From Valencia: Montanejos Thermal Spring & Girlfriend Waterfall

Thermal water and a waterfall in one day. This Valencia day trip strings together Montanejos hot-spring swimming and the Salto de la Novia waterfall stop, with an English-speaking guide and time built in to actually enjoy the water.

I especially like the comfort of 25°C thermal water year-round, so the first swim never feels like a gamble. I also like how guides such as Ivan and Miguel set a friendly, upbeat pace while keeping the group organized.

The one catch is footwear and footing, because the ground can be rocky and some water areas get slippery, so plan for closed-toe shoes.

Key things I’d prioritize on this trip

• Two water stops, very different vibes: hot springs first, then a waterfall pool that is not thermal.
• Small group size (max 24): enough room to move, without feeling lost in a crowd.
• 25°C thermal water year-round: a rare “works anytime” nature stop.
• Express security check and tickets handled: fewer small hassles while you focus on the day.
• Guide-led timing: set arrival points and enough swim time to cool off for real.

Montanejos Thermal Springs and Salto de la Novia in One Valencia Day

This is the kind of day trip that feels made for summer, but it still works in other seasons thanks to the thermal factor. You start in Valencia and end back at the meeting point, with most of the time spent outside, swimming, and taking short breaks between nature stops.

The real appeal is the contrast. Montanejos is about warm, mineral-spring soaking and relaxing in a canyon setting. Then Salto de la Novia, aka the Girlfriend Waterfall, is about the drama of water coming over rock and the chance to swim there in summer. It’s not the same type of water experience, so you get variety without changing your whole travel plan.

Also, this tour is designed for convenience. You get round-trip transport in an air-conditioned vehicle, plus a professional local guide. The price includes taxes, insurance (including accident insurance), and the tickets, so you’re not doing a last-minute scavenger hunt for entry fees.

Meet at Av. de Suècia and Ride North in a Small English-speaking Group

You meet at Av. de Suècia, 27, El Pla del Real, 46010 València at 9:00 am. The end point is the same as the start, so you are not dealing with a second pickup location in the evening.

This is a group tour with a maximum of 24 travelers, and it’s offered in English. That matters because you get the social side of meeting people, but you still get guided time to find the right spots for photos, swims, and rest breaks.

One practical tip: the meeting point is close enough to major landmarks that you can use the area as a visual reference. In the field, people have found it easy to locate around Mestalla Stadium, even mentioning the bat landmark. Use that as a backup mental map if you’re arriving by metro or walking.

Stop 1 in Montanejos: Free Admission, Private Transport, and a Reset Before the Swim

Your day starts with private transport from Valencia to Montanejos. That first stretch is about 1 hour 30 minutes, and it’s long enough to settle in, cool down, and get briefed for what’s next.

At the Montanejos stop you’re not paying admission for that segment, and you’re given time before the thermal swimming portion. For many people, that “prep time” is part of what makes the day feel smooth. Instead of jumping straight into water and crowds, you get a short runway to collect yourself, check your gear, and get your bearings.

What to watch for here is energy planning. Some of the best moments come right after you arrive, so it helps to be ready with your water shoes (or closed-toe alternatives), a dry bag, and anything you need for a swim that might be cooler than you expect in late-day shade.

Fuente de los Baños de Montanejos: 25°C Thermal Baths and Real Swim Time

The heart of the trip is the thermal baths at Fuente de los Baños de Montanejos, where the water stays around 25°C / 77°F all year. That detail is huge. It means you can swim without thinking too hard about the season, the weather, or whether the water will be brutally cold.

You get about 2 hours here, and tickets are included. In plain terms, that’s enough time to do two things most people actually want: soak and then re-soak. You can ease in, cool off briefly, and still have time for photos and lingering.

This stop is also about the setting, not only the temperature. You’re in a canyon-like natural environment, so it feels like you’re stepping into a slower world outside Valencia. The thermal water makes it easy to stay calm and focused on one thing at a time.

The practical downside: bath areas often involve rocks, steps, and slick edges. The tour experience is built for swimming, but you still need to treat it like a natural site. Bring footwear with traction, and if you’re unsure, bring water shoes rather than relying on flip-flops. You’ll thank yourself the moment you step down toward the water.

Lunch in Montanejos: What to Do With a 30-minute Break

After the first big water stop, you’ll have 30 minutes in Montanejos for lunch. Lunch itself is listed as not included, so plan to pay for your own meal or snacks during that short window.

This short lunch break is the kind of timing where your choices matter. If you want something hot, aim for quick service. If you want something simple, go for a sandwich, fruit, or a light local option that won’t require a long wait.

A good mindset here is to treat lunch as fuel, not a full restaurant outing. Your day is about nature time and swimming time, so you’ll get more out of the day if you keep lunch efficient and use that energy for the next stop.

Salto de la Novia (Girlfriend Waterfall): Swimming, Photos, and Slip Risks

Next comes the Girlfriend Waterfall, officially Salto de la Novia. First you travel there by private transport for about 1 hour, then you get about 1 hour 30 minutes at the waterfall area with tickets included.

Two important notes:

• The waterfall swimming is seasonal, described as possible in summer.
• This water is not thermal. You might feel the temperature change fast, especially if you arrive in shade or if the weather turns cooler.

The waterfall itself is the main event. It’s the kind of spot where you can get dramatic photos, and it’s also a place where water sound and movement do a lot of the mental relaxing for you. In summer, you can add the thrill of wading and swimming into the mix.

Now for the consideration: waterfall areas can be slippery. Even when you’re excited, take it slow on rocks and edges. If you bring sturdy shoes with grip, you’ll move more confidently and spend more time enjoying the water, not thinking about your footing.

If you want a “make the most of it” approach, aim to swim early in your visit window. Then you can spend the later minutes photographing from different angles without hurrying.

Tickets, Express Security, Air-conditioning, and What the Price Covers

At $107.68 per person, this trip is not a budget hop, but it isn’t overpriced for what you get. You’re paying for a full day of coordinated transport, guided timing, entry/tickets for the paid sites, and the convenience of an express security check.

Included items that matter day-to-day:

• Air-conditioned vehicle for the Valencia to mountains ride
• Professional local tour guide
• Skip-the-line via express security check
• Tickets, plus taxes and insurance (including accident insurance)

When you compare that to planning your own transport and buying separate tickets, the value becomes clearer. You’re buying fewer decisions. You show up, you swim, you see the waterfall, you go back.

There’s also a “hidden value” to having someone local who can steer you to the right spots. You spend less time guessing where to go and more time enjoying the water and the views.

What to Bring for Thermal Pools and a Waterfall Stop

The tour is built for water time, so you’ll enjoy it more if you pack like you mean it. Based on what people commonly recommend from the experience, here’s the practical checklist that fits this day:

• Closed-toe trainers or water shoes for rocky, wet areas
• A waterproof phone bag (so you can film and photograph without panic)
• A dry bag for towels, electronics, and spare clothes
• Swim basics you don’t mind getting sandy or mineral-water scented
• If you’re sensitive to cold, bring a plan for it. The waterfall water is not thermal, so the change can be noticeable.

Also, come ready for a day that mixes short transfers with swim time. That means you might not want bulky items. Keep your gear simple so you can move quickly between changing areas and swim zones.

On the guide side, you can expect helpful organization. Guides like Miguel and Ivan are repeatedly described as friendly and engaged, and they tend to keep the group feeling safe and cared for while you switch between activities.

Who This Trip Suits Best (and Who Should Reconsider)

This is a strong match if you want an active nature day with real water time and you don’t want the hassle of driving. The thermal stop is especially ideal for people who want a predictable swim temperature thanks to the year-round 25°C water.

It’s also good for solo travelers. A small group makes it easier to meet people from different countries, and the guide-led flow keeps you from feeling like you’re wandering alone.

That said, it may be less ideal if you hate slippery surfaces or you’re not comfortable walking on uneven ground. The tour involves moving around natural areas, and even when the hikes are described as short, you still need proper footwear and careful steps. If you’re traveling with limited mobility, it’s worth weighing how comfortable you are with uneven terrain.

So, Should You Book This Valencia Thermal and Waterfall Tour?

I’d book it if your priority is a full day of swimming, with one stop designed around thermal comfort and a second stop designed around a dramatic waterfall. The combination is hard to beat: warm mineral soaking, then a different kind of water adventure, plus guided logistics that keep the day feeling organized.

If you’re the type who loves planning day trips but hates traffic and ticket lines, this is also your kind of tour. You get transport, tickets, insurance coverage, and express security handling built in.

If you don’t like changing plans quickly, or if you’re not comfortable with wet, rocky footing, make sure you pack the right shoes and treat the waterfall area with extra care. With that simple prep, this becomes a memorable day out of Valencia.

FAQ

What time does the tour start, and how long is it?

The tour starts at 9:00 am and runs for about 8 hours.

Where do I meet for the Valencia trip to Montanejos and the Girlfriend Waterfall?

You meet at Av. de Suècia, 27, El Pla del Real, 46010 València, Valencia, Spain. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup is not included, so you’ll need to get to the meeting point yourself.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is not included. The tour includes a short lunch break in Montanejos.

Can I swim at both stops?

Yes. You can bathe and enjoy the thermal baths at Montanejos, and you can swim at the Girlfriend Waterfall in summer. The Girlfriend Waterfall water is not thermal.

How big is the group, and is it offered in English?

The group maximum is 24 travelers, and the tour is offered in English.

Can I cancel for a full refund, and does weather affect the tour?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The experience requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.