Heat and waterfalls, close to Valencia. I love the 25-degree thermal swim and the chance to reach Salto de la Novia near Navajas on foot. In winter, the water can feel only just warm, especially in the gorge shade.

What really sells it for me is the human touch. You travel with a live Spanish and English guide, and guides like Maties and Miguel are known for keeping the day organized and fun, with photo/video support and extra local tips for Valencia. Just note it is a full day, so bring good shoes and plan to be on your feet.

Key things I’d zero in on

• 25°C thermal pools year-round, but temperature comfort depends on season and shade
• Salto de la Novia at Navajas, with time for photos and a proper walk
• Hot springs plus waterfall variety in one tight 8-hour outing
• Live guides in Spanish and English, including standout guides like Maties and Miguel
• Comfortable pacing with van transfers and longer Montanejos time for swimming

Why Montanejos and Navajas is a smart day trip from Valencia

This is the kind of trip that lets you trade city time for real nature without blowing half your vacation. You get two different water experiences in one go: dramatic waterfall scenery, then a long thermal soak in Montanejos.

The day is built around simple value. Round-trip van transfer from Valencia, guided time, entrance tickets to the waterfall and the hot springs, plus a photo and video service included. That means you are not scrambling for tickets or figuring out transport between towns.

Getting from Valencia to Navajas: the morning transfer rhythm

You meet at Gate A3 of Mestalla Stadium. From there, you hop into the van and head out for a 50-minute drive to the Navajas area.

You will likely feel the day’s pace right away. There is a transition from the city into quieter roads, then you jump into the scenic part with a 75-minute guided walk-and-photo stretch. It is not just a quick look, you get time to stand, move, and take in the view.

If you tend to get stiff after sitting, think about doing a quick warm-up as soon as you arrive, then set your phone up for photos (more on waterproofing later).

Salto de la Novia and Tío Juan: waterfall time with real walking

The heart of the morning is the waterfall area around Navajas. You will have a photo stop, then a guided tour, plus a walk of about 75 minutes. This is where Salto de la Novia shows off its drama, and where the scenery rewards slow steps.

One of the highlights is also the Tío Juan waterfall and a lookout point. That combination matters. A waterfall can look impressive from one angle, but once you add a viewpoint stop, you get a better sense of scale and the gorge setting.

Practical tip: bring comfortable shoes that can handle rocky terrain. The day is described as more walk than big hike, but it is still outdoors and uneven in spots. You do not want to spend your energy balancing instead of enjoying the falls.

Van hop to Montanejos: switching from views to soaking

After the morning waterfall time, the schedule shifts gears. You take another about 50 minutes by van, then arrive for the main event: Montanejos.

This is a good design choice. Waterfall walks can be a bit full-on, even when they feel manageable. The van leg gives you a breather before you go to the thermal pools, where comfort and flexibility matter.

If you get motion sickness easily, you might appreciate sitting where you feel most stable and keeping your focus on the horizon during the ride. (Not everybody needs this, but it is an easy win if you know you get sick.)

Montanejos hot springs pool: what 25°C really feels like

Montanejos is the destination that makes this tour feel special. The thermal waters run at about 25 degrees Celsius all year round, so you are not gambling on summer-only luck.

Still, here is the nuance. In cooler months, people report that the springs can feel only just warm, especially when you are in the shade of the gorge. Once you get used to the water, it can feel comfortable, but you should not expect sauna-level heat in winter.

So what should you do? Plan for the first dip to be a short one, then ease in over time. That approach helps you enjoy the experience without feeling frustrated by the initial chill.

Pack like you’re swimming, because you are

This is not a sit-and-spectate day. The tour explicitly calls for you to bring swim gear and water-safe items.

Your packing checklist should include:

• Swimwear and a towel
• Water shoes for rocky areas
• A daypack
• A waterproof bag or waterproof case for your phone (strongly recommended so you can film and shoot without stress)

Food and drinks are not included, and the day includes time for a picnic. Bring what you like to eat for the whole outing, or plan to grab something before you reach the springs area.

One practical habit I like: pack a separate small bag that holds just the water essentials so you are not rummaging when you are already wet or tired.

The Montanejos block: 3.25 hours that makes the difference

Your time at Montanejos is the longest part of the day, about 3.25 hours. That matters because hot springs work better when you can linger. You can do a slower walk, take photos, change pace, then settle in for swimming.

From the way the day is described and how guides handle it, the group experience tends to feel relaxed rather than rushed. There is time to move around, then time to swim, with the guide steering the flow so you do not get stuck waiting.

And yes, swimming in the thermal waters is the moment most people remember. Even when the water feels cooler than you hoped, the setting plus the warmth of the springs still make it feel like a break from ordinary sightseeing.

Guide-led moments that turn a trip into a local day

The tour is powered by the guide. Names that come up include Maties and Miguel, and the consistent thread is how friendly and organized they keep the day.

Good guiding shows up in small ways:

• You get clear direction so you are not guessing where to go next.
• You learn details while walking, not just at the van stops.
• There is flexibility if you do not want the rougher parts at the same intensity.

There is also a fun Valencia angle. The guide is said to share discount tips for restaurants and night clubs in Valencia, plus other surprises. If you arrive at your evening plans with a couple of good leads, the day trip pays back beyond the springs.

Photos and the “don’t think, just shoot” factor

The tour includes photos and videos services, and it encourages you to take all the pictures you want. That is a big deal for this route because the waterfalls and gorge views look best when you have the freedom to grab shots on the move.

Even with photo/video support, bring your own phone setup. The trip specifically recommends a waterproof case so you can take photos and videos in the water without constantly worrying about your device.

If you are the type who wants good shots, arrive thinking about your angles before you jump into the busiest parts. For waterfalls, that usually means looking for stable spots and then changing one thing at a time: position, height, or timing.

Price and value: is $67 worth it

At $67 per person, this is priced like a true day tour, not a budget shuttle. You are paying for:

• Round-trip transfer from Valencia
• Entrance to the Cascada del Salto de la Novia
• Entrance to the Montanejos hot springs
• Live guide in Spanish and English
• Skip-the-ticket-line
• Photo and video service

Food and beverage are not included, so you should budget for lunch snacks or pack a full picnic. That is the one missing piece.

For me, the value checks out because entrances and transportation are the two things that commonly add cost and stress on your own. Here, you get the structure, then you use your time on the fun parts: walking to see the falls and swimming in the thermal water.

Weather, temperature, and “how to not ruin your mood”

This day is nature-based, so conditions can shift. The tour works in mixed weather, but the water experience changes.

The most important consideration is the hot spring temperature feel. The water is around 25 degrees, but people also note the gorge shade can make it feel cold, especially in winter. If you go in expecting it to feel like a heated pool all day, you may feel disappointed during the first minutes.

Your best strategy:

• Do a short warm-up dip, then decide whether to stay in longer
• Use water shoes so you move confidently between areas
• Keep your towel and dry layer ready, because it is easy to cool off after you swim

If the weather is clear, the waterfall and lookout points tend to be even more rewarding. If it is cloudy or chilly, the tour still functions, but your comfort planning matters more.

Who this tour fits best, and who should think twice

This is a great match if you want a nature day that feels organized and complete. You enjoy guided walking with plenty of photo time, and you actually want to spend real time in the water at the springs.

You should think twice if:

• You strongly dislike walking on rocky terrain, since it is more walk than hike, but still uneven
• You need wheelchair-friendly access, since it is not suitable for wheelchair users
• You expect the thermal pool to always feel very hot, because winter shade can make it cooler

If you are traveling with friends and want a chilled vibe plus standout scenery, this tour fits that mood.

Should you book this Montanejos hot springs and Salto de la Novia tour?

I’d book it if you want an efficient day trip that delivers on both sides of the water theme: waterfall scenery plus a long thermal swim. The included entrances, skip-the-line setup, and photo/video service make it feel complete for the price, and the guide experience (with standouts like Maties and Miguel) tends to lift the whole day.

I would hesitate only if you are very sensitive to cool water in winter or you know you cannot handle uneven outdoor paths. If that is you, adjust your expectations, pack for comfort, and consider a different kind of outing.

FAQ

Where does the tour start and end?

The meeting point is Gate A3 of the Mestalla Stadium, and the activity ends back at the meeting point.

How long is the tour?

The duration is 8 hours.

What languages is the live guide available in?

The live tour guide speaks Spanish and English.

Is food included?

No. Food and beverages are not included.

What is included in the ticket price?

The tour includes round-trip transfer between Valencia and the Navajas and Montanejos areas, entrance to the Salto de la Novia waterfall, and entrance to the hot springs of Montanejos, plus photo and video services.

Do I need to bring swimwear?

Yes. You should bring swimwear and a towel, along with comfortable shoes. The tour also recommends water shoes and a waterproof case for your phone.

What should I do if I want photos in the water?

The tour recommends using a waterproof case for your cell phone so you can take pictures and videos in the water.

How hot are the hot springs?

The hot spring water is described as 25 degrees Celsius all year round, though it may feel cooler in winter shade.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

No. It is listed as not suitable for wheelchair users.