Montanejos feels worlds away from Valencia the second you arrive. I love how the trip mixes real relaxation time in thermal water with truly scenic stops like the Salto de la novia waterfall. One thing to consider: the water can feel warmer at the surface than in the deeper sections, so plan to ease in and don’t expect spa-hot everywhere.

What makes this day trip work is the human factor. Guides like Miguel and Paula (and drivers such as Borja) tend to keep the vibe light, organized, and social, including help with photos and pointers on where to swim and walk. You’ll spend enough time at each place to enjoy it, not just rush through.

Key Points to Know Before You Go

• 25°C year-round swimming area at the thermal springs, so you can plan a swim any time
• Salto de la novia is a separate stop, with time for a walk and a refreshing break
• Aigües Termals de Montanejos gives you a solid 2-hour pool window, not a quick dip
• Lunch is included (April to October): a sandwich or tapa plus drink and coffee
• Summer changes the plan because heat and fire risk can cancel the hike and shift more time to water
• Guides steer the day with practical tips, jokes, and often photo help, like Miguel’s picture routine

Entering the Real Countryside: Valencia to Montanejos by Van

This is a classic Valencia day trip, just with the pace dial turned toward nature. You meet near Valencia at Mestalla Stadium, on the Aragon Avenue side, at gate A3. The operator also lists the start point as Av. d’Aragó, so either way, plan to arrive a bit early and find the guide holding the Batwalking sign or wearing the Batwalking shirt.

Once you’re on the road, you get the best kind of travel bonus: not just transportation, but context. Drivers in this style of tour often fill the journey with facts and local observations, and you can feel the effort in how smoothly the day runs. The ride itself is about 45 minutes one way to the first major stop, then you’ll hop again between locations.

What I like for your planning: you’re not stuck figuring out logistics. Vehicle is air-conditioned, and the tour includes a guide the whole time, so the timing is handled.

Salto de la Novia Waterfall Stop: A Separate Wow-Stop First

The day begins with a visit to Salto de la novia (often called the Girlfriend waterfall). This is not right inside the thermal springs area, which is good. You get two different natural moods in one day: waterfall energy first, then calm warm pools later.

You’ll have about 1 hour here for a guided tour, walking, and time to enjoy the spot. During warmer months, there’s a strong chance you can take a swim in the waterfall area, and this is a refreshing break before you go warm-waters deep at Montanejos.

Drawback to keep in mind: it’s a scenic water spot, which means you can end up with more people than you’d want on peak days. If you’re sensitive to crowds, I’d aim for a weekday departure when possible.

Aigües Termals de Montanejos: The Thermal Pool Experience That Actually Gives Time

Now for the main event: Aigües Termals de Montanejos. You get 2 hours in the swimming area, and that matters more than it sounds. With this time, you can actually settle in, swim around, and decide if you want to stay closer to the warmer zones.

The important detail for your expectations is that the water temperature in the swimming area is 25°C (77°F) all year. That’s a real planning number. Still, a couple of reviews note that warmth can be more noticeable at the surface, with cooler feel underneath. Translation: start by testing your comfort at the shallower or warmer sections, then adjust.

Practical things you’ll be glad you did:

• Bring swimwear and a towel. You’ll change and dry on-site.
• Consider swim shoes or beach shoes. The thermal pool bed can have pebbles, and hard soles help you move around comfortably.
• Sunscreen is not optional. You’ll be outside, and Spain sun is no joke even when you’re relaxing in water.

The vibe is what you want from thermal springs: clear water, relaxed pacing, and a setting that looks like it belongs on a different continent. If you like that “slow down and breathe” feeling, this stop delivers.

Lunch at Montanejos: Included Food That Keeps the Day Moving

Lunch is included from April to October, and it’s designed to keep you in the flow of the tour. You get 1 hour for lunch after swimming.

The included menu is:

• 1 sandwich or tapa
• soft drink or beer
• coffee

You also get water included as part of the tour. This matters, because a swim day is still a real-day activity, and hydration helps you enjoy the walking parts later.

One value note: this lunch format is not trying to be fancy. It’s trying to be functional and filling. Many days like this fail when lunch is vague or chaotic. Here, the day’s rhythm is built around you getting fed without losing the best light at the thermal pools.

If you’re picky or have dietary needs, check what’s available on-site, since the description is specific but still flexible (sandwich or tapa). Also, the tour data says no alcohol in the vehicle, so if beer is part of lunch, it will be at the meal stop, not during the drive.

The Dam and Water Jet at Embalse de Arenós: Photo Stop With Payoff

After lunch, you’ll head to the Embalse de Arenós area. This is more of a “look, snap photos, take a walk” stop than a major hike.

You get about 1 hour here, including a photo stop and a visit. Since the tour description mentions a dam and a water jet, you should expect views that feel dramatic even without long trekking. If you like scenic viewpoints, this is a good capstone after the swim.

One practical point: you’ll still be outdoors. Bring comfortable shoes, and expect some uneven surfaces. This is not a museum walk.

The Hike Rule in Summer: Heat and Fires Change What You’ll Do

There is a hiking component in the plan, described as a short 30-minute hiking trail with stunning views. But in summer, that route can be canceled due to high heat risk and also forest fire risk.

When that happens, the day shifts. You’ll spend more time in the water, which is usually a fair trade if you’re trying to stay safe and comfortable. So if you’re traveling in the hottest months, don’t view the hike as something you can count on every time.

If you want a simple checklist for summer: sunscreen, water safety mindset, and comfortable footwear for the walking you will still do. The tour is suitable for all ages, but summer plans are weather and safety dependent.

How Much Should You Pay for This Valencia Day Trip?

At $108 per person for an 8-hour day, it’s not a bargain. But it also isn’t just a bus ride with a half-day swim. Your money covers:

• round-trip transport from Valencia area (van or bus with air-conditioning)
• a live guide
• skip-the-line style access (described as an express security check and skip-the-line tickets)
• lunch included April to October
• entry-time at thermal springs (including 2 hours swimming)
• water during the tour

Here’s how I judge the value: when a trip gives you real time at the main attraction (2 hours swimming), plus structured stops (waterfall, dam) and a guide who keeps everyone on track, it saves you the mental effort of planning. You’re paying for someone else to handle the flow.

Also, the group is described as an intimate friendly group, with the tour departing when there are at least 2 people. In practice, that tends to feel less like a cattle call and more like a coordinated outing.

Guide and Driver Impact: The Day Feels Personal

If you choose this tour, choose it for more than the geography. The guides are a big part of why people give such high ratings.

Names that show up strongly in the experience include Miguel (and sometimes Paula), and Borja as a driver. You’ll often see themes like:

• friendly humor and easy storytelling
• practical guidance on what to do at each stop
• taking photos for you, even with your own camera
• helping with photo sharing, such as setting up a WhatsApp profile in at least some cases
• stepping in quickly for small problems when needed (one review includes a guide getting paracetamol after a request)

Not every tour will be identical, but the consistency is the style: you’re included, not ignored. You’ll also feel safer because the guide sets expectations, watches pacing, and helps with timing.

Small Limitations to Know Up Front

This tour is family-friendly and suitable for all ages, but it does come with sensible constraints.

• Not suitable for wheelchair users
• Not suitable for people with heart problems
• Not allowed: pets, smoking in the vehicle, alcohol in the vehicle, food in the vehicle, and fireworks or explosive substances

Also, the day includes water time and walking time, and the thermal pool area can be pebbly. Comfort matters. If you don’t want to deal with wet changeover and outdoor walking, you might find the day a bit more active than you expected.

What to Bring for a Smooth Thermal Springs Day

You’ll have a much easier time if you pack like you’re going to a swim park plus a short nature walk.

Bring:

• comfortable shoes
• swimwear
• towel
• sunscreen
• comfortable clothes for changing and walking

If you can, add:

• swim shoes for pebble comfort
• a small bag for wet items (even if the tour handles much of the process)

Should You Book Montanejos Thermal Springs and Waterfall?

Book it if you want a Valencia day trip that feels natural and not scripted. You should especially book if you:

• want a genuine thermal springs swim with 2 hours to enjoy it
• like pairing one dramatic photo stop (waterfall) with one calm recharge stop (thermal pools)
• value a guide who shapes the day, keeps energy up, and helps with photos

Consider skipping or adjusting your expectations if:

• you only want a very shallow, gentle water experience, since warmth can vary within the pool
• you travel in deep summer and you specifically came for the hike, since it may be canceled for heat and fire risk
• you need wheelchair accessibility or have heart limitations, since the tour is listed as not suitable for those cases

If you’re open to changing your plans slightly based on the weather, this is a strong pick. The core promise here is simple: warm water, impressive nature, and a guide who makes it feel easy.