A day that mixes thermal springs with mountain views is hard to beat. From Valencia, this Montanejos tour gives you a full day to soak in warm waters around 77ºF (25ºC), then, if you want, tackle a 3-hour guided hike for sweeping panoramas.

I especially like the simple structure: roundtrip transport is handled, you get entry to Fuente de los Baños, and you have real free time by the river to breathe and reset. The hike is optional, so you can match the day to your energy. The main drawback to consider is that the walking can feel like a workout, and on bus-and-hike day tours the pace can run a bit brisk, especially in larger groups.

Key Things to Know Before You Go

• Thermal springs at 77ºF (25ºC), built into a schedule that also includes river time for photos and relaxing
• Optional 3-hour guided hike to earn panoramic views of the region and the city below
• Entry to Fuentes de Los Baños included, so you do not have to line up or scramble for tickets
• No food or water included, so bring your own snacks, water, and sunscreen
• Not suitable for wheelchair users and limited for older visitors, because the day includes walking and uneven ground
• Some reviews point to guide style and pacing, so go in expecting nature time more than lecture time

A Simple Day Trip Out of Valencia That Actually Changes Your Pace

This is one of those Valencia day trips that feels like a real reset. You get out of the city fast enough to enjoy the mountains and still come home the same day. And because Montanejos is only about an hour away by coach, the trip is long on time outside, not long on sitting.

I like how the tour gives you two ways to enjoy the day. If you want calm, you can focus on Fuente de los Baños and the river setting. If you want energy and views, you can add the 3-hour guided hike. That flexibility is what makes this itinerary work for different temperaments, from easygoing to active.

The value comes from bundling the day’s biggest pieces. You pay around $57, and you’re getting transport, a guide, spring entry, and optional hiking support. Then you just bring your own basics like water and snacks.

Meeting Point, Coach Time, and How to Start the Day Smoothly

The day starts with a driver pickup in Valencia, next to the round building of the University of Valencia. The scheduled start point is Carrer de Ramon Llull, 37, so it’s worth arriving a few minutes early, especially if you need to locate the exact spot where the group forms.

Expect a coach ride of about 1.5 hours each way. That timing matters because it shapes the mood of the whole day. Once you get moving, you should plan to treat the tour like a full-day outing. Pack accordingly, because you will be spending most of your daylight outside or on the hike, not in transit.

Also note that the guide and host or greeter are listed as English and Spanish. If you want lots of commentary, go in with the mindset that the guide may prioritize keeping the group moving and letting you enjoy the scenery.

Fuente de los Baños Thermal Springs: The Main Attraction, Plus a Story

The best part of Montanejos is easy to spot as soon as you arrive: warm water, relaxing surroundings, and a river setting that invites you to slow down. The tour includes entry to Fuentes de los Baños, and you’ll spend time soaking at temperatures of about 77ºF (25ºC) / 25ºC.

What you’re really paying for here is not just access to water. It’s the time window. You get a planned break after the ride, so soaking is not something you have to figure out after the hike or squeeze in between bus stops.

You also learn about a legend connected to the springs, tied to a Moorish king named Abu-Zayd, who is said to have convinced women from his harem that bathing in these waters would bring them eternal youth. Even if you treat legends as folklore rather than fact, the story gives the springs more meaning than a simple hot-water stop.

One practical tip: if your goal is to actually step into the water comfortably, bring footwear suited to wet, possibly slick edges. A few people have noted that the day did not make water footwear feel obvious, and that can affect how much you enjoy the bathing portion.

River Break Time: Make It a Picnic Day Without Overthinking

After the springs and soaking, you’ll have a free-time window by the river. The schedule includes a break with photo stops and plenty of time to hang out, so you can choose your rhythm. Some people want shade, some want photos, and some just want to sit and let the warm water do its job.

The key detail is what’s not provided. Food and water are not included. The tour may offer snacks on your own, but you should not count on it. This is one of those days where “I’ll grab something later” can turn into waiting around or paying more than you wanted.

Here’s what I recommend you pack for comfort:

• Enough water for a full day, plus extra if you’re hiking
• Snacks that feel like a meal if you skip the bar option
• Sunscreen and a sun hat, because you’ll be out in the open
• A small daypack so you can keep your essentials close
• Sunglasses, because the river light can be bright

There’s also the matter of clothing. Comfortable clothes are listed for a reason. You will likely move between warm water areas, shaded spots, and walking paths. If you pack layers, you’ll handle temperature swings better, especially in shoulder seasons.

The Optional 3-Hour Guided Mountain Hike for Panoramic Views

After your springs time, you can decide whether to join the guide on the 3-hour hike through the mountains. This is where the tour justifies the day trip feel. The views are described as the payoff, including panoramas over the region and the city below.

I like that the hike is optional. In reality, a day that includes soaking and walking can turn into a choose-your-own-adventure. If your legs are feeling good after the springs, you’ll likely enjoy the climb. If not, you can stay back and still have a full day without forcing it.

What to know before you commit:

• The terrain can be a workout, especially on paths that are more than just a casual stroll
• Hiking shoes matter, because uneven ground is part of the experience
• Bring enough water and sunscreen even if you’re only going “for the views”

Also watch for group dynamics. Some reviews point to a fast walking pace, where the route and timing matter more than stopping for extra explanations. If you love slow, chatty hikes, set your expectations. If you’re there for steady effort and the scenery, you’ll probably be happy.

What the Guide Adds, and What You Should Not Expect

A guide can make a huge difference on a day like this. You get route guidance, pacing, and the legend context at the springs. The tour is also set up so you don’t have to figure out transport or entry by yourself.

That said, not every guide style lands the same for every person. A few comments criticize the lack of detailed narration and suggest that the group can move quickly, even past good photo spots. Others loved the hike and the work of the walking paths, saying the views were worth it.

So here’s the balanced way to think about it:

• Treat the guide as a facilitator for timing and safety, not as a full-time storyteller
• Plan to spend your best moments looking outward, not listening for constant commentary
• If the group feels tight, be ready to take photos quickly, not patiently

In other words, you’ll get value either way, but your enjoyment will depend on what you want from the guiding experience.

Price and Value at Around $57: What’s Included and Why It Matters

At about $57 per person, this is not a bargain in the “cheap bus ride” category. But it also isn’t overpriced for what you get if you care about two big costs: transport and spring entry.

Your ticket includes:

• Roundtrip transportation from Valencia
• A guide
• Entry to Fuentes de Los Baños
• The optional 3-hour guided hike
• Travel assistance insurance

What you handle yourself:

• Food and water

To judge the real value, think about alternatives. If you tried to do this independently, you’d be paying for transport, then working out tickets and timing for entry to the springs, plus deciding how to get a guided hike that fits the day. This tour packages those needs into one ticket and one schedule.

If you’re the type who dislikes planning, this is one of the easier ways to experience Montanejos. If you’re the type who already enjoys DIY bus routes and you know you’ll only want to soak and not hike, you might weigh whether the transport and guided hike bundle matches your preferences.

Who This Tour Suits Best (And Who Should Think Twice)

This day trip is a good match if you want:

• A mountains plus thermal springs day without coordinating multiple pieces
• The option to hike for panoramas or skip the hike and still enjoy the springs
• A guided outing where you can relax by the river without worrying about logistics

It’s less of a match if:

• You need wheelchair-friendly access, because it is listed as not suitable for wheelchair users
• You are managing mobility issues, since the day involves walking and uneven ground
• You are traveling with children under 10, because it is listed as not suitable for kids under 10

Age limits are also part of the information: it is not suitable for people over 60 years, and also lists not suitable for people over 70 years. If you are near those ranges, check how comfortable you are with the physical demands. The tour is built around soaking plus hiking choices, not a fully gentle pace.

Practical Packing List That Makes a Difference

This is one of those tours where packing well turns a good day into a great day. You’ll be outdoors for a long stretch, you’ll be in and around wet areas, and you’ll likely hike if you choose the mountain portion.

Bring:

• Hiking shoes
• Sunglasses and a sun hat
• Sunscreen
• Water and snacks
• Comfortable clothes
• A daypack

If you plan to bathe and you want maximum comfort, consider water shoes too. The springs are meant for soaking, but slick surfaces can catch people off guard. Better footwear can mean more time enjoying the water, less time worrying about footing.

Should You Book This Montanejos Day Trip?

I’d book it if you’re excited by the combo of warm springs and the payoff of a mountain hike, and you like having transport and entry handled. The schedule is built for a full day, so if you show up ready with water and snacks, you’ll likely feel the value quickly.

I would pause before booking if you know you want a super talkative guide who stops often for long explanations. Some experiences describe a brisk pace and limited time for lingering at the best photo moments. If you are okay with that and focus on views plus soaking, you’re in the right mindset.

FAQ

How long is the Montanejos tour from Valencia?

The tour lasts about 8 hours.

Where do I meet the driver in Valencia?

Meet your driver next to the round building of the University of Valencia. The starting location is listed as Carrer de Ramon Llull, 37.

How long is the hiking portion in Montanejos?

The guided hike is optional and lasts 3 hours.

Are the thermal springs entry fees included?

Yes, entry to the Fuentes de Los Baños is included.

What is the temperature of the thermal springs?

The springs are described as staying at about 77ºF (25ºC).

Is food and water included in the tour price?

No. Food and water are not included.

What languages are available for the host or greeter?

English and Spanish.

Is the tour suitable for children?

It is not suitable for children under 10 years old.

Is it wheelchair accessible?

No. It is not suitable for wheelchair users and it is listed as not suitable for people with mobility impairments.