Thermal pools beat the city heat. This Valencia day trip swaps straight tourism for a planned Montanejos hike plus time to soak in the natural Fuentes de los Baños thermal pools. It is a simple format: you go, you walk a scenic route with a guide, then you cool off by the water.

I like that the day is structured for you. You get round-trip coach transport and a guided hike, so you are not wrestling with buses in a new region. I also like the payoff at the end, the kind of place you want after sun and effort. One consideration: the pool water can feel cooler than you expect, since it stays around 23°C year-round, not scorching-hot.

Quick hits before you go

• Guided Montanejos hike with mountain paths, viewpoints, and stops for photos
• Fuentes de los Baños time included, with skip-the-line access
• Transport is handled by air-conditioned coach, so you can focus on the day
• A moderate fitness level is expected, and the hike can feel fast in hot weather
• Bring basics like a small roll of toilet paper and extra water, just in case

Why Montanejos hike and thermal pools work so well from Valencia

If you only have a day outside Valencia, this kind of combo trip is smart. It gives you a full change of scenery without the stress of planning logistics. You trade crowds in town for pine forests, river canyons, and that quiet moment when you finally put your feet in the water.

The key is how the day is paced. You start with the hike, then the thermal pools come afterward like a reward that actually makes sense. And the guide adds context as you walk, sharing local details about geology, plants, wildlife, and even the legend tied to the Moorish Queen’s Baths.

The vibe is outdoorsy but not extreme. It is built for people who want a guided nature day, with enough time to reset before heading back to Valencia.

Getting there by coach: comfort tips and timing that actually matter

The tour includes round-trip transfers in an air-conditioned coach, which is a big part of the value. It also means you only need to show up at the pickup point, then follow the group. The total duration is about 8 hours once you include the ride to and from Valencia.

You have two main meeting points:

• Torres de Serranos bus stop area (in front of MYR Hotel), pickup 10 minutes before starting time
• Hola Trip office on C/ Ramon Llull 21, pickup 10 minutes after starting time

In practice, the bus arrives on the main road and the guide carries a HOLA TRIP badge. Communication is generally smooth, but still, I would show up a few minutes early. That helps when the group size is larger, which it can be, up to 53 people.

One practical comfort tip from real on-the-day experience: the air conditioning can be very strong. Pack a light hoodie or layer so you do not freeze on the ride out, especially if you are coming from warm Valencia streets.

Stop 1: The Montanejos hike with reservoir views and canyon energy

The first half of the day is a guided hike around Montanejos. You follow your guide along mountain paths with views over the turquoise waters of the Mijares River. Expect Mediterranean scenery with pine forests, rocky cliffs, and plenty of photo stops.

You also get panoramic viewpoints where you can admire the Arenoso Reservoir and the peaks of the Sierra de Espadán Natural Park. This is where the day feels most “different” from a typical shore trip or city stroll, because the terrain actually shapes the views. The guide also explains how the area formed, plus local stories tied to the legend of the Moorish Queen’s Baths.

Depending on the season, you might see waterfalls, colorful wildflowers, and birds moving through the cliffs. Some guides also lead people through special spots along the way, like a cave area or a short detour that adds variety. On hotter days, that added interest can make the hike feel less like just walking and more like a living route.

How hard is it, really?

This is listed as a moderate physical fitness experience, but “moderate” in the heat can still mean sweaty legs. Some hikers found the pace fairly quick, especially if you prefer long photo breaks or slower stepping. If you are the type who likes to stop often, say so to your guide early or keep an eye on how the group moves.

Also note that weather matters. Inland Valencia in summer can be intense, and the hike will feel longer when you are managing sun and heat. If you usually hike calmly, plan for effort, not a casual stroll.

Stop 2: Fuentes de los Baños thermal pools, 23°C expectations, and what to do there

After the hike, you get time at Fuente de los Banos de Montanejos, with admission included and skip-the-line access. This is the relaxing part of the day, roughly 4 hours, and you can use it however you want: swim, float, sit by the rocks, or just unwind and watch the cliffs and greenery.

About the water temperature: the pools stay around 23°C all year because of their mineral composition. That sounds fine on paper, but it can feel chilly if you are coming off a hot hike and your body temp is still high. Several people describe it as temperate at best, and colder than they expected. In other words, go in with a “cool refresh” mindset, not “hot spring soak.”

If you want the warmest feeling, aim to explore the pool areas where the water conditions might feel slightly different, and follow your guide’s directions. The site can also change in appearance with season, weather, and water levels, so do not expect one exact “Instagram” look every day.

What to bring for the pool time

You will be able to change at the pool area, and there are wash rooms there. Still, bring small practical items because nature days rarely provide what you assume:

• A small roll of toilet paper, since at least one early bathroom stop has been reported as lacking it
• Sunscreen and a hat, even if you plan to sit in the shade at times
• Water and a snack, since food and drinks are not included

Also, bring a bag you are comfortable carrying during the hike. Some tours do not have a place to stash belongings during the walking time, so keep it simple and light.

If it looks different on the day

Sometimes pool water can appear cloudy or less clear depending on conditions. On some days, guides have redirected the group to a clearer alternative swimming area nearby when possible. That is not guaranteed, but it is worth knowing that the team may adjust the exact experience if conditions change.

Pace, group size, and how to choose the right hiking partner for this day

This trip is for people who want a guided outdoor day, not a private slow walk. The tour maxes out at 53 travelers, so you will be part of a real group, not just a handful of hikers. Many guides are fun and entertaining, and several people highlight humor and energy from staff members like Arturo, Taoufik, Alejandro, Filip, Italo, and Nico. That helps the group feel less like a conveyor belt.

Still, the group size can affect what you get out of it. Some hikers felt the pace was fast and that slower walkers missed more of the guide’s storytelling. If you are an experienced hiker who likes to linger on viewpoints, you may want to set expectations: you might not get a long, relaxed rhythm.

A good move is to hike with the flow. Let the guide set the pace, then take your photos at the scheduled viewpoint stops. You will still enjoy the views, and you will protect your energy for the pool time, which is where many people feel the day pays off.

If you are older and still capable of walking with breaks, the tour can work well because guides have been reported as attentive to people in the 50+ range. But if you need a very slow, step-by-step pace, this group format may feel too structured.

Price and value: what $59.26 covers, and where you need your own plan

At $59.26 per person, this is essentially paying for three things: the coach transport, the guided hike, and the thermal pools entry with skip-the-line access. Food and drinks are not included, and that is the one place you will feel it during the day.

Here is how I think about value for this specific tour:

• If you would otherwise spend money on transport to Montanejos and pay entry separately, the included logistics help
• If you want a guide to handle the hiking route and add local stories, you are paying for that added layer
• If you care about minimizing hassle, skip-the-line access at Fuentes de los Baños is a real time-saver

Where you should add your own budget: water, snacks, and anything you want to eat during downtime. Also consider that a small cafe or snack spot may not always be reliably open. One account mentioned the café being closed for refurbishments and no clear place to buy drinks, so pack supplies just to be safe.

My practical advice: bring a simple day pack with water plus a light snack. Even if you end up not needing it, it prevents stress if the site has limited options that day.

Seasonal tips: hot weather, cooler pool water, and what to wear

This day can swing from hot hike to cooler water quickly. If you visit when temperatures are high, you will want sun protection from the first minutes. Several hikers recommend a hat and sunscreen. Hiking shoes matter too, since the route is on mountain paths and rocky sections.

A good layering strategy helps. You want breathable clothes for the hike, then a light layer for the coach ride (air conditioning can be intense). Once you reach the pools, take time to acclimate to the water temperature, and do not rush into it right away if you are overheated.

If you are sensitive to cold, treat the pools like a refresh, not a warm bath. You can still enjoy them, but adjust your expectations. And if you are there in cooler seasons, you may appreciate a swim top that helps you stay comfortable.

Who should book this Montanejos day trip, and who might skip it

This is a strong choice if you:

• Want an easy one-day nature escape from Valencia
• Prefer a guided route so you do not have to research trail directions
• Like the idea of hiking first, then sitting in the pools with downtime

It may be less ideal if you:

• Expect truly hot thermal water, since it stays around 23°C year-round and can feel chilly
• Need a slower pace with lots of unstructured stopping, because the group can move fairly quickly
• Are looking for a private, small-group hike, since group size can be large

Important constraints from the tour rules: the experience is not allowed for people under 14 or over 65, and it is not allowed for people with mobility impairments. If you fall into either category, you will need to look for a different format.

Also, choose this only if the weather looks reliable. The tour requires good weather, and it can be rescheduled if conditions are poor.

Should you book this Montanejos hiking and thermal pools tour?

Yes, I would book it if you want a well-organized Montanejos day that trades hassle for a complete experience. The combination of guided hiking plus Fuentes de los Baños time, with transport handled, is exactly the kind of value you notice most when you compare it to DIY. You are buying time and confidence, not just scenery.

Book with realistic expectations about the water temperature. Plan for a cool-to-temperate soak around 23°C, and bring basics like water, snacks, and a small roll of toilet paper. If you do that, the day usually lands as a highlight: great views, a fun guide vibe, and a genuinely relaxing finish by the natural pools.

If you want a slower, custom pace or you expect hot spring warmth, then it is worth considering an alternative activity or a smaller-group option. For the right traveler, though, this is one of the easiest ways to get real inland Valencia nature in a single afternoon-to-evening rhythm.

FAQ

Where is the pickup for this Montanejos tour from Valencia?

You can be picked up at Torres de Serranos (bus stop, in front of MYR Hotel) or at the Hola Trip office at C/ Ramon Llull 21 (in front of the purple office). The Torres de Serranos pickup is 10 minutes before starting time, and the Hola Trip office pickup is 10 minutes after starting time.

How long is the tour in total?

The duration is about 8 hours, and that includes the transportation time to and from Valencia.

What do I do at Montanejos during the hike?

You follow a guide on mountain paths with viewpoints over the Mijares River and the Arenoso Reservoir, with stories about the area’s geology, plants, wildlife, and local legends. Depending on the season, you might see waterfalls, wildflowers, or birds.

How long do I get at the thermal pools?

You get about 4 hours at Fuente de los Banos de Montanejos for relaxing, swimming, floating, or sitting by the rocks.

Is there a guide during the hike and pools?

Yes. A tour guide is included for the guided hiking route, and you are guided as part of the overall experience.

What is the water temperature at Fuentes de los Baños?

The thermal pools maintain a constant temperature of around 23°C all year long.

Does the tour include admission to the pools?

Yes. Skip-the-line access to Fuentes de los Baños is included, and admission at the pools is described as included.

What should I bring since food and drinks are not included?

Food and drinks are not included. Plan to bring water and snacks for the day, and also pack essentials like sunscreen and a hat since the hike happens outdoors.

Who is this tour not allowed for?

It is not allowed for people under 14 or over 65, and it is not allowed for people with mobility impairments.

What happens if the weather is bad?

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