Adventures day: Thermal Springs and Waterfalls

The best part of this day is the change of scene. Within a few hours of leaving Valencia, you are beside waterfalls, sheer canyons, fig trees, and startlingly clear mountain water. The Blue Pools at Montanejos are the main event, but the waterfall stops give the day a pleasing sense of adventure.

I like the small-group feel, with no more than 19 people, and I like that practical gear such as water shoes, floating boards, and life jackets is supplied. Guides including Mike, Ana, Kiu, Sofia, and Thomas are also praised for taking photos and helping people feel at ease.

The main catch is simple: these are called thermal springs because the water stays at about 25°C year-round, not because it feels like a hot bath. Many people find the water cold, and some swimming and walking are required.

Key points to know before you book

• The Blue Pools are cool, not hot: The water is a steady 25°C, refreshing in summer but colder than many people expect.
• Segorbe adds the most playful swimming: In summer, you can swim under the Bridal Veil Waterfall and slide or wade in the river beside it.
• Gear is supplied: Water shoes, floating boards, and life jackets are available, along with showers, toilets, and secure storage.
• The day mixes water and scenery: You get swimming, caves, canyon views, a powerful waterspout, and a lunch break.
• Guides make a real difference: Mike, Ana, Kiu, Sofia, and others are praised for safety help, local facts, humor, and memorable photos.
• Bring your own lunch money and dry clothes: Lunch is not included, and a towel, swimsuit, water, sunscreen, and a change of clothing will make the day easier.

Leaving Valencia for Segorbe’s Bridal Veil Waterfall

The tour starts at 9:30 am outside Estació del Nord on Carrer de Bailèn in Valencia. The air-conditioned vehicle then carries you toward the mountain country around Segorbe and Montanejos. The trip lasts about seven to eight hours and returns to the same meeting point, usually by around 6 pm.

For a day outside the city, the transport is a big part of the value. You do not need to rent a car, plan mountain roads, find parking, or work out how to reach several separate swimming spots. The vehicle is described as new and comfortable, and the group limit of 19 keeps the outing more personal than a large coach excursion.

The first stop is the Bridal Veil Waterfall in Segorbe, where you have about an hour. In summer, the plan is to swim under the waterfall and in the river nearby. This is the more playful part of the day, especially for families and teenagers. There may be natural rock sections where you can slide or scramble carefully into the water.

Do not expect a long guided hike here. The stop is built around enjoying the water and the setting, not covering miles on foot. Bring footwear with a good grip, since wet rocks and uneven paths are part of the experience. The tour supplies water shoes, but you can bring your own Teva-style water sandals if you prefer a familiar fit.

Montanejos Blue Pools and the meaning of thermal

The main stop is Fuente de los Baños de Montanejos, known here as the Blue Pools. You get about an hour and a half in the area, with time for swimming, looking into caves, enjoying the canyon walls, and trying optional activities.

The water is clear enough to make the setting feel almost unreal. Trees, pale rock, and steep canyon sides frame the river, giving you a striking natural setting without requiring a full day of serious hiking. The area is especially appealing if you want nature but do not want to spend the whole day on a demanding trail.

Now for the important temperature note. The water stays at approximately 25°C throughout the year. That is why it is described as thermal, but 25°C is mild rather than hot. On a warm Valencia day, it can feel pleasantly refreshing. On a cloudy day, or after you have been in the water for a while, it can feel cold.

Some parts of the pool may feel warmer or cooler than others, and the cave area may be better for dipping your feet than for a long swim. One child on a cool day found the water too cold and tiring, so keep an eye on less confident swimmers. Life jackets and floating boards are available when needed, but this is not a substitute for adult supervision.

You can choose your own level of activity. Swim calmly, rest beside the water, explore the caves, or try a small cliff jump if conditions and your confidence allow. The fish pedicure is another optional extra. It is unusual, lighthearted, and not essential, so you can skip it without missing the main character of the stop.

The clearest advice is to bring a swimsuit, a large towel, and dry clothes. A warm layer is useful outside the hottest summer months, since changing out of wet swimwear can make the return to the vehicle chilly.

Lunch at the springs or in Montanejos

The lunch break lasts about an hour and a half, giving the day a welcome pause. In summer, the group often stays near the Blue Pools, where you can eat sandwiches and enjoy the scenery. In winter, lunch is usually taken in the nearby town, where you can order local Spanish food.

Lunch is not included, so plan for that extra expense. You can bring your own food and eat at the provided house, or join the group for a meal in the village. Basic sandwiches are available in the summer setup, and the village restaurant option can feel more substantial. Vegetarian choices are available in both settings, with affordable prices noted for the local meal.

I would bring snacks and plenty of water even though the tour includes the main stops. The mountain air, swimming, and warm weather can leave you thirstier than expected. One large bottle may not be enough for a full day, especially if you are sharing it with family.

The lunch arrangement also helps make the tour flexible. You are not forced into a formal meal if you prefer your own food, but you can eat with the group and sample local cuisine if you want a more social break.

Canyons and the powerful ponytail waterspout

After lunch, the outing continues around the springs with two scenic stops. One focuses on the canyons and the area around the river. The other features the massive ponytail waterspout, a strong and dramatic rush of water that gives the afternoon a different feel from the quiet pools.

These stops are less about swimming and more about seeing how the water shapes the area. You may walk over uneven ground and take in views of the cliffs, river, and dam area. One visitor found the final stop more of a hike than expected, so do not treat the day as a purely sit-by-the-pool excursion.

At the same time, this is not presented as a strenuous trekking trip. The overall format is a series of stops, rather than a long continuous hike. If you want a day with some walking but no major expedition, that balance should suit you. Wear secure sneakers or hiking shoes, and avoid relying on flimsy sandals for the drier portions.

The last views also give you a good reason to put your phone away for a while. Guides often take photos throughout the day, including pictures of solo participants, group jumps, waterfalls, and swimming spots. That is particularly useful when you are traveling alone and do not want to ask strangers for every picture.

Guides, safety, and the small details that matter

The guide can shape this experience as much as the scenery. Mike is repeatedly praised for his energy, care, communication, and willingness to take photos. Ana is described as both informative and organized, especially when managing a large group through lunch and the water activities.

Kiu is known for encouraging people beyond their comfort zone while helping them handle the activities safely. Sofia is praised for her humor, local information, and kindness toward solo participants. Thomas and Morgan are also noted for friendly, helpful guiding.

Guide assignments can change, so you should not book on the assumption that one particular person will lead your date. Still, the pattern is clear: the guide is expected to explain the area, help with activities, keep the group moving, and make sure people are comfortable.

The included house next to the springs is a useful feature rather than a flashy extra. You can store belongings there and use private toilets and showers. That means you do not have to leave your phone, wallet, or dry clothing exposed beside the river, and you can rinse off before the ride back to Valencia.

Water shoes, floating boards, and life jackets are also supplied if needed. You should still bring your own towel, swimsuit, sunscreen, drinking water, and a change of clothes. If you own reliable water sandals, they may be more comfortable than borrowed footwear.

Is $107.63 a fair price?

At $107.63 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see one swimming hole. It is a reasonable price for a full day that combines transport from Valencia, parking, several stops, entry fees, equipment, storage, showers, and a guide.

The value improves if you do not have a car. Reaching Segorbe and Montanejos independently would require planning transport between separate locations, handling parking, and bringing all your own swimming gear. The tour packages those chores into one day.

The price is less compelling if you only want the Blue Pools and already have a rental car. One of the stops is considered the main attraction, while the waterfall and later viewpoints are more useful as additions. A self-drive visitor could spend more time at the springs and skip anything that feels less interesting.

Since lunch is not included, add money for food or bring your own. Entry fees are covered when they apply, which keeps the final cost easier to predict.

The tour is also booked an average of 24 days ahead, so reserving well before your visit is sensible, especially for summer dates. Confirmation is sent within 48 hours, subject to availability.

Who will enjoy this day most?

I would recommend it to couples, friends, solo visitors, and families with older children who like a mix of swimming, scenery, and light adventure. Teens often enjoy the waterfall, cliff jumps, and floating boards. Solo visitors benefit from an easy group setting and guides who take photos.

It suits you if you want to leave Valencia for a day but do not want a major hiking challenge. You can be active in the water, walk through the canyon area, or spend more time resting and looking around.

Be more cautious if you dislike cold water, have difficulty walking on uneven ground, or expect hot springs in the usual spa sense. The water is not hot, and swimming is a central part of the day. Even if you skip a jump, you should be prepared to manage wet rocks and some walking.

Weather also matters. The experience requires good weather, and poor conditions can lead to a new date or a full refund. The booking is otherwise non-refundable and cannot be changed for personal reasons, so choose your date carefully.

Should you book the Thermal Springs and Waterfalls tour?

Book it if you want a well-organized escape from Valencia with clear water, waterfalls, canyon scenery, and enough activity to keep the day lively. The included transport and gear make it especially useful for visitors without a car, while the guides add practical help and a social side.

Do not book it expecting a hot bath or a pure relaxation day. Think of the springs as cool mountain swimming, not a spa. Pack water, sunscreen, water shoes or secure sandals, a towel, dry clothes, and a warm layer for the ride home.

For the right person, this is a strong day trip: easy to arrange, varied enough to avoid feeling repetitive, and full of the kind of outdoor scenery that Valencia itself cannot provide.

FAQ

Where does the tour start and finish?

It starts at Estació del Nord, C/ de Bailèn, 34, in Valencia. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

What time does the tour start?

The scheduled start time is 9:30 am.

How long does the experience last?

The tour lasts approximately seven to eight hours.

Is lunch included?

No. You can bring your own food and eat at the house near the springs, or join the group for local food in Montanejos. Vegetarian options are available.

Are entry fees included?

Yes. The tour includes applicable entry fees, as well as parking fees.

Is swimming required?

Swimming is a central part of the water stops, but you can choose how active you want to be. Floating boards and life jackets are provided if necessary.

What equipment is provided?

The tour provides water shoes, floating boards, and life jackets when needed. The house near the springs also has private toilets, showers, and a secure place for belongings.

How many people can join the tour?

The group has a maximum of 19 travelers.