From Valencia: Montanejos Thermal Springs & Great Waterfall

The best part of this day trip is the chance to trade Valencia’s city streets for warm river water and a dramatic waterfall in the Valencian countryside. You get two very different swims: one at Salto de la Novia, also called Girlfriend Waterfall, and another in Montanejos, where the water stays around 25°C all year.

I like the two-stop format, since you are not stuck at one swimming spot all day. I also like the practical care shown by the guides, including life jackets and pool noodles used during one family’s outing, which helped a 12-year-old manage deeper parts of the river. The main thing to consider is the large-group setup. Some departures have used a small, air-conditioned van, but the tour is generally described as a big group experience, so do not expect a private or quiet day.

Key points to know

• Two swims in one day: Visit Salto de la Novia and the Montanejos thermal springs.
• Water temperature: The main thermal swimming area stays at about 25°C, or 77°F, throughout the year.
• Time in the water: Plan on roughly 1.5 hours at the waterfall and 2 hours at the thermal springs.
• Guide support: An English or Spanish-speaking local guide accompanies the trip and helps with timing, safety, and practical advice.
• Transport included: Air-conditioned private transport carries you between Valencia and the two natural sites.
• Bring your own meal: Food and drinks are not included, and eating is limited to the scheduled 30-minute lunch stop.

Why Montanejos makes a good break from Valencia

Valencia is easy to enjoy for several days, but the city does not show you the full character of the Valencian Community. Montanejos gives you a taste of the inland countryside, with river water, rocky swimming areas, and waterfalls replacing plazas and apartment blocks.

This is not a demanding hiking day. The focus is swimming, relaxing, taking photos, and enjoying the scenery around the water. That makes it a useful choice if you want nature without signing up for a strenuous outdoor excursion.

The water is the star. At Montanejos, the swimming area remains about 25°C year-round. That is warm enough to feel pleasant without the sharp shock of a cold mountain river. At the waterfall, the swim is more about the setting and the refreshing water than about a thermal soak.

You should also set your expectations correctly. This is an organized group outing, not a private escape into untouched nature. You will have fixed departure and return times, shared transport, and a guide keeping the day moving.

Meeting at Mestalla and leaving Valencia

The stated meeting point is at Mestalla football stadium, on the side facing Suecia Avenue, near gate N1 in the corner. Another part of the information names The Little Corner Café as the starting and return location, so I would confirm the exact meeting point after booking rather than relying on memory.

That small check matters. Missing a countryside departure is a costly way to begin the day, and the trip does not include hotel pickup. Arrive with enough time to find the correct side of the stadium and locate the group.

The ride to the first stop takes about 45 minutes. Air conditioning is included, which is important during Valencia’s warmer months. The drive is long enough to settle in, but short enough that you reach the first swimming stop without spending the morning on the road.

The vehicle may be a bus or van. One family had a small air-conditioned van, while the general description presents the outing as a big group trip. If the size of the group matters to you, ask the provider what vehicle is planned for your date.

Salto de la Novia and the first swim

The first scheduled stop is Salto de la Novia, known here as Girlfriend Waterfall. You have about 1.5 hours for a photo stop and swimming.

The waterfall gives the day its strongest visual moment. You can take pictures, look around the surrounding area, and get into the water rather than simply viewing the falls from a roadside lookout. That combination makes the stop feel like a real outdoor break, not just a quick camera stop.

You will want swimwear and a towel ready before leaving Valencia. Comfortable shoes are also on the required packing list, and they are more useful than ordinary city sandals if the ground near the water is uneven or rocky.

The 1.5-hour window is a good middle ground. It gives you time to swim and take photos without making you linger for half a day. Still, the time is fixed. If you want a long, slow picnic beside the waterfall, this organized schedule may feel brisk.

The water here is not described as thermal. Think of this stop as the refreshing part of the day, with the waterfall providing the setting. The warmer soak comes later at Montanejos.

Montanejos thermal springs at 25°C

After the waterfall, the vehicle takes you onward to Aigües Termals de Montanejos. The drive is listed as about 45 minutes.

You get roughly two hours at the thermal springs, followed by a 30-minute lunch period. That is enough time to swim, relax, take photographs, and enjoy the river area without rushing from the water straight back into the vehicle.

The main practical fact is the temperature: about 25°C, or 77°F, in the swimming area throughout the year. This is not a steaming hot spring. If you expect spa-level heat, you may find it mild. If you like water that feels comfortable for a longer swim, the temperature works well.

The springs are described as mineral and medicinal waters, but this is still a natural swimming setting rather than a full-service spa. Do not expect changing rooms, treatments, or resort comforts to be part of the $69 price unless the provider confirms otherwise.

The natural setting is the attraction. You can swim in the river, look at the surrounding rock and water, and enjoy the calm after the more dramatic waterfall stop. The springs also look striking in photographs, with a tropical feel that some people compare to Thailand.

Depth can vary in the river. One family found the supplied life jackets and pool noodles particularly useful for a younger swimmer in deeper sections. That is a worthwhile safety feature, but you should still follow the guide’s instructions and choose the water area that suits your ability.

A short lunch break, not a full meal

The schedule allows 30 minutes for lunch at the thermal springs. Food and drinks are not included, so you need to plan for this yourself.

The vehicle rules do not allow food or drinks inside, and smoking is not allowed in the vehicle. Alcohol and drugs are prohibited, as are alcoholic drinks in the vehicle. In practical terms, you should eat during the scheduled stop and carry only what the provider allows at the swimming areas.

Because lunch is only 30 minutes, this is not the day for a long restaurant meal. Bring or arrange something simple if that is permitted, and do not assume that lunch is included in the tour price. The supplied information does not identify a specific restaurant or meal arrangement.

Returning to Valencia after the springs

The final drive is listed as about 75 minutes, followed by arrival back in Valencia. After a day in the water, that longer ride can be useful downtime, though it also makes the overall outing feel like a full day away from the city.

The total duration is about eight hours. You leave enough room in your schedule for the return journey, especially if you have an evening reservation, train, or flight. I would not pair this with a tight same-day travel connection.

The guides are there to keep the timing clear and help you make the most of each stop. English and Spanish are available. The strongest practical feedback centers on friendly assistance, useful tips, and attention to safety. One guide also shared suggestions about Valencia and stories about the surrounding area, which can add value beyond simply delivering you to the water.

What the $69 price really covers

At $69 per person, the price is reasonable if you want transport from Valencia and do not want to arrange the two sites yourself. The package includes air-conditioned transport, a local professional guide, tickets, taxes, and accident insurance.

That matters because the sites are separate. You are not paying for one nearby attraction with a short transfer. You have transport to the waterfall, transport to Montanejos, and a return ride to Valencia.

The price does not include food, drinks, or hotel pickup. You also need to bring your own swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and suitable clothing. Those extras are easy to overlook when comparing tour prices.

The biggest value question is group size. If you prefer a private guide, flexible stops, and your own meal schedule, $69 may not feel like the right product. If you value convenience and want a simple way to reach inland swimming sites, the price makes good sense.

Who will enjoy this day most

I would recommend this trip to families, couples, and solo visitors who want active relaxation rather than a museum-heavy excursion. It is suitable for all ages, and the warm thermal water makes it easier for different generations to enjoy the same stop.

Families should pay attention to the water depth and use any available safety gear. The experience with life jackets and pool noodles is encouraging, but the river is not a controlled hotel pool.

You will also like this outing if you want a guide who can add local advice about Valencia and the surrounding area. The guide is not just useful for navigation. Good timing, safety reminders, and help at the swimming spots can make a big difference during a group day.

This is less suitable if you dislike wet clothes, fixed schedules, or shared transport. It is also not ideal for someone seeking a silent wellness retreat. The tour combines swimming, transport, sightseeing, and group logistics.

What to pack for a comfortable day

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, comfortable shoes, and comfortable clothes. Pack these items where you can reach them easily, since the first stop is a swimming location.

A dry change of clothes will make the return journey more pleasant, although it is not specifically listed among the required items. Since food and drinks are excluded, check with the provider about what you may carry for the lunch stop and swimming areas.

A waterproof pouch for your phone can be useful around the waterfall and river, but this is a practical suggestion rather than an included feature. Keep valuables limited, since the information does not promise lockers or secure storage.

The most important item is not fancy equipment. It is a towel and proper swimwear, because both major stops involve water.

Booking details worth checking

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. That gives you some flexibility if your Valencia plans are still changing.

The experience is offered in English and Spanish. Confirm your preferred language when booking if that choice matters to you.

The meeting information lists both Mestalla stadium and The Little Corner Café in different places. Contact the provider to verify the current meeting point, pickup time, and vehicle type. This is especially important because hotel pickup is not included.

The tour is operated by Batwalking & Tourswalking. Its current rating is 4.9 from 13 reviews, with repeated praise for friendly guides, good organization, attractive locations, and helpful safety support. Those are the areas I would expect to shape your day most.

Should you book the Montanejos trip?

Book it if you want an easy, well-organized way to swim at two inland nature sites without renting a car or planning the transfers yourself. The combination of Girlfriend Waterfall and 25°C thermal water gives the day enough variety, and the guide support adds reassurance for families.

Think twice if you want a private outing, a hot spa, or a long unstructured stay at one place. The group format and fixed schedule are real parts of the experience.

For $69, I see this as a solid value for a full day outside Valencia, provided you are comfortable with shared transport and bring your own food and swimming gear. Confirm the meeting point before you go, then let the water do most of the work.

FAQ

How long does the Montanejos trip last?

The experience lasts about eight hours, including transportation from Valencia, time at the waterfall and thermal springs, lunch time, and the return journey.

Where is the meeting point?

The stated meeting point is at Mestalla football stadium, on the side facing Suecia Avenue, near gate N1 in the corner. Another part of the information names The Little Corner Café, so confirm the exact location with the provider before departure.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup is not included. You need to reach the stated meeting point in Valencia.

How warm are the Montanejos thermal springs?

The swimming area at the thermal springs stays at about 25°C, or 77°F, throughout the year.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included. The schedule provides a 30-minute lunch period, but no specific meal arrangement is included in the price.

Which languages are available?

The live guide service is available in English and Spanish.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and comfortable clothes. Safety equipment such as life jackets and pool noodles has been available on at least one departure, but you should not rely on that instead of bringing suitable personal items.