Valencia: Montanejos Hot Springs Tour + Salto De la Novia Waterfall

The best part of this day trip is the change of scene: within a few hours, you leave Valencia for Navajas waterfalls and the gorge-side pools of Montanejos. You get a waterfall walk, photo stops, and time to swim without arranging rural transport yourself.

I like the mix of Salto de la Novia and Tio Juan waterfall, followed by more than three hours at Montanejos. I also like the friendly, social guiding style reported from Maties and Miguel, plus the useful Valencia tips they share along the way. The catch is simple: the thermal water is 25°C, not hot-tub hot, and can feel cold outside summer.

Key points to know before booking

• Two nature stops in one day: See Salto de la Novia in Navajas, then Tio Juan waterfall and a lookout near Montanejos.
• The water is 25°C year-round: It is thermal, but many people will find it cool rather than hot.
• Three hours and 15 minutes at Montanejos: You have time for swimming, walking, photos, and a picnic.
• Guides may include Maties or Miguel: Both are praised for friendly company, local details, and a relaxed mood.
• Bring your own picnic: Food and drinks are not included, and you cannot eat or drink inside the vehicle.
• Expect rough walking surfaces: Comfortable shoes and water shoes are more useful than stylish footwear.

From Mestalla Stadium to Navajas

The meeting point is Gate A3 of Valencia’s Mestalla Stadium on Avenida de Aragón. From there, the van ride to the first stop takes about 50 minutes. The return is to the same place, with roughly 70 minutes of driving after Montanejos.

That transport is a big part of the value. Montanejos and Navajas are outside Valencia, and reaching both in one day without a car would take more planning and likely more time. You can sit back while the guide handles the route, then use your energy for the walks and the water.

The vehicle rules are worth knowing before you pack. Oversize luggage is not allowed, and food and drinks must stay out of the vehicle. Carry a small daypack instead of a suitcase. Put wet swimwear in a waterproof bag for the ride home.

The guide is part of the experience rather than just a person counting heads. Maties is praised for careful organization, useful explanations, and a flexible approach. Miguel is also singled out for his friendly, upbeat manner and local knowledge. The mood can be playful, with jokes along the way, but the main benefit is having someone explain the places and keep the day moving.

Salto de la Novia and the Navajas waterfall stop

After the first drive, you spend about 75 minutes at the waterfall area in Navajas. The main sight is Cascada del Salto de la Novia, an impressive fall set in a natural setting that makes an easy first stop for photographs and a short walk.

You also visit Tio Juan waterfall and a lookout point. This gives the morning some variety. You are not simply stopping at one viewpoint, taking a quick picture, and getting back into the van. There is time to walk, see the water from different angles, and enjoy the surrounding scenery.

The stop is described as a walk over rough ground rather than a demanding hike. That distinction matters. You do not need to be a serious walker, and arrangements can be made for anyone who does not want to take the longer route. Still, sturdy shoes are sensible. Flip-flops may work at the pool, but they are a poor choice on uneven paths.

This is also the easier place to take photos before the swimming part of the day. Pack your phone carefully, but do not feel you need to keep it in your hand at every step. A waterproof case becomes especially useful later at Montanejos, where you may want pictures from the water.

The waterfall stop is short enough to keep the full day manageable, but some people may wish for more time. If you are drawn to walking and photography, 75 minutes will pass quickly. If you mainly want a scenic introduction before swimming, it gives you enough time without tiring you out.

Montanejos: three hours beside the thermal pool

The second drive takes about 50 minutes, bringing you to Montanejos. This is the main event, with around three hours and 15 minutes for a combination of swimming, walking, photos, and a picnic.

The pool water is listed at 25°C throughout the year. That is warmer than many natural rivers, but it is not the same as a hot spring heated for soaking. I would set your expectations carefully: in warm weather, the temperature can feel pleasant. In winter or on a cool day, the first entry may be a shock, and you may only want a short swim.

Several people found the water cold at first, especially in winter and in shaded parts of the gorge. Others adjusted after a while and enjoyed the bath. The surrounding air temperature matters just as much as the water. A sunny day can make 25°C feel refreshing; shade and a breeze can make it feel much colder.

That honesty is important because the name hot springs can create the wrong picture. You are not booking a steaming spa pool. You are visiting a natural thermal-water setting where the water stays around 25°C. If you like cool-water swimming and outdoor scenery, this can be a memorable part of the day. If you want warmth above all else, it may disappoint.

You do not need to spend all 3.25 hours in the water. Use the time for a short swim, a walk, a picnic, and photos. The schedule allows you to set your own pace within the group’s departure time. There is also enough room to sit out if you find the water too cold.

Water shoes are one of the most useful items to bring. The rocky areas can be uncomfortable under bare feet, and ordinary sandals may not grip well. A towel, swimwear, spare clothes, and a waterproof bag are just as important. Put your phone in a waterproof case before you reach the water, not after it is already wet.

Food and drinks are not included. Bring enough for the whole day, including the morning drive, the waterfall stop, and the Montanejos picnic. The instructions specifically recommend food, drinks, and water, and you may be able to buy sandwiches and snacks in town before heading to the springs. Do not count on a full meal being supplied by the tour.

What makes this day worthwhile

The appeal is the combination. A dedicated waterfall visit can feel too short for some people, while a day spent only at Montanejos may not offer enough variety. Here, you get a morning of walking and viewpoints, followed by a longer block for swimming and relaxing.

I also like that the day includes a real break in the middle. The 3.25-hour Montanejos stop is long enough to avoid the rushed feeling common on day trips. You can take photos, enjoy the gorge, eat your own lunch, and choose how much time you spend in the pool.

The guide adds practical value. Maties and Miguel are described as friendly and engaging, with details about the places and suggestions for things to do in Valencia after the tour. That can be useful if you have only a short stay in the city. There is also mention of discounts at restaurants and nightclubs in Valencia, though you should ask the guide for current details rather than assume a particular offer.

The format suits people who want nature without committing to a demanding outdoor trip. The walks are over rough terrain, but they are described as more like walks than hikes. You should still be comfortable on your feet and able to manage uneven ground. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users, and electric wheelchairs are not allowed.

Is $67 a fair price?

At $67 per person, the price is reasonable if you value convenience. It includes return transport from Valencia, the waterfall entrance, the Montanejos hot spring entrance, and a live guide in English or Spanish. You are paying for a full eight-hour outing rather than simply admission to one site.

The strongest value comes from combining two areas that are not in central Valencia. The van transfers save you from arranging a rental car or piecing together public transport. They also make it possible to visit Navajas and Montanejos in one day.

The price does not include food or drinks, so add the cost of a picnic and any snacks. You also need to bring your own swimming items, towel, and suitable shoes. Those are small expenses if you already have them, but they matter if you are packing lightly.

This is better value for a visitor who wants a ready-made day outside the city than for someone who already has a car and plans to spend hours at Montanejos alone. With your own transport, you have more control over timing. With the tour, you gain a guide, organized transfers, and less driving.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and the reserve-now, pay-later option make booking less risky if your Valencia schedule is still changing. Check the available starting time before you commit, since the activity lasts eight hours and returns to Mestalla Stadium.

Who will enjoy it most

I would recommend this outing to you if you want a break from Valencia’s streets and museums, enjoy natural scenery, and like the idea of swimming outdoors. It works well for people who prefer a social day with a guide rather than a private trip.

It is also a good match if you want several types of scenery in one outing. Salto de la Novia gives you a waterfall and photo stop. Tio Juan and the lookout add another view. Montanejos then gives you time to slow down and enjoy the water.

You may want to think twice if you dislike cool swimming water, rough paths, or a full day away from the city. The thermal pool is not hot, and the walking surfaces are not perfectly smooth. If you want a luxurious spa visit, this is the wrong kind of hot spring.

Families and groups should also consider the practical side of the day. Everyone needs comfortable clothes, water, and suitable footwear. The tour is not wheelchair accessible, and the vehicle cannot take oversize luggage. A compact daypack is the sensible choice.

Packing for the waterfall and springs

Keep your packing simple and practical:

• Swimwear and a towel
• Water shoes for rocky ground
• Comfortable walking or hiking shoes
• Food, drinks, and plenty of water
• A small daypack
• A waterproof phone case or waterproof bag
• Spare clothes for the journey back

Do not bring alcohol, drugs, or anything that could create a fire. Smoking indoors is not allowed, littering is prohibited, and food and drinks cannot be consumed in the vehicle.

Your phone deserves special attention. The tour includes photo and video service, and you are encouraged to take pictures, but water and phones make poor companions without protection. A waterproof case lets you enjoy the pool without worrying about every splash.

Final verdict: should you book it?

Book this tour if you want an easy, well-organized day from Valencia that combines waterfalls, walking, and outdoor swimming. The return transport and two included entrances make $67 a fair price, while guides such as Maties and Miguel add local advice and a friendly tone.

Book with realistic expectations about the water. Montanejos is thermal, but 25°C can feel cold, especially in winter or in shaded areas. If you pack water shoes, food, a towel, and a waterproof phone case, you will be ready for the day’s rough paths and wet finish.

Skip it if your idea of hot springs means a steaming soak, or if you need wheelchair access. For everyone else, this is a useful way to see a quieter side of the Valencian Community without renting a car.

FAQ

Where does the tour start and finish?

The tour starts at Gate A3 of Mestalla Stadium on Av. d’Aragó, 31, in Valencia. It ends back at the same meeting point.

How long does the experience last?

The full activity lasts eight hours. The schedule includes about 50 minutes to Navajas, 75 minutes at the waterfall area, another 50-minute drive to Montanejos, about three hours and 15 minutes there, and a 70-minute return drive.

Is the water at Montanejos hot?

The water is listed at 25°C all year round. It is thermal water, but it may feel cool, especially in winter, in shaded areas, or on a less warm day.

What languages are available?

The live guide service is available in English and Spanish.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included. You should bring food, drinks, and water for the day, and you cannot eat or drink inside the vehicle.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users. The route includes walking over rough terrain, and electric wheelchairs are not allowed.