Valencia: Montanejos Thermal Spring & Girlfriend Waterfall

Trade city streets for mountain water. This eight-hour outing from Valencia combines a swim at Montanejos thermal springs with time at Girlfriend Waterfall, plus scenic mountain roads and local stories from guides such as Ivan, Miguel, Serena, and Borja. I like the mix of easy swimming, short walks, and relaxed sightseeing. I also like the small-group feel, where guides often provide cold water, snorkel masks, photos, and useful Valencia tips. The main catch is that the springs are warm, not hot, and the river water can feel cool, especially outside summer.

The tour costs about $57 per person, which is fair if you want transport, a guide, insurance, tickets, and equipment handled in one package. Just remember that food is officially not included, and the water shoes are worth packing. This is an active day in nature, not a spa visit with heated indoor pools.

Five things to know before you book

• The thermal water stays around 25°C, or 77°F, in the swimming area, but mountain water mixing into the river can make the main swim feel cooler.
• Girlfriend Waterfall is a separate stop, not right beside the thermal springs, so expect two bus or van rides between the main swimming areas.
• Ivan, Miguel, Serena, Borja, Kika, and other local guides receive especially warm praise for friendly service, stories, safety, and help with swimming equipment.
• Bring water shoes, since the riverbed at Montanejos is rocky and can be awkward underfoot.
• The $57 price covers transport and several practical extras, but you should not assume lunch is included unless your selected departure says so.
• Hiking, rafting, or kayaking may replace the waterfall stop, so check the option you choose before paying.

Leaving Valencia for Montanejos

The day begins at one of the listed meeting points, including Av. d’Aragó, 31, near The Little Corner Café. Hotel pickup is not included, so you need to reach the departure point yourself. The return is to the same general area, with the precise meeting and drop-off point depending on the option booked.

The ride into the Valencian countryside takes about 45 minutes at the first stage. Transport is by air-conditioned bus or van, with private transport arranged for the group. The vehicle matters here. You spend a fair part of the day on the road, including a return journey of about 75 minutes after the main stops, so air conditioning and a decent seat make a real difference.

Guides help turn the drive into part of the day rather than dead time. Ivan has been praised for explaining local culture, the Spanish Civil War, the surrounding natural resources, and the area’s economy. Borja used the drive to point out places of interest, stop for provisions, and take group photos. Miguel is also known for keeping the ride light with jokes, stories, and Spanish music.

If you suffer from motion sickness, ask for a front seat when you meet the guide. One guest was accommodated this way, which is a useful reminder that speaking up early can make the journey easier. If you have hearing loss, sit where you can clearly hear the guide, since communication from the back of a van may be difficult.

Salto de la Novia and Girlfriend Waterfall

The first listed stop is Salto de la Novia, also called Girlfriend Waterfall, with about 90 minutes for photos and swimming. The setting combines falling water, rock, and a river pool surrounded by mountain scenery. It gives you a quick change of pace from Valencia and sets the tone for the rest of the day.

The waterfall is not a heated swimming attraction. The water can feel chilly, even during hot weather, but that is part of its appeal. You can swim beneath the falls, take photographs, and, according to the activity details and guest experiences, try a slide near the waterfall. The stop works best if you treat it as a refreshing natural swim rather than expecting warm water.

Bring a towel, swimwear, sunscreen, and shoes that can handle wet rocks. The operator supplies noodles, life jackets, snorkel masks, and water toys for children, but I would still bring your own water shoes if you have them. One guest was helped with a spare pair, but you should not rely on that being available every time.

The name can cause a little confusion. The excursion uses Girlfriend Waterfall and Salto de la Novia for this stop, while some descriptions place the waterfall experience near Navajas. The important point is practical: it is a separate attraction from Montanejos, and you will ride between the two.

Montanejos thermal springs at 25°C

After the waterfall, the group continues to Aigües Termals de Montanejos. The listed schedule gives about two hours here for a guided visit, walking, photographs, and swimming. Other descriptions present the springs before the waterfall, so the exact order can change by departure or operating conditions. Either way, you should expect both sites during the day.

Montanejos is the calmer swimming stop. The water temperature in the swimming area is listed at 25°C, or 77°F, throughout the year. That is pleasantly mild for many people, but it is not the same as sitting in a hot bath. Several people found the water comfortable after a few minutes, while others expected something warmer.

The most useful distinction is between the small retaining pool and the wider river. In winter, one guest found the 77°F temperature accurate in a small pool suited to two or three people, while the larger swimming area felt cooler because mountain runoff mixed with the spring water. Another person found only the top few centimeters warm. In summer, hot air makes the water feel more refreshing, but you should still arrive expecting a warm river, not a thermal spa.

Small fish may nibble gently at your feet if you stay still in one of the pools. That unusual detail delighted one visitor, although it may not appeal to everyone. There are changing facilities and bathrooms at the thermal pool area, plus a concession stand.

The water is described as mineral-rich and traditionally valued for skin, stomach, and kidney benefits. Treat those statements as part of the local appeal, not as medical advice. The main value is simple: you get to float, cool off, and relax in a striking natural setting without arranging a car or finding the site yourself.

Walking, photos, and the mysterious surprise

This is not only a swim. The Montanejos stop includes a guided tour and some walking, though the amount can change with weather and the group. One autumn guest felt the hike was more of a filler than an essential part of the outing, while a summer group had less walking and more swimming during very hot weather.

That flexibility is useful. The day is designed around enjoying the outdoors, not forcing every person into the same pace. You might spend more time in the river, take photographs, or walk around the site with the guide. The views along the road and around the water are a major part of the experience.

The advertised surprise is not explained in detail, which is probably intentional. Other stops may include unusual viewpoints, historical details, or a short visit connected with the local area. A Spanish Civil War trench stop was included on one departure, adding a little historical context to the natural scenery. Do not book expecting a fixed museum visit, but do expect the guide to add details beyond the basic swimming schedule.

Guides make the day work

The strongest part of this experience is the guide service. Ivan is repeatedly praised for his humor, local information, attention to the group, and care with water and timing. Miguel receives similar praise for his energy, stories, safety checks, and ability to make a very small group feel comfortable. Serena, Kika, Borja, Paula, Francesca, and other guides are also described as friendly and helpful.

That matters because outdoor swimming days can become disorganized quickly. You need to know where to change, how long you have, when to return to the vehicle, and which rocks are safe to cross. Guides have provided cold water, helped with photos, supplied snorkel equipment, and adjusted plans during extreme heat.

The small-group setup adds to the personal feel. It is intimate enough to make conversation easy, but the exact group size is not stated and can vary. One departure had only two sisters, while another had five people. A smaller group can mean more direct help, but you should not assume every departure will be equally tiny.

If you have food allergies or dietary needs, tell the operator before departure. One guide arranged a gluten-free lunch for a guest. Still, the official inclusions say food is not included, so confirm what applies to your specific booking rather than counting on a meal.

What is included for $57

At about $57, the price is sensible for a full day outside Valencia. You receive air-conditioned transport, a professional local guide, tickets, accident insurance, taxes, and safety support. The operator also lists noodles, life jackets, snorkel masks, and children’s water toys.

The value comes from combining two natural sites that are inconvenient to reach without a car. You avoid arranging rural buses, comparing routes, and figuring out how to carry swimming gear between stops. The guide also adds local stories and keeps the day moving.

Food is the one area requiring care. Food is listed as an extra, though some departures have included a sandwich and drink, and one guest described the lunch as fresh and tasty. Treat that as departure-specific. Bring money or your own provisions unless the booking confirmation clearly says a meal is provided.

The tour also offers reserve-now, pay-later booking and free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure. Those terms are helpful if your Valencia plans are still shifting, but check the conditions attached to your selected option.

What to pack for a wet day in the mountains

Pack light, but bring the right things:

• Swimsuit and towel
• Water shoes or sturdy shoes that can get wet
• Sunscreen
• Comfortable clothes
• Comfortable walking shoes
• A waterproof pouch for valuables
• Food or money for food, unless your booking confirms lunch
• A change of dry clothes if you dislike riding back in a damp swimsuit

The operator supplies some floating and snorkeling equipment, but you may prefer your own mask or water shoes. Alcohol, drugs, fireworks, explosive substances, smoking, food, and drinks are not allowed in the vehicle. Pets are also not permitted.

The tour is suitable for all ages according to the supplied information, but it is not suitable for wheelchair users or babies under one year old. You should be comfortable entering natural water, walking over uneven ground, and getting in and out of a bus or van.

The best season for this excursion

Summer gives you the warmest air and makes the cool river water refreshing. It is also the busiest and hottest time, so sunscreen, drinking water, and a hat matter. One summer group appreciated a change from hiking to extra swimming during very hot weather.

Spring and autumn can be especially pleasant for walking and photographs. The water may feel cooler, but the day can be more comfortable away from the strongest heat. Winter is possible, yet you should be realistic: only some pools may feel genuinely warm, and the larger river area can be chilly.

The waterfall is worth seeing in every season, but swimming will feel very different in January than in August. If your priority is long swims, choose a warm-weather date. If your priority is scenery, fresh air, and a quieter outdoor day, cooler months can still work.

Who should book this day trip?

I would choose this tour if you want to escape Valencia without renting a car. It suits couples, friends, families with older children, and anyone who likes combining scenery with a little adventure. The guides’ care and the supplied flotation equipment make the day approachable for people who are not serious hikers.

It is also a good choice if you want more than a basic bus ride. The local stories, historical references, stops for photographs, and help with gear give the excursion a human touch. You can relax while someone else handles the mountain roads and timing.

I would hesitate if you want a true hot spring. At 25°C, Montanejos is warm by river standards, not hot-tub warm. I would also hesitate if you dislike cold-water swimming, rocky riverbeds, or several hours of vehicle travel.

Should you book the Montanejos tour?

Book it if you want an easy, well-supported day in nature from Valencia, especially if you value a personable guide and do not have a car. The combination of Girlfriend Waterfall, Montanejos, swimming time, local stories, and included transport offers good value at $57.

Go in with the right expectations. This is not a luxury spa, lunch is not guaranteed, and the water can be cooler than the word thermal suggests. Bring water shoes, pack a towel and sunscreen, confirm the food arrangement, and choose the activity option carefully if you prefer hiking, rafting, or kayaking instead of the waterfall.

FAQ

How long is the Montanejos and Girlfriend Waterfall tour?

The experience lasts about eight hours, including transport, swimming, walking, sightseeing, and the return journey to Valencia.

Where does the tour start?

Listed starting points include Av. d’Aragó, 31, at The Little Corner Café. The exact meeting point can vary according to the option booked.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup is not included. You need to reach the assigned meeting point yourself.

How warm are the Montanejos thermal springs?

The swimming area is listed at 25°C, or 77°F, all year. The wider river can feel cooler because mountain runoff mixes with the spring water.

Is Girlfriend Waterfall close to Montanejos?

No. The waterfall and thermal springs are separate stops, with bus or van transport between them.

What languages are available?

The live guides speak English and Spanish.

Is food included?

Food is officially listed as not included. Some departures have provided a sandwich and drink, so confirm the details for your selected booking.

What equipment is provided?

The operator lists noodles, life jackets, snorkel masks, and water toys for children. You should still bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and water shoes.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, according to the supplied booking terms. Reserve-now, pay-later is also available.