Montanejos Thermal Springs & Girlfriend Waterfall, food included

Planning a day trip from Valencia that combines relaxing natural hot springs with stunning waterfalls and scenic hikes? This tour to Montanejos promises just that. While I haven’t personally taken it, I’ve gathered insights from those who’ve experienced it, and I think you’ll find the details quite helpful if you’re considering this escape into nature.

What I really like about this tour is how well it balances relaxation with adventure; you get time to soak in warm springs and swim at the waterfall, along with a scenic hike and a delicious included lunch. Plus, the guides seem engaging and knowledgeable — which always makes a difference on a group outing. On the flip side, it’s worth noting that the hiking might be more intense than some expect, and summer heat can affect certain activities. That said, it’s ideal for anyone craving a mix of outdoor activity and downtime, especially if you’re a fan of natural springs or scenic waterfalls.

If you’re in or around Valencia and want a well-organized day out that hits on natural beauty, mild adventure, and local flavor, this tour could be a great pick. Just keep in mind the seasonal considerations and the physical activity involved. Let’s dig into what this experience really offers so you can decide if it’s the right fit for your trip.

Key Points

• Beautiful natural setting: Montanejos offers stunning landscapes, hot springs, and waterfalls, making it an ideal escape from the city.
• Well-organized tour: The trip includes transport, tickets, a guide, and an included lunch, providing good value.
• Variety of activities: You’ll enjoy soaking in thermal waters, visiting a waterfall, and taking a scenic short hike.
• Seasonal adjustments: The hiking route may be canceled in summer due to fire risk, which shifts focus more to water activities.
• Engaging guides: Multiple reviews praise the guides for their knowledge, friendliness, and ability to make the experience special.
• Some physical activity: Expect walking and hiking; good shoes are recommended, and the hike is described as 30 minutes long.

A Deep Dive Into the Montanejos Experience

If your idea of a good day trip involves a mix of relaxation and scenic views, this tour from Valencia hits those notes nicely. It’s designed to give you a break from city life, immersing you in the natural surroundings of Montanejos — a charming village famous for its thermal springs, waterfalls, and rugged landscape.

Getting There and Group Size

Starting from Valencia at 9:00 am, you’ll be greeted at a central meeting point, Av. d’Aragó. With a comfortable, air-conditioned private shuttle, the transfer to Montanejos takes around 35 minutes. The group size is capped at 50 travelers, which helps keep the experience intimate and manageable, but the tour often runs with a minimum of two people to depart. Reviewers frequently mention how smoothly the transportation runs, and the guides are lauded for their professionalism and friendliness.

The Itinerary Breakdown

First Stop: Salto de la Novia Waterfall

Your day kicks off with a visit to the Salto de la Novia, a striking waterfall where you can take a dip during the summer months. It’s a quick stop, about an hour, but one that many find memorable. Reviewers mention the water here is not thermal but very refreshing — especially in the heat. It’s a good spot for photos and soaking in the scenery, and it’s separate from the thermal springs, offering a different kind of water experience.

Second Stop: Montanejos Thermal Springs

From the waterfall, it’s just a 35-minute transfer to the Fuente de los Banos de Montanejos, the highlight for many. These hot springs maintain a steady temperature of about 25°C (77°F) year-round, making them perfect for a relaxing soak regardless of the season. The waters are warm and inviting, as one reviewer pointed out that they “felt cold in September,” but still pleasant.

Many reviews rave about how relaxing and scenic the springs are. The landscape surrounding the springs offers a peaceful backdrop, with the water flowing through a river-like setting. It’s the perfect spot for unwinding, and the included tickets make it easy to access these natural pools without hassle.

Third Stop: Hiking and Dam Visit

Next, you’ll take a leisurely 30-minute walk along a scenic trail that is suitable for all ages. The hike offers lovely views and leads you to a dam — a good opportunity for photos and enjoying the outdoors. However, some travelers note that in summer, the hiking route may be canceled due to fire risk, which means you’ll spend more time in the springs instead.

Return to Valencia

After soaking and exploring, the group heads back to Valencia, with the transfer taking roughly 1.5 hours. Many reviews describe this part as comfortable, with the guides making sure everyone is safe and well looked after.

Food and Refreshments

From April to October, your tour includes a simple but satisfying lunch: a sandwich or tapa, soft drink or beer, and coffee. Reviewers appreciate the simplicity and quality, noting that it provides enough energy for the rest of the day. Bottled water is also included, which is handy given the outdoor activities.

What Travelers Say About the Experience

Reviewers consistently praise the knowledgeable guides—many describe them as entertaining, friendly, and full of interesting facts. Miguel, in particular, gets a lot of love for his engaging personality; many mention that he made the day especially memorable. Others note the guides’ attentiveness, whether watching belongings while swimming or providing extra tips about the area.

The scenery is another recurring highlight. The waterfalls, hot springs, and dam provide stunning views that look even better in person. Several reviewers mention how the water feels cool at the waterfall, but the hot springs are delightfully warm, perfect for relaxing muscles after some walking.

Food and hospitality also receive positive comments. The included lunch is considered decent, especially for a day trip, and many appreciate the effort guides make to ensure everyone is comfortable and cared for.

Downsides and Considerations

While most reviews are glowing, a few mention the hiking could be more intense than expected. The 30-minute walk is gentle, but in some cases, the trail might be canceled in summer due to fire risk, which could be disappointing if hiking was a key part of your plan.

Some travelers also note that the thermal springs are quite busy, especially during peak season, which can detract from the feeling of tranquility. Also, the water in the springs is always around 25°C, so if you’re expecting hot waters like those in Thailand, you might find them more like warm rivers.

Lastly, since the tour is designed as a day trip, it’s fairly packed — so if you prefer a slower pace or more time in water or hiking, this might feel a bit rushed. The group size, though managed well, means you’ll be sharing the experience with others, which can be lively but not necessarily intimate.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for those who want a good mix of outdoor adventure and relaxation, especially if you enjoy scenic outdoor environments and natural hot springs. It suits travelers who don’t mind walking and are looking for a well-organized trip with a friendly guide. Families with older children or teens can enjoy the hike and water activities, but younger children might find the walking challenging.

If you’re into photography, the waterfalls and landscape provide plenty of opportunities for stunning shots. And if you enjoy tasty, simple local food, the included lunch hits the spot. Just be mindful of the weather in summer when the hike might be canceled, and plan accordingly.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, you’ll be picked up in a private, air-conditioned vehicle from Valencia, making the trip comfortable and hassle-free.

How long does the tour last?
The whole experience runs for about 8 hours, from 9:00 am departure to returning in the late afternoon.

What is included in the price?
The tour includes tickets to the main attractions, a guide, transport, bottled water, and a light lunch from April to October.

Can I swim in the waterfalls?
You can swim at the Girlfriend Waterfall during summer, but swimming in the Salto de la Novia waterfall itself is not allowed; it’s mainly a photo stop.

Do I need special shoes?
It’s recommended to bring water shoes for swimming and comfortable shoes suitable for walking and hiking.

What about the hiking trail?
The hike lasts about 30 minutes and is suitable for all ages. However, it may be canceled in summer due to fire risk.

Is the water in the springs hot?
The thermal springs maintain a steady temperature of about 25°C (77°F) year-round, which means they are warm but not hot.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, water shoes, sunscreen, a waterproof bag for your phone, and a hat for sun protection.

Is this tour family-friendly?
It is generally suitable for older children who are comfortable with walking and water activities. Always consider the physical demands before booking.

Final Thoughts

This trip to Montanejos offers a truly scenic day out — combining relaxing thermal waters with breathtaking waterfalls and manageable hikes. The guides seem to make the experience enjoyable and educational, and the included lunch adds good value. While the hike might be more than some expect, the overall experience balances adventure and relaxation perfectly.

If you’re looking for a day to disconnect, soak in natural springs, and take some memorable photos, this tour is worth considering. It’s especially appealing for travelers who enjoy outdoor settings, scenic landscapes, and good company. Just remember to check the seasonal considerations, pack appropriately, and you’ll likely walk away with a few favorite moments from your trip outside Valencia.

References & Similar Experiences

• Old Town and Olive Oil Tasting
• Cuevas San Jose Tour
• Valencia Tuk-Tuk Tour
• Valencia One-Day Natural Paradise
• Paella Cooking Experience

Enjoy planning your trip, and I hope this detailed overview helps you decide if Montanejos fits what you’re looking for in a day outside Valencia!