Adventures day: Thermal Springs and Waterfalls

Get out of Valencia and into clear mountain water. This full-day trip to Segorbe and Montanejos gives you three scenic water stops, canyon views, and a chance to swim, jump, or simply enjoy the setting. I like the helpful guides, especially Mike, Ana, Sofia, and Kiu, and the fact that water shoes, floating boards, life jackets, showers, toilets, and secure storage are included. The main catch is simple: the so-called thermal springs are not hot. At about 25°C, the water can feel cold, especially on a cloudy day.

You meet at Valencia’s Estació del Nord at 9:30 a.m. and return there around 6 p.m. The group can be as large as 19 people, so this is social rather than private. I also like that the day mixes active swimming with easy sightseeing, though the final nature stop involves more walking than some people expect. Bring a towel, swimsuit, sturdy water footwear, sunscreen, and plenty of drinking water.

Key things to know before booking

• The springs stay around 25°C year-round: Think refreshing river water, not a hot bath.
• Bridal Veil Waterfall is the best summer splash: You may swim beneath the falls and in the nearby river.
• Your guide often takes photos: Mike, Ana, Sofia, Kiu, Morgan, Thomas, and Nick are praised for energy, care, and group support.
• Useful gear is supplied: Water shoes, floating boards, and life jackets are available, along with showers and private toilets.
• Lunch costs extra: Bring your own food or eat at a local restaurant in Montanejos.
• The price includes more than transport: At $107.63, the package covers parking, the air-conditioned vehicle, applicable entry fees, equipment, and the secure house near the springs.

Why this makes a good day outside Valencia

Valencia is easy to enjoy on foot, but the mountains inland offer a sharp change of pace. This outing takes you to Segorbe and Montanejos for swimming holes, waterfalls, rock walls, caves, and river scenery. You get a full day in nature without arranging a rental car, finding parking, or working out how to reach several spread-out stops.

The trip is listed at $107.63 per person. That is not a bargain-basement excursion, but the value improves once you count the return transport, parking, entry fees, equipment, and the guide’s help. You also get access to a private house beside the springs, where you can leave belongings and use toilets and showers. Lunch is the main extra cost.

The score is 4.9 from 521 ratings, with 97 percent recommending the experience. The strongest praise goes to the guides. They take photos, explain the area, encourage nervous swimmers, keep the group moving, and often make solo participants feel comfortable. That personal touch matters on a wet, active day when you would rather not carry your phone around the river.

This is not a quiet spa visit. You may be sharing the water with a lively group, waiting for others to finish an activity, and walking over uneven ground. The tour works best if you see it as a friendly outdoor adventure rather than a polished resort excursion.

The ride from Estació del Nord to Segorbe

The meeting point is Estació del Nord, C/ de Bailèn, 34, in Valencia’s L’Eixample district. The start time is 9:30 a.m., and the activity ends back at the same point. The air-conditioned vehicle is a welcome feature during Valencia’s hot months, and the group size is limited to 19.

The first stop is Segorbe, home to Bridal Veil Waterfall. You get about an hour here. In summer, the plan usually includes swimming under the waterfall and in the river beside it. This is an active stop, but it does not sound like a long hike. You can enjoy the water, take photographs, and watch others slide or scramble over rocks.

This stop often provides the most immediate fun. Families with older children have enjoyed sliding into the water and jumping from small rock ledges. Still, river rocks can be rough and slippery, so water shoes are more than a nice extra. Use the supplied pair or bring your own secure water sandals.

Season matters here. In warm weather, getting wet under the falls is an easy choice. On a cool or cloudy day, you may prefer to admire the waterfall and save your energy for the later swimming area. The tour runs in conditions where the weather can affect the plan, and poor weather may lead to a new date or a full refund.

Montanejos springs: clear water, caves, and cliffs

The central stop is Fuente de los Baños de Montanejos, where you have about an hour and a half. This is the reason many people book the trip. The water is crystal clear, the springs sit among high canyon walls, and the area has caves and rock ledges to explore.

The name can mislead you. The water remains around 25°C, which is consistent throughout the year but not hot. Some people find it comfortable once they get moving, while others find it cold from the first step. The temperature can feel especially brisk outside the summer season.

I would plan to swim, but I would not promise myself a long, warm soak. The water may have warmer and cooler patches, and the swimming area can be deep. If you are not a confident swimmer, use a floating board or ask for a life jacket. Parents should pay close attention to children, since one family found that a tired child needed support in the water.

The tour provides water shoes and floating boards, and life jackets are available if needed. That removes two common worries: slippery footing and carrying bulky equipment from Valencia. You still need a swimsuit, towel, dry clothes, and a bag that can handle wet items.

The caves are more about looking and exploring than spending a long time inside. There are also opportunities for a fish pedicure and, for the bold, a jump from a cliff or rock ledge. These activities are optional. You can stay in the shallower water, float, photograph the canyon, or sit out while others take the leap.

The guides are a major part of this stop. Mike is often praised for taking photos and helping everyone get involved. Ana is known for keeping a large group organized while still making time for individuals. Sofia has offered to photograph solo participants, and Kiu is praised for helping people move beyond their comfort zone without pushing too hard.

Lunch in Montanejos, with food plans that stay flexible

The lunch break lasts about an hour and a half. In summer, the group often eats near the Blue Lagoon area, where you can enjoy the views and have sandwiches or drinks. In winter, lunch usually shifts to Montanejos, where you can order local Spanish food.

Lunch is not included, so you have two choices. You can bring your own food and eat at the house beside the springs, or join the group at a village restaurant. Vegetarian choices are available at both locations, and the restaurant prices are described as affordable. Vegan diners should confirm the available choices with the provider before booking, since the exact menu can change.

One especially appealing feature is the local restaurant option. It offers a more rooted experience than eating only from a packed sandwich, and it gives you a proper break before the afternoon stops. On the other hand, if you want to keep the cost down, bringing lunch is easy.

Bring more water than you think you need. The swimming, sun, and drive add up, and several people have gone through large bottles during the day. A few snacks also help, especially for children or anyone who does not want to wait for the lunch stop.

The afternoon canyon views and ponytail waterspout

After lunch, the tour continues around the springs for two final stops. One focuses on the canyons and the other on a large ponytail-shaped waterspout. These stops are less about swimming and more about seeing how the river cuts through the rock.

The exact walking effort can vary, but you should expect some uneven ground and a short hike. One participant felt the final stop involved more walking than expected, while others considered the views well worth it. Wear hiking shoes or sturdy sneakers, not flip-flops. A walking stick could be useful if uneven paths make you uneasy.

The scenery here gives the day a needed change of rhythm. After swimming and jumping, you can dry off, take in the cliffs, and enjoy the sound and force of the water. The final views also show why the trip is more than a visit to one swimming hole.

These later stops are not equally exciting for everyone. If you are booking only for the springs, you might find the waterfall and waterspout less essential. If you enjoy a full day outside and like adding viewpoints to an outdoor trip, they round out the experience nicely.

The guides make the difference

The guide can shape this tour more than any single stop. Mike is repeatedly praised for his warmth, photos, communication, and attention to individual needs. Ana receives similar praise for her energy, clear explanations, and ability to manage a large group. Sofia is especially helpful for solo participants who want photographs without constantly carrying a phone.

Kiu brings humor, language skills, and strong enthusiasm for the area. Morgan is described as fun and encouraging, while Thomas helped create an easygoing day for his group. Nick received warm praise even on his first day in the job, which says something about the support built into the outing.

The best guides do three practical things well. They explain what is coming, help you judge activities safely, and keep the mood light when the water feels colder than expected. They also take photographs, which means you can enjoy the river instead of guarding your phone near the water.

Do not expect a formal lecture about every rock and plant. The information is more likely to come through short explanations, local facts, and conversation during the stops. That suits this active format.

What to pack for a wet and active day

Pack for both water and walking. You will be much more comfortable with:

• Swimsuit and a large towel
• Dry clothes for the ride home
• Water shoes or secure sport sandals
• Hiking shoes or sturdy sneakers
• Sunscreen and a hat
• Plenty of drinking water
• Snacks or a packed lunch
• A warm layer outside summer

Teva-style water sandals can work well if you already own them. Flip-flops are a poor choice for rough river edges and walking paths.

The supplied equipment reduces the need to pack bulky gear, but it does not replace basic personal items. Keep your phone in a waterproof case if you want to take your own photos. Otherwise, let the guide handle the camera and enjoy having both hands free.

Who will enjoy this tour most

I would recommend it to couples, friends, solo visitors, and families with older children who like being active outdoors. It is also a good choice if you want to meet people during a day trip rather than spend the whole outing on your own.

You should be comfortable around natural water and willing to walk on uneven surfaces. Swimming is central to the experience, though you can skip a jump or sit out of a particular water activity. The springs can be deep, and the water may feel cold, so weak swimmers should request a life jacket and stay close to the guide.

This may not suit someone seeking genuinely hot springs, a luxury spa, extensive hiking, or a private tour. The outing is social, the schedule is shared, and the water temperature is the one detail most likely to surprise you.

Confirmation arrives within 48 hours, subject to availability. The tour requires a minimum number of participants, and it can be canceled for poor weather or insufficient bookings, with a different date or full refund offered. Otherwise, the booking is non-refundable and cannot be changed, so choose your date carefully.

Should you book the Montanejos springs and waterfalls day?

Book it if you want a well-organized escape from Valencia with clear river water, waterfalls, canyon views, and a guide who helps turn a simple swim into a full day out. The included equipment, transport, entry fees, secure storage, toilets, and showers make the $107.63 price easier to justify.

Skip it if your idea of thermal water means steaming pools. The springs are pleasantly constant at about 25°C, but they can feel cold, especially outside summer. My practical call: bring dry clothes, water shoes, food flexibility, and a willingness to get wet. If that sounds fun, this is one of the stronger nature trips available from Valencia.

FAQ

Where does the tour start and finish?

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

What time does the tour begin?

The scheduled start time is 9:30 a.m.

How long does the experience last?

The tour lasts approximately 7 to 8 hours and usually returns to Valencia around 6 p.m.

Is lunch included?

No. You can bring your own food or join the group for local cuisine in Montanejos. Vegetarian options are available, and lunch prices are described as affordable.

Are the thermal springs hot?

No. The water stays at about 25°C throughout the year. It is described as refreshing, and some people find it cold.

Do I need to bring water shoes?

Water shoes are provided, but you can bring your own secure water sandals if you prefer. Sturdy shoes are also useful for the uneven paths and walking stops.

Are towels and swimsuits provided?

No. You should bring your own swimsuit, towel, and a change of clothes.

Is the fish pedicure required?

No. The fish pedicure at the Blue Pools is optional, as are cliff jumps and other active choices.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If poor weather causes a cancellation, you will be offered another date or a full refund. The same applies if the minimum number of participants is not reached.