Thermal water and a waterfall in one day. I like the 25°C year-round Montanejos soak, and I also like that the group stays small with a max of 24 and a friendly English-speaking local guide. One thing to plan for: there’s some walking and water can get slippery, so bring closed-toe shoes and smart water footwear.

You’ll leave Valencia in an air-conditioned vehicle, meet at Av. de Suècia, 27 (El Pla del Real) at 9:00 am, and come right back to the same spot. You get tickets for the thermal baths and the Girlfriend Waterfall, but lunch is not included, so budget time (and money) for a meal break.

This trip fits couples, solo travelers, and families who want real nature time without stress. I’d skip it only if you really dislike hikes or you hate the idea of swimming on rock-strewn, splashy terrain.

Key things to know before you go

• 25°C thermal water year-round at Fuente de los Baños makes it a reliable swim stop
• Two different water experiences: thermal pools plus a separate waterfall with summer swimming
• Small group format (max 24) for an easier day than big-bus hopping
• English-speaking, professional local guide who keeps the vibe fun and the logistics smooth
• Time to actually swim at both locations, not just look-and-photos
• Wear the right shoes: the hike and the water stops can involve loose rock and slick areas

Why Montanejos and Salto de la Novia work so well from Valencia

This is a day trip built around two kinds of “water love,” both close enough to Valencia for an easy one-day rhythm. Montanejos gives you thermal baths where the water temperature stays around 25°C (77°F) all year. Then Salto de la Novia, the Girlfriend Waterfall, is a totally different feel: a dramatic waterfall area where swimming is possible in summer, but the water is not thermal.

What makes this pairing smart is pacing. You’re not bouncing between random sights. You’re getting: soak time, swim time, and views time. The day also has built-in breaks where you can step back, dry off, and reset. If you’re the type who likes a plan but still wants freedom to wander a bit, this format tends to land well.

The price is also easier to understand when you think in terms of what’s included: transport, guide, express entry, and the tickets for both key water stops. The main trade-off is that it’s not a “no-walking” day, so you’ll want decent footwear.

Getting there: meeting point, return timing, and the comfort factor

The tour starts at 9:00 am at Av. de Suècia, 27, El Pla del Real, 46010 València. You’ll end back at that same meeting point, so you’re not scrambling to coordinate an end location.

Transportation is by air-conditioned vehicle with a professional local guide. That matters in Valencia because weather can turn fast in warmer months, and you’re going out toward a mountain-and-river kind of setting where you’ll want to arrive comfortable, not drenched before you even start.

This is a maximum of 24 travelers, and that small group size usually makes the day run smoother. Fewer people means fewer delays during check-ins and less time waiting around before you can get into the water.

One practical note: there’s no hotel pickup. If you’re staying near a tram or metro stop, getting to the meeting point can be quick. If you’re far out, you’ll want to plan your route the night before so you’re not rushing in the morning.

Montanejos first stop: setting up your swim day

You’ll spend about 1 hour 30 minutes in Montanejos before you move into the thermal baths section. Even though that time includes free admission (so no ticket stress for this part), it’s not just dead time. It’s where you settle into the area, meet your guide, and get your timing sorted for water time later.

From what you can expect on the ground, there’s often a short walk involved early in the day. People have described it as manageable, but not always as easy as the phrase gentle hike might suggest. The takeaway for your planning: wear closed-toe trainers. This is not the day for Crocs or sandals if you want an easy, confidence-building pace.

Use this first chunk to check your swim essentials: water shoes, a towel, a waterproof phone option, and a plan for what you’ll carry. Once you’re in the thermal area, you’ll be thankful you prepared before you’re changing outfits in a rush.

Fuente de los Baños thermal baths: the 25°C soak is the star

The thermal baths stop is where the tour earns its reputation. You’ll have about 2 hours at Fuente de los Baños de Montanejos, and the admission ticket is included. The standout fact is the 25°C water temperature all year. That means you can enjoy a warm soak even if the weather feels cool.

What it feels like in practice is simple: you get a natural setting, warm water for relaxing, and enough time to do more than one thing. You can float, sit, and explore at a comfortable pace. And because you’re in thermal water, the experience tends to feel restorative rather than just another quick splash.

You should also plan for the reality of natural rock. People have recommended water shoes because the thermal areas involve walking over areas that can be uncomfortable with bare feet. If you hate slippery footing, bring shoes with good grip. Your knees will thank you later, especially if you decide to move around more than you originally planned.

If you’re traveling with kids, keep in mind that families often do well on this kind of day trip because it’s activity-based but not a long-distance endurance challenge. On past departures, guides have helped make swimming easier for families (things like float support). Even if you’re not counting on that, it’s a reassuring sign that the guides keep a close eye on safety and comfort.

Lunch in Montanejos: budget time since lunch isn’t included

After the thermal baths, you’ll get about 30 minutes for lunch in Montanejos, with free admission. Here’s the part to be honest about: lunch is not included in the tour price.

So treat this as a short break to refuel, not a full sit-down meal. If you’re the kind of person who needs a proper lunch to function, consider eating something quick and light. If you like options, grab something close by so you don’t spend your lunch window walking to find the perfect place.

You’ll also want to think about your next stop. You’re heading to a waterfall area after lunch, and water footwear plus dry clothes make the transition a lot nicer. During your break, use the time to dry off enough that you don’t feel cold later.

Salto de la Novia (the Girlfriend Waterfall): photos and swimming, especially in summer

Next comes Salto de la Novia, the Girlfriend Waterfall. You’ll have about 1 hour 30 minutes at the waterfall area, and the admission ticket is included.

This is not thermal water. The big difference is in temperature and mood: you’re coming for the spectacle. The waterfall is described as majestic, and it’s a spot where swimming can be part of the fun in summer. In other seasons, you can still enjoy the view and take photos, but plan on less water time.

Safety is the main consideration here. People have flagged slippery rocks and short-footing moments. Don’t assume the ground is stable just because the waterfall looks picturesque. Bring sturdy footwear you can trust. If you’re planning a swim, prioritize water shoes over anything that can slide off or get crushed.

Also think about your phone. Water photos are the goal for many people, so having a waterproof way to protect your phone is a huge plus. Past guests have recommended it, and it’s one of those small decisions that turns regret into great memories.

If you want the best “waterfall moment,” give yourself a little flexibility. Take photos, watch how people position themselves, then choose where you feel safest for the swim. The guide will keep things organized, but your comfort choices matter.

Back to Valencia: winding down without rushing

After the waterfall stop, you’ll return to Valencia by vehicle, with about 1 hour back to the city. This return timing is helpful because it keeps the day feeling full without dragging late into the night.

By this point, you’ve already done your main goals: thermal soaking, lunch reset, and waterfall time. The drive back is a good moment to cool down (literally) after swimming and to get yourself ready for dinner.

There’s also a mental benefit here. Day trips with a strong structure can leave you with that “now I can actually relax” feeling, instead of constant decision-making. You’ll likely leave with a clearer sense of what you want to do the next day in Valencia, since you’ll have burned off the “nature bucket list” in a single outing.

Price and value: what you’re really paying for at $107.68

At $107.68 per person for about 8 hours, the value comes from how the day is packaged:

• Transport by air-conditioned vehicle so you’re not figuring out routes and schedules
• Professional local guide to handle the flow and keep you oriented
• Tickets included for the thermal baths and the waterfall
• Express security check access (skip-the-line style convenience)
• Taxes and insurance included, including accident insurance

That’s the upside. The main “cost” you should budget outside the listed price is simple: lunch isn’t included, and hotel pickup isn’t provided.

So the math is mostly about whether you’d otherwise pay for a guided day with transport and ticketed water access. If you want nature time with minimal hassle, this price is easier to justify. If you’re planning to DIY everything and you already know how you’ll get there, it could feel like more than you need.

My practical take: if you’re visiting Valencia for a limited number of days and you want two distinct water experiences without planning headaches, this is a solid use of your time.

Who this tour fits best (and who should rethink it)

This trip is a good match if you:

• want to swim in thermal water and then switch to a waterfall swim area
• like a small group day with a guide who keeps things moving
• travel solo, as it’s easy to chat and coordinate with the group during stops
• want family-friendly outdoors time (people have brought children and described it as doable)

Rethink it if:

• you hate uneven ground or slippery rocks
• you’re hoping for a completely flat, no-walking experience
• you need lunch included in the price (you’ll be on your own for food)

Also, plan around water comfort. Natural water days go better when you treat footwear like part of your outfit, not an afterthought.

Packing tips that actually help: shoes, phone protection, and comfort

If you only pack for this tour in one way, pack for your feet. A lot of the comfort here hinges on traction and dryness.

I’d bring:

• Closed-toe water shoes or grip footwear you can walk in
• A waterproof phone option or waterproof pouch for photos near the waterfall
• Swimsuit and quick-dry towel
• Sunscreen and a hat (the day involves outdoor time)
• A small bag for wet stuff once you’re done

If you’re carrying valuables, don’t stress too much. Guides have helped people manage belongings during swimming time on past departures. Still, it’s smart to use a dry bag or sealed pouch for anything you don’t want to risk near the water.

Should you book this Montanejos thermal springs and Girlfriend Waterfall tour?

If your ideal day includes real thermal soaking plus a separate waterfall experience, and you want it organized with a guide and transport from Valencia, I’d book it. The combination of 25°C year-round thermal water and a dramatic waterfall stop makes it feel more like a special outing than a generic sightseeing loop.

Book it especially if you’re short on time and you want two memorable nature settings in one day with a small group (max 24) and English-speaking guidance. The day also sounds like it works for mixed ages.

Skip it only if you’re very sensitive to slippery rocks or you want a purely restful plan with no hiking/walking involved. If that’s you, you’ll likely enjoy Valencia more with a different low-effort outing.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The tour runs for about 8 hours.

Where does the tour start in Valencia?

It starts at Av. de Suècia, 27, El Pla del Real, 46010 València, Valencia, Spain.

What’s included for the thermal baths in Montanejos?

Admission to the Fuente de los Baños de Montanejos thermal baths is included, and the water temperature is 25°C (77°F) all year round.

Can I swim at the Girlfriend Waterfall (Salto de la Novia)?

Yes, you can swim in summer. The waterfall water is not thermal.

Is lunch included in the tour price?

No, lunch is not included.

What’s the maximum group size?

The tour has a maximum of 24 travelers.

What happens if the weather is poor?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

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