From Valencia: Thermal Springs & Hike – Private Day Tour

Montanejos gives you two very different pleasures in one day: a 9 km canyon hike along the Maimona River, then a soak in natural springs that stay at about 25°C year-round. The route brings pine forests, high cliffs, and big mountain views, while the springs offer a calm finish.

I like the private format, especially with hotel pickup, a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle, and a guide who can adjust the pace. I also like the choice between the longer route and a 6 km easier hike, which makes the outing workable for more than just serious walkers.

The main catch is the water temperature. Twenty-five degrees Celsius sounds warm on paper, but it can feel merely lukewarm on a windy or chilly day. Lunch is also extra, so you need to budget for a village meal or bring food.

Key points

• The La Bojera route follows the Maimona River through a dramatic canyon, with pine woods, viewpoints, and tall vertical cliffs.
• You can choose a 9 km medium hike or a 6 km easy walk, making the day more flexible than a fixed hiking tour.
• Montanejos springs remain at about 25°C all year, with swimming, a water cave, and a possible 3-meter rock jump.
• A private vehicle and hotel pickup save time, especially since Montanejos is about 1 hour and 10 minutes from Valencia.
• Lunch in a local mountain village is optional, and the tapas restaurants offer a more everyday meal than a planned tourist lunch.
• The day costs $153 per person, a fair price if you value private transport, a dedicated guide, and a full day outside the city.

Why Montanejos makes a good escape from Valencia

Valencia is easy to enjoy, but its city streets do not give you much mountain air. This trip takes you inland toward Montanejos, passing the Mediterranean coast, orange groves, villages, valleys, and mountain roads. You also pass below the historic Sagunto Fortress, giving the drive a little visual interest before the hiking begins.

The drive takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes each way. That is a meaningful part of a seven-hour tour, but private transport makes it less tiring than arranging buses and connections on your own. You can watch the scenery change from coast and orchard to canyon and rock.

I especially like the fact that this is a private group outing. You are not tied to the speed of a large group, and the guide can explain the route, help with timing, and let you choose between the two walks. If you want a quiet day away from Valencia rather than a packed sightseeing schedule, this format fits well.

The tour includes pickup and drop-off at your Valencia accommodation, an air-conditioned vehicle, and an English or Spanish-speaking guide. Be ready at the pickup point five minutes early. The exact start time depends on availability, so check it carefully when booking.

Walking the 9 km La Bojera route

The longer walk is the heart of the day for anyone who likes an active outing. The circular route covers about 9 km and takes roughly 3 hours and 15 minutes, though you can walk at your own pace. It follows the Maimona River and the La Bojera route through a canyon cut into the mountains.

This is not a flat riverside stroll. The hike is rated medium, so you should be comfortable walking for several hours over uneven mountain ground. Comfortable sneakers or trainers are recommended. Bring water and snacks, since lunch is not included and the walking portion comes before the meal or springs.

The scenery is the reason to choose this route. You pass through pine forests and reach viewpoints over mountain gorges. The large vertical cliffs give the walk a sense of scale that you will not find around Valencia itself. The canyon setting also keeps the route varied: one section may feel wooded and sheltered, while another opens to exposed rock and long views.

I would choose the long hike if you want the day to feel like an outing in nature rather than a short stop followed by swimming. It gives you time to take photographs and settle into the pace of the area. You are not rushing from one viewpoint to the next.

Still, the longer route takes a good part of the day. If you dislike sustained walking, have back problems, or are unsure about your fitness, the shorter option may be the wiser choice. The tour is not suitable for people with back problems, pregnant women, or wheelchair users.

The 6 km option for a gentler day

The shorter route covers about 6 km and takes around 1 hour and 45 minutes. It is rated easy, making it a useful alternative if you want mountain scenery without committing to more than three hours on foot.

You still get the basic appeal of the area: mountain views, canyon scenery, and time outdoors. You simply leave more energy for the thermal springs. This is also the better choice if swimming is your main reason for booking and the hike is a pleasant extra.

I would ask about the shorter route before the day begins, especially if your group has mixed fitness levels. Since this is private, you are not being asked to fit into a large group’s fixed walking pace. That flexibility is one of the strongest reasons to choose this tour over a standard group excursion.

Do not treat the easy rating as a promise of a paved promenade. It is still a mountain walk, so trainers, water, sun protection, and sensible clothing matter.

What the Montanejos springs are really like

After the hike, you head to the thermal springs of Montanejos. The water is maintained at about 25°C throughout the year, and the setting is the real pleasure: mountains around you, clear open air, and a place to rest beside the water after the walk.

The planned stop lasts about two hours. You can swim, sit on the shore, sunbathe, visit a water cave, or simply enjoy the setting. If you are confident and conditions allow, there is also a 3-meter rock jump into the lagoon. That jump is optional, naturally. You do not need to prove anything to enjoy the springs.

The springs have long been valued for their medicinal properties. That does not mean you should expect a hot spa pool. At 25°C, the water is mild rather than hot. In warm weather, it may feel pleasantly refreshing. On a cold or windy day, it can feel lukewarm, especially after you leave the water.

This is the most important practical point in the whole description. A February outing can still be worthwhile, but do not picture a steamy thermal bath. On one chilly, windy day, the water felt too cool for swimming, while the unusual water flow from the wall remained a memorable sight. A guide may be able to provide wetsuits and water shoes, as Kevin did for one outing, but I would not assume those items are included unless confirmed before departure.

Bring swimwear, a towel if you need one, and a sun hat and sunscreen during hot months. For colder months, pack a top and jacket. The springs can be relaxing even if you decide not to swim, but you should choose this tour for the canyon and mountain setting as well as the water.

Lunch in a village or beside the springs

Lunch is not included, which keeps the basic price more manageable but requires a little planning. After the hike, you can choose a local village tapas restaurant or go directly to the springs and eat there.

The village option is the more appealing choice if you want a proper break and local food. The restaurants serve non-touristy dishes at reasonable prices, according to the tour details, and a mountain village meal gives the day a more grounded feel than eating from a rushed city itinerary.

The springs option is better if you want to maximize your time by the water. You can bring snacks or lunch and avoid adding a restaurant stop. Since the activity lasts seven hours, do not set off without food unless you know you plan to eat in the village.

I like having the choice because it lets you shape the day around your priorities. A long hike followed by tapas makes the tour feel like a full regional outing. A shorter hike, packed food, and extra time at the springs creates a calmer day.

Is $153 per person good value?

At $153 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach Montanejos. The price makes more sense when you count what is included: private hotel pickup and drop-off, a dedicated guide, an air-conditioned vehicle, the long drive from Valencia, and the ability to choose the walking route.

For a couple or small group, private transport can be especially useful. You do not need to navigate rural connections, coordinate return times, or drive after a tiring hike. The guide also handles the flow of the day, which matters when you are combining a mountain route and a swim stop.

The price is less compelling if you only want to visit the springs for a short time. You are paying for a seven-hour day with transport and hiking, not just admission to warm water. Since lunch is extra, add the cost of food and any personal equipment you need.

The private format also adds value for groups with different preferences. One person can favor the longer walk, while another may prefer the shorter route and more time near the water. A standard group tour usually gives you less room to make those choices.

Kevin and the practical side of the guiding

Kevin is named as one of the guides connected with this experience, and his strongest practical qualities are patience, clear communication, and planning. He has also arranged wetsuits and water shoes on an outing, a useful touch when the weather turns cold.

That matters because this is not a simple point-to-point transfer. You are moving from a city hotel to a mountain trail, then to a natural swimming area. Good timing and clear instructions help the day feel relaxed rather than improvised.

The tour is offered in English and Spanish. If you need a specific language, confirm it when booking. The guide can set the pace, explain what you are seeing, and help you decide how much time to give the hike, meal, and springs.

The experience has received a 5 out of 5 rating from four verified bookings, with praise focused on the guide, scenery, and unusual combination of walking and bathing. That is a small sample, so I would treat it as encouraging rather than conclusive. The practical details matter more: the water may be cool, the hike requires real walking, and lunch is not part of the price.

Who should book this private day tour?

I would recommend it to you if you want a full day outside Valencia and enjoy mixing activity with downtime. It suits couples, families with older children who can manage mountain walking, and small groups that value privacy and flexible pacing.

Choose the longer hike if you want the best views and do not mind spending more than three hours on foot. Choose the shorter route if the springs are your priority or if you want an easier physical day.

This is not the right choice if you want a hot spring experience in the traditional sense. The water is around 25°C, not a steaming bath, and cold weather can make swimming unappealing. It is also unsuitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, and wheelchair users.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms help if your Valencia plans are still shifting, but they do not change the need to bring proper shoes, water, snacks, and suitable clothing.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want to trade Valencia’s city center for a canyon walk, pine trees, mountain cliffs, and a peaceful spring setting in one manageable day. The private vehicle and flexible hike choices make the $153 price easier to justify, especially for a small group.

Skip it if you mainly want hot water, dislike mountain walking, or prefer a tour with lunch and equipment fully included. For the right visitor, the best part is not one single stop. It is the change of pace: a scenic drive, a real hike, a village meal if you want one, and time beside the Maimona River in a mountain setting.

FAQ

How long is the tour from Valencia?

The full experience lasts about seven hours. Montanejos is approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes from Valencia by car.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off in Valencia are included. You should be ready at the pickup location five minutes before departure.

Is the tour private?

Yes. This is a private group experience, so the outing is not shared with a large general group.

How difficult is the longer hike?

The longer hike is rated medium. It covers about 9 km on a circular route and takes around 3 hours and 15 minutes at your own pace.

Is there a shorter hiking option?

Yes. You can choose a 6 km route rated easy, which takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes.

How warm are the Montanejos springs?

The springs maintain a temperature of about 25°C throughout the year. The water can feel lukewarm rather than hot, particularly in cold or windy weather.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included. You can eat at a local village tapas restaurant or go directly to the springs and bring or purchase your own food.

What should I bring?

Bring water, snacks, and swimwear. Wear comfortable footwear such as sneakers or trainers. In hot months, bring a sun hat and sunscreen. In colder months, bring a top and jacket.

Is the tour available in English?

Yes. The tour is offered with a live guide in English or Spanish.