Thermal water and a waterfall, same day. I like the way this trip mixes warm natural swimming with the drama of Salto de la novia. The day feels relaxing, but there is one catch: in hot months the short hike can be canceled and you may spend more time in the water instead.

What makes it work is the pacing, plus a friendly guide who keeps the group moving without rushing. You’ll ride in an air-conditioned van or bus, stop for photos, and end up back where you started at Valencia’s Mestalla area. Guides I’ve seen mentioned include Miguel, Borja, and Paula, and their energy is a big part of why people call the day memorable.

Key Highlights I’d Prioritize

• 25°C thermal swimming year-round in the main pool area at Aigües Termals de Montanejos
• Girlfriend waterfall (Salto de la novia) as a summer refresh, with a guided walk
• A real break from Valencia with bus or van time replaced by nature time
• Lunch included (April-October), with a simple set meal plus coffee
• Dam stop at Embalse de Arenós for photos and a change of scenery
• Small, friendly-group feel with a live guide and help taking pictures

Trading Valencia Streets for Montanejos Thermal Water

This is a classic Valencia day trip idea: leave the city behind, then spend hours in something that feels like its own little world. Montanejos is known for thermal water you can swim in, not just admire from a viewpoint. Add a waterfall and a dam stop, and you get a full day without needing to plan a thing yourself.

The thermal pool area is consistently warm, with water temperature listed at 25°C/77°F all year. That matters because it changes how the day feels. Instead of “I dipped my toes,” you can actually relax, float, and treat it like a proper reset.

One more reason this feels special: the tour is built around more than one photo spot. You get the waterfall morning vibe, thermal swimming as the main event, and then a dam stop that gives your eyes and legs a different kind of break.

Meeting Point at Mestalla and the Ride Out of Town

You start near the action in Valencia, at Av. d’Aragó 31, by Mestalla football stadium, on the side facing Aragon Avenue. The guide meets you at gate A3 and is easy to spot by a shirt that puts Batwalking.

Once everyone is in, you head out by air-conditioned bus or van. The ride is about 45 minutes before your first real stop, so you’re not stuck in transit for half the day. This is a good point for first-timers who don’t want to worry about train times, driving, or figuring out where to park in a new town.

If you’re the kind of person who gets car sick, I’d bring it up early to the guide or driver. Some people on similar tours have been happy with small seat choices, and with this schedule you will be glad you handled it before you’re already on the road.

Salto de la Novia, the Girlfriend Waterfall Stop

The day starts with Salto de la novia, often described as Girlfriend waterfall. You’ll get a guided visit and a walk that lasts about 1 hour. The point here is not a long hike or a tough climb. It’s a nature pause with a bit of movement and time to take photos.

During summer months, there’s also a refreshing swim opportunity at the waterfall stop. That’s a key detail because it changes the stop from “watch and move on” into something more active. You’re closer to the natural feel of the area, and it’s a great way to cool down before the thermal pools.

What to watch for: this is a “walk, then enjoy” style stop, so comfortable shoes really matter. If you arrive wearing thin flip-flops or slippery soles, the ground can feel awkward when you’re trying to move around for pictures.

Aigües Termals de Montanejos: Swimming in Warm Water for Two Hours

This is the main event: the thermal pools at Aigües Termals de Montanejos. You get about 2 hours here, which is enough time to do a real swim, not just a quick dip. Since the water is listed as 25°C/77°F year-round in the swimming area, you can plan your day around staying in longer rather than rushing out for fear it’s too cold.

Now, here’s the practical truth: thermal water can still feel different depending on where you are. Some people have noted that the top layer can feel warmer than deeper sections. So if you want maximum comfort, start in the shallower, warmer-feeling areas and only go deeper once you’re settled.

The pool environment can also be pebbly underfoot. I’d seriously consider water shoes for comfort and grip. They make a big difference when you’re walking in and out, and it helps you focus on swimming instead of watching your footing.

This stop also tends to get busy in high season, but the upside is that once you move around a bit, you often find quieter spots. In other words, the crowds do not automatically ruin the experience. Your 2 hours are long enough to adjust and still have a relaxed feel.

Quick self-check before you get in

• If you have a heart condition, this tour may not be for you, since it is not suitable for people with heart problems.
• If you’re unsure about comfort, start slow, then build time in the water once you warm up.
• Bring your towel and swimwear so you’re not scrambling right after you exit the pools.

Lunch in Montanejos, Plus the Hike That May Disappear in Summer

After swimming, you’ll have lunch for about 1 hour. From April to October, lunch is included as a simple set meal: one sandwich or tapa, plus a soft drink or beer, and coffee. Water is also included, and it’s one of those small details that keeps the day comfortable after time in and out of the water.

This is also when the schedule can shift. The tour includes time to explore the surroundings and a hiking trail of around 30 minutes with views. But in summer, the hiking route may be canceled due to high risk of heat stroke and also because of forest-fire risk, with extra time instead spent in the water.

So how do you plan if you’re booking in July or August? I’d pack for the possibility that the “views walk” becomes more swimming time. That’s not necessarily bad. The thermal pool is the core draw, and an extra chunk of water time can be exactly what you want on a hot day.

Even when the hike is available, it’s not presented as a grueling trek. Think of it as a short nature-and-views stretch that rounds out the day so you’re not only sitting around after lunch.

Embalse de Arenós: The Dam Stop for Photos and a Change of Pace

You’ll then move to Embalse de Arenós, with about 1 hour for a photo stop and a visit. This part of the day breaks the rhythm. Up until then, it’s been waterfall and thermal water, so the dam gives your eyes something different.

Expect this stop to be lighter on physical activity and more focused on scenery and photos. If you like shots where you can see water, rock, and a wider view all at once, this is often the kind of stop that makes your camera roll look more varied.

It’s also a good time to reset your legs. After two hours of swimming plus walking around in nature, you’ll appreciate that the day includes a pause that is mostly “look, take pictures, and enjoy.”

How the Guide Makes the Day Feel Like a Small Adventure

This tour is set up as a friendly group day trip, and it runs with a minimum of 2 people, which helps explain why people describe the vibe as intimate. You’ll travel together, get guided info at stops, and keep a steady pace without constantly checking your phone.

The guide also shapes the tone. Names like Miguel and Borja show up in the experience stories, and people talk about how the guide keeps things light and fun while still watching out for the group. If you want a day that feels organized but not stiff, this style fits.

There’s also a nice practical layer: guides have helped with picture moments, including taking photos with your own camera and sharing them later through messaging groups. That may sound small, but it changes how many good photos you actually end up with, especially if you’re traveling as a couple or small group.

If you like talking to locals, guides on this route tend to add context at each stop, so you’re not just passively moving from one scenic location to another.

Price and Value: What You Get for Around $108

At about $108 per person, you’re paying for a full-day structure, not just access to the springs. Here’s what’s included that helps justify the cost:

• Round-trip transportation from Valencia by air-conditioned bus or van
• A live guide
• Skip-the-line tickets with an express security check
• Lunch included (April-October)
• Water included

When you’re spending an entire day away from the city, transport and guidance are often what drive the price up. This tour also bundles the lunch, so you’re not hunting for a meal on your own after swimming. If you were to combine a driver, a guided day plan, and a meal separately, you’d usually end up spending more time and often more money.

The other value piece is time balance. The itinerary gives you real time in the thermal pools, a full hour for the waterfall stop, lunch that doesn’t cut the day short, and then a dam photo stop so you leave with a mix of memories.

What to Pack (So You Enjoy Every Stop)

The tour gives a clear packing list, and I’d follow it closely:

• Comfortable shoes
• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Comfortable clothes

I’d add one optional upgrade from what you’ll likely notice once you get there: water shoes. The pool bed can be pebbly, and it makes getting in and out easier and more comfortable.

Also think about the summer reality. If the hike gets canceled, you’ll still be in the sun and around water. Bring sunscreen seriously, not as an afterthought.

Who This Day Trip Works For, and Who Should Skip

This is often described as suitable for all ages, but the “fine print” matters. It is not suitable for wheelchair users, and it is not suitable for people with heart problems. Babies under 1 year are also not included.

So who should book it?

• Couples and friends who want a relaxed nature day with swimming
• Travelers who want something active but not exhausting
• People visiting Valencia who don’t want to rent a car for a one-day nature plan

Who might think twice?

• Anyone who needs wheelchair accessibility
• Anyone with heart concerns
• Travelers who only want city-style sightseeing and are unlikely to enjoy swimming time

Should You Book This Montanejos Thermal Springs and Waterfall Tour?

I’d book if you want a day that feels like a break from the city, with one obvious main attraction plus two solid supporting stops. Two hours in warm thermal pools is the heart of the day, and the waterfall stop adds that “wow” moment without turning it into a hike-heavy schedule.

You should also book if you value being guided. This trip is built around simple flow: travel, waterfall, thermal swim, lunch, then a dam photo stop. It’s the kind of day that works especially well when you’re only in Valencia for a few days and don’t want to spend your time figuring out logistics.

One reason to pause: in summer, the hiking portion can be canceled and the experience shifts toward more water time. If you booked specifically for the walk and viewpoints, check your travel month. Also, even though the main pool area is listed at 25°C, water comfort can vary by where you are in the pool, so plan to start slow and warm up gradually.

If that sounds like your style, this is a strong choice for a memorable Valencia-region day trip.

FAQ

Where do we meet for the tour in Valencia?

You meet at Mestalla football stadium, on the side facing Aragon Avenue at gate A3.

How long is the day trip?

The duration is listed as 8 hours.

What transportation is used from Valencia?

Transportation is provided by a bus or van, and the vehicle is air-conditioned.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is included from April to October. It includes 1 sandwich or tapa, a soft drink or beer, and coffee.

How warm is the thermal water?

The water temperature in the swimming area is listed as 25°C/77°F all year round.

Is there swimming during the tour?

Yes. You’ll swim at the thermal springs for about 2 hours, and there is also a waterfall stop where swimming can happen during summer months.

What happens to the hiking route in summer?

In summer, the hiking route may be canceled due to the high risk of heat stroke, and more time will be spent in the water because of forest-fire risk.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen, plus comfortable clothes.