Canyon views and thermal pools, in one day. This Montanejos hiking tour swaps Valencia city time for Sierra de Espadán trails above the Mijares River, then lands you at Fuentes de los Baños for a soak in natural mineral water.

I like that you get round-trip coach transport so you can focus on the outdoors, not figuring out logistics. I also love the flow of the day: hike first, then chill in the pools with the pressure off. One heads-up, the water is roughly 23°C all year, so it is refreshing more than truly hot, especially if it is cool or breezy.

Key highlights at a glance

• Easy Valencia to Montanejos transfer with round-trip coach
• Guided hike with stops for views over the Arenoso Reservoir
• Fuentes de los Baños skip-the-line access so you waste less time
• Thermal pools at about 23°C year-round, not a steaming spa
• Small-enough group for a day trip (maximum 53 travelers), but it can still feel busy at the water

Why Montanejos feels like a real change of pace

If your Valencia trip has you craving fresh air, you will get it fast on this day out. The route takes you away from the coast and into inland scenery shaped by canyons and river valleys, with pine forests and rocky outlooks along the way. Then you finish with a natural soak at Fuente de los Baños de Montanejos, a famous thermal spot tied to local legends and the healing reputation of its mineral waters.

I like how the day is built around something active but not complicated. You are not plotting roads or timing buses. You are walking with a guide, stopping when the views are good, then switching gears to swimming and relaxing.

The Valencia meet-up points, and why they matter

This tour runs with a planned pick-up, and it can make or break a day trip. You have two main start points in Valencia: Torres de Serranos (bus stop in front of MYR Hotel) or the Hola Trip office (C/ Ramon Llull 21, in front of the purple office). The guide meets you on the main road with a Hola Trip badge.

Why I care about this detail: if you like to show up early, your timing will be different depending on which start point you choose. Pick-up timing is set relative to departure, so build in a few minutes to find the bus and get settled before moving out.

The 8-hour day includes transport, so plan your energy

The tour lasts about 8 hours total, and that includes the drive from and back to Valencia. In plain terms, this is a full day, even if the hike itself is only around half the time.

You should also match your expectations to the pace. The hike is described as suitable for moderate physical fitness, but some guests found it challenging due to heat and a fairly quick walking pace. If you prefer long, slow picture stops, plan to take your time where you can during the scheduled viewpoints rather than expecting long breaks on the path.

Stop 1: Montanejos hike with reservoir viewpoints and canyon views

Your hike is the heart of the experience, and it is designed as an “adventure route” rather than a random walk. You follow your guide along mountain paths with panoramic views over the Mijares River and deep canyons that shape the valley. Expect to see Mediterranean vegetation, pine forests, and rocky sections, plus plenty of outlook stops where you can snap photos.

A special bonus here is the storytelling. Your guide shares practical info about geology, plants, and wildlife, plus local legend, including the tale of the Moorish Queen’s Baths that helped make Montanejos famous. Depending on the season, you might also spot waterfalls, colorful wildflowers, and birds soaring over cliff edges.

Some groups also described extra highlights like cave time during the hike. I would treat that as a “possible” add-on, not a guaranteed feature of every route, but it is a good reminder that guides can sometimes make the walk even more interesting when conditions allow.

Practical drawback: if you are a slower hiker, the walking pace may feel brisk between viewpoints. You may want to keep moving so you do not get left behind, even if you wish you could linger.

Stop 2: Fuente de los Baños thermal pools at about 23°C

After the hike, the tour shifts from effort to recovery. At Fuente de los Baños de Montanejos, you get around 4 hours to relax at the natural thermal pools. The water is consistently around 23°C all year due to mineral composition, which is why this place is such a regular swim-and-soak destination even outside peak summer months.

Here is the key reality check: a lot of people assume “thermal” means hot. It does not. Many swimmers still find it refreshing, but others report it can feel cool once you are out of the water, especially in the shade, with wind, or if the day starts cooler. If you hate chilly dips, bring a plan for easing in gradually.

What you can do once you are there:

• Float or swim in the clear mineral water
• Wade and relax along the river edge
• Sit on rocks to soak your feet
• If you want a little movement, take a short riverside walk nearby

Bathrooms and small details can matter more than you think. One practical tip that came up strongly is to bring toilet paper, since the first bathroom stop may not have it.

What to pack so the day feels easy, not annoying

This is a hike plus water time. Bring kit that supports both, because you will be switching modes quickly.

For the hike:

• Hiking shoes with grip, especially on rocky or uneven paths
• Sunscreen, a hat, and a water bottle (food and drinks are not included)
• Lightweight layers, since you may be hot on the walk but cooler near the water

For the bus and pools:

• A hoody or light jacket for the air-conditioned coach. A few guests mentioned the cooling can feel intense.
• A swimsuit and towel that you can handle if the water feels cooler than you expected
• Toilet paper, just in case

Food is the big missing piece. The tour does not include food or drinks, so plan to carry snacks or plan your meals around the pool stop. Some people noted a small restaurant or snack bar at the pools, but at least one person saw it closed for refurbishment, so do not build your day on the assumption you will buy drinks on-site.

Guide energy: why the stories and pacing can make the day

The guides are a big part of why this tour scores well. Names that came up include Arturo, Taoufik, Filip, Alejandro, Paco, Nouha, Italo, and Nico, plus others. Across these accounts, the common thread is energy and humor, plus a real interest in sharing what you are seeing.

I like this because it turns a scenic walk into something you remember. When a guide explains geology or points out what to look for in the canyon walls, it feels less like “marching up a trail” and more like learning while moving.

One caution: group dynamics matter. The tour is capped at 53 travelers, so it is not a tiny hike. Some people felt the group was large and busy at the pools, and a few said the pace was too fast for casual hikers to stop for photos. If you want a slower, quieter experience, you will need to work within the group pace or consider a different style of outing.

Value for the price: what $59.26 buys you in the real world

At $59.26 per person, this is a one-day package built around three things you would otherwise have to solve yourself: transport, guided hiking, and access to the thermal pools.

Here is what the included items cover:

• Round-trip transfers in an air-conditioned coach
• A guided hiking route in Montanejos
• Skip-the-line access to Fuentes de los Baños
• A tour guide

And what you pay separately:

• Food and drinks
• Hotel pick-up and drop-off (you pick one of the Valencia meeting points)

So the value really comes down to whether you want someone to handle the “getting there” and “what to see” parts. If you like day trips that run on rails, this price makes sense. If you are the type who enjoys DIY buses and you can get to Montanejos on your own easily, you may feel the hike-and-pools package is less of a bargain. But for most people visiting Valencia, the built-in transport and skip-the-line access are exactly what prevents a day from turning into a logistics project.

Who should book this Montanejos hike-and-pools tour

Book it if:

• You want a guided outdoor day with views and a clear plan
• You like the idea of hiking first, then cooling off in natural water
• You are comfortable with a hike that is not technically described as extreme, but can be hot and a bit fast
• You want an English-offered guide and a day that moves smoothly from pick-up to pools

You might skip it if:

• You cannot handle a moderate hike or mobility is a concern, since people with mobility impairments are not allowed
• You are sensitive to cool water. The pools are about 23°C, and some people found them chilly enough to be disappointed
• You want a small, quiet group. With up to 53 travelers, you can get crowds at popular swim areas

Age limits matter too. The tour is not allowed for people under 14 or over 65, based on the stated rules.

The call: should you book?

I think you should book this tour if you want a simple, guided way to see inland scenery near Valencia and end with a natural thermal swim. The day has a strong rhythm, and the guide-driven viewpoints make the hike feel purposeful rather than random.

Just go in with two expectations set correctly: the pools are thermal mineral water, not a hot spa, and the hike can feel challenging during warm weather or if you prefer slower walking. If you pack smart, bring your own snacks and water, and dress for both sun and chilly bus AC, you are very likely to have one of the best outdoors days during your Valencia stay.

FAQ

How long is the Montanejos hiking tour and thermal pools day?

It runs for about 8 hours total, and that duration includes the travel time from and back to Valencia.

What’s included in the price?

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 are included.

Is hotel pick-up included?

No. You choose one of the meeting points in Valencia, either Torres de Serranos or the Hola Trip office.

Do I need to pay for the thermal pools?

You get skip-the-line access to Fuentes de los Baños, and admission to the pools is included. The hike portion at Montanejos is listed as free.

How warm are the thermal pools?

The natural thermal pools are described as maintaining a constant temperature of around 23°C all year long.

What fitness level do I need?

The tour is for travelers with moderate physical fitness. It is not allowed for people with mobility impairments.

What are the meeting point options in Valencia?

You can be picked up at Torres de Serranos (bus stop in front of MYR Hotel) or at the Hola Trip office (C/ Ramon Llull 21, in front of the purple office).

What should I know about weather?

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