Thermal pools, then the Girlfriend Waterfall. This Valencia day trip pairs Montanejos baths with a cool-off swim at Salto de la Novia, guided end to end so you spend your time in the water, not figuring things out.

I love that the thermal water sits at a steady 25°C year-round. You will also feel the ease of a max 24-person group, with guides who have time to check in and answer questions.

Do not show up in flimsy footwear. The day includes a short walk and water stops with slippery spots, and you will be happiest with closed-toe shoes or water shoes.

Key things that make this day trip work

• 25°C thermal water all year at Fuente de los Baños de Montanejos
• Two real swims (thermal pools first, then the waterfall in summer)
• Small group up to 24 plus professional local guide support
• Tickets included, plus an express security check to help you move faster
• Guides who manage the details, including help while you’re in the water
• Wear water-ready shoes because rocks and walkways can be slick

A day of two swims, without the logistics headache

This is a classic Valencia-area nature day: mountains, river water, and that special feeling you only get when you change temperature twice in one day. First you relax in thermal baths at Montanejos, then you head to Salto de la Novia, also known as the Girlfriend Waterfall, where the water is not thermal.

The pacing is built for comfort. With private transport and a small group, you get the best parts of the area without the stress of driving, parking, or trying to time multiple stops alone.

Getting out of Valencia: meeting point, timing, and ride style

You start at Av. de Suècia, 27, El Pla del Real, 46010 València, Valencia, and you begin at 9:00 am. The whole day runs about 8 hours, and it ends back at the same meeting point.

You ride in an air-conditioned vehicle, which matters because this part of Spain can get hot, especially in summer. The tour also includes an express security check step, which helps you avoid idle time at the start of the day.

Montanejos thermal springs: 2 hours in steady 25°C water

The Montanejos stop is built around Fuente de los Baños de Montanejos, the thermal bathing area. You get about 2 hours here, and the admission ticket is included.

Here is the big practical win: the water temperature is listed as 25°C / 77°F all year round. That means you can plan your swim without guessing whether winter will feel unbearable or summer will be too hot. Even so, experiences can vary depending on where you stand and what the day feels like, so I would treat 25°C as your baseline and still expect moments that feel cooler or warmer.

This is not just a sit-and-stare stop. You will have time to bathe, swim, and enjoy the setting around the baths. More than one guide team is described as making the water time easy, even helping with practical comfort like keeping an eye on belongings while people swim.

One heads-up: the springs area can feel busy on popular days. The good news is you still get meaningful time in the water, and the guide team keeps things organized so you are not stuck waiting for your turn.

The short walk and the footwear reality check

Even if your main goal is swimming, plan for walking. Some parts of the day include a short trek at the start, and multiple people note it is tougher than it sounds, with uneven or loose surfaces. One review specifically talks about a route that includes Spanish Civil War trenches as part of the walk.

So here is my straight advice: wear closed-toe trainers. Do not rely on sandals, Crocs, or other slip-on footwear if you are hoping for a stress-free day. If you have water shoes, bring them. People also mention slippery rocks at the waterfall stop, so the right shoes help you enjoy the views and the swims instead of thinking about where to step.

Lunch break in Montanejos: plan for a pit stop, not a full meal guarantee

After the thermal bathing time, there is a 30-minute lunch break back in Montanejos. Lunch is listed as not included, so you should treat this as a planned pause where you can eat on your own or buy something nearby.

That said, some tour experiences describe lunch being provided or handled as part of the day’s flow, so it is possible your exact booking includes more than the basic listing. To stay safe, I recommend you check your confirmation details before you arrive.

Either way, the timeline keeps you moving. You are not sitting on a bus all day. You are getting a swim first, then a break, then heading to the waterfall.

Salto de la Novia (the Girlfriend Waterfall): where summer swims happen

The waterfall stop is 1 hour and then you get another 1 hour 30 minutes to experience Salto de la Novia, with admission included. This is where the day shifts from thermal comfort to a more wild, natural feel.

You will see the waterfall up close, and in summer you can swim here, but the water is not thermal. Reviews also mention that the water can feel cold, even when it is a hot day outside, which is classic “jump in, then laugh about it” travel.

Also plan for wet and slick surfaces. Several people call out that rocks can be slippery, which is why sturdy shoes matter even more here than at the baths. If you are bringing your phone for photos, consider a waterproof bag. That small item can save your day when everyone wants a money-shot moment with the waterfall behind them.

Guides make this tour feel like a day out, not a checklist

This is one of the strongest parts of the experience. Names that come up again and again include Ivan, Miguel, Kiki, and Manuel, and they are praised for being friendly, funny, and helpful while still keeping safety and pacing in mind.

What I like about this style is that you get more than facts. You get guidance that helps you relax: where to stand, how to handle swim time, and what to expect from the walk. People also mention guides creating easy conversation in the group, including mixing travelers from different countries, so it can feel social without becoming chaotic.

If you are the kind of traveler who likes to ask questions, this tour seems built for that. One review highlights that the guide shared information about the area and even helped people feel comfortable from the first moments, including group introductions and photo help.

What you should pack so the day feels easy

You are going to be in and around water, plus you might do a short walk on uneven ground. Pack like you are going for a swim first, and sightseeing second.

Bring:

• Closed-toe trainers (good grip), not sandals
• Water shoes if you have them
• A swimsuit you can actually move in
• A waterproof phone bag or case for waterfall photos
• A towel if you tend to rely on one
• A refillable water bottle if you like having your own supply

Also, mentally prepare for temperature swings. Thermal water first can make the waterfall feel colder. That does not mean it is wrong. It is part of the fun.

Price and value: what you are paying for at $107.68

At $107.68 per person, this tour is not the cheapest option, but the value is fairly clear when you look at what is included. Your price covers:

• Air-conditioned vehicle and private transport between stops
• A professional local guide
• Tickets for the included experiences
• Taxes and all insurance, including accident insurance
• An express security check to help reduce wasted time

Lunch is not included, and hotel pickup is also not included. So if your plan depends on having lunch covered, confirm what your specific booking includes.

For me, the best value angle is simple: you are paying to avoid a day of planning. You get admissions handled, transport handled, and a guide to help you make the most of limited time at each location. With a small group cap of 24 travelers, it also tends to feel more personal than big-bus sightseeing.

Who this Montanejos and Girlfriend Waterfall trip fits best

This day trip is especially good if you want:

• A swim-first day, not a long museum day
• A moderate outdoor outing with short walks and plenty of breaks
• A small-group experience where the guide keeps things moving
• A chance to do two very different water settings in one trip: thermal baths and a true waterfall swim zone in summer

It also seems family-friendly, based on people traveling with kids. Just keep in mind that footwear and slippery rocks matter for everyone, including younger visitors.

Should you book this tour?

Book it if your ideal Valencia day includes thermal springs at a guaranteed 25°C and you want the spectacle of Salto de la Novia without juggling transport, tickets, and timing. The small group size, air-conditioned ride, and guide support are real quality-of-life upgrades.

Skip it or rethink it if you hate walking on uneven or slippery ground. The time in the water can be great, but you need the right shoes and a willingness to deal with wet rocks at the waterfall. If that part sounds stressful, you will still enjoy the baths, but the waterfall stop may be harder than you expect.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for the tour?

The tour meets at Av. de Suècia, 27, El Pla del Real, 46010 València, Valencia, Spain.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 9:00 am.

How long is the experience?

The duration is about 8 hours.

Is hotel pickup included?

No, hotel pickup is not included.

How many people are in the group?

The tour has a maximum of 24 travelers.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is not included.

What is the temperature of the thermal water at Montanejos?

The thermal baths water temperature is 25°C / 77°F all year round.

Can I swim at the Girlfriend Waterfall?

In summer, you can swim at Salto de la Novia. It is not thermal there.

What is included in the price?

The price includes an air-conditioned vehicle, a professional and local tour guide, skip-the-line express security check, taxes and insurance (including accident insurance), and tickets.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund if you cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience start time. If canceled less than 24 hours before start time, the amount is not refunded.