs rain or shine, with a record of rarely cancelling.