Valencia: Montanejos Hot Springs Tour + Salto De la Novia Waterfall

Water, cliffs, and a long sunny day await. This 8-hour day trip from Valencia links the Salto de la Novia waterfall in Navajas with the thermal pools of Montanejos, giving you two very different nature stops without renting a car. I like the easy door-to-door transport and the friendly guides, especially Mati or Miguel, who add local tips and plenty of good humor. The main catch is simple: the water is about 25 degrees Celsius, so Montanejos feels pleasantly cool rather than truly hot, particularly in winter or when the pool sits in shade.

I also like the generous time at Montanejos, where you can swim, walk, picnic, and take photographs instead of rushing through a quick viewpoint stop. You must bring your own food and drinks, though, and you cannot eat or drink inside the van. Pack carefully, because this is a nature outing with rocks, water, and uneven ground rather than a polished resort visit.

Key points to know before you go

• The water is warm by nature, not hot-tub warm: Montanejos stays around 25 C all year, but it can feel cold when you first enter.
• Navajas brings the first major photo stop: You get time to see Salto de la Novia and the nearby Tio Juan waterfall and lookout.
• Montanejos allows 3 hours and 15 minutes: That is enough time for swimming, a picnic, a walk, and photos.
• Mati and Miguel receive especially strong praise: Both guides are described as friendly, upbeat, and good at sharing local details.
• The $67 price covers the useful basics: Transport from Valencia, return transport, guide service, and both entrance fees are included.
• Water shoes and a waterproof phone case matter: Rocky edges and swimming make both items more useful than ordinary beach gear.

From Mestalla Stadium to Navajas

The day begins at Gate A3 of Mestalla Stadium on Av. d’Aragó, 31. From there, you board the van for about 50 minutes to Navajas, a small town in the Valencian Community known for its waterfalls and wooded river setting.

The transport is one of the strongest parts of this outing. You do not need to work out rural bus connections, find parking, or navigate two separate nature sites. The drive also gives you a break between walking and swimming, with a comfort stop available along the way when needed.

This is a full day, not a short city excursion. You leave Valencia, spend about 75 minutes at the first attraction, travel again, then spend more than three hours at Montanejos before the roughly 70-minute ride back. I would keep the rest of your evening fairly open. After a day outside, you may prefer a relaxed dinner rather than another packed activity.

The van does not allow food or drinks inside, so eat before departure or wait for an appropriate stop. Since food and beverages are not included, bring supplies for the day in a small daypack. You might also buy sandwiches or snacks in Navajas before continuing to the springs, but carrying your own food from Valencia is the safer plan.

Salto de la Novia and the waterfalls of Navajas

The first main stop is Cascada del Salto de la Novia, or the Waterfall of the Bride. The setting is the kind of place where you will want your phone ready before you even reach the best photo point. The waterfall gives the morning a strong visual start, with water, rock, and greenery packed into a short visit.

You have about 75 minutes here for a guided visit, walking, and photographs. That is a sensible amount of time. You can see the waterfall without turning the stop into a demanding hike, yet you are not limited to jumping out of the van for one hurried snapshot.

The nearby Tio Juan waterfall and lookout point add another angle to the visit. A lookout is especially useful here because it lets you appreciate the shape of the river area from above rather than seeing only the water at ground level. Your guide can help you understand where to walk and where to pause for photos.

Bring comfortable shoes, not flip-flops. The route is described as more of a walk than a serious hike, but the ground can be rough. Hiking shoes are useful if you want extra grip, while ordinary comfortable walking shoes may be enough for many people. The important point is to expect natural terrain, not a smooth pavement stroll.

If photography matters to you, this stop earns its place in the schedule. The waterfall is the visual highlight of Navajas, while the lookout helps you frame the wider setting. A waterproof phone case is not essential for the dry part of the morning, but it becomes valuable later at Montanejos.

The ride into Montanejos

After Navajas, the van travels for around 50 minutes to Montanejos. The change in pace is welcome. You move from a short waterfall visit into the longer water stop, where the goal is less about ticking off a viewpoint and more about choosing how you want to spend the afternoon.

The guide is an important part of the experience during these transitions. Mati is praised for careful planning and flexibility, while Miguel is repeatedly described as friendly, engaging, and good company. One lighthearted note is that Miguel may repeat a joke now and then, but his cheerful style suits a relaxed outdoor day.

The guides also provide suggestions for places to visit in Valencia and may offer discounts at selected restaurants and nightclubs. Ask directly if that interests you. These extras are not the reason to book the tour, but they can be useful if you are new to the city.

Three hours at the Montanejos thermal pool

Montanejos gives you about 3 hours and 15 minutes for a mix of swimming, walking, a picnic, and photographs. This is the heart of the day, and the extra time makes a real difference. You are not forced to choose between taking pictures and getting in the water.

The thermal pool is maintained at about 25 C throughout the year. That sounds warm when you read it beside ordinary river temperatures, but do not picture a steaming spa. In winter, or on a cloudy day, the first step can feel distinctly cold. Some people find the water comfortable after a few minutes, while others may only manage a brief swim.

Even on a sunny day around 25 C, the water can feel cool when the gorge is shaded. If you are sensitive to cold, plan your expectations carefully. The appeal is the natural setting and the chance to swim outdoors, not intense heat. In warmer weather, the experience will likely feel easier and more inviting, but the stated water temperature does not change.

Water shoes are a smart addition. The rocky areas can be uncomfortable under bare feet, and ordinary sandals may not provide enough grip. Pack a towel, swimwear, a waterproof phone pouch, and a spare layer for after your swim.

The pool is also a good place to slow down. You can choose a longer walk if you want more time on foot, settle down with your picnic, or stay close to the water and take photographs. The guide can accommodate people who do not want to take the rougher walk, so you do not have to treat the whole stop as a hiking challenge.

Bring enough water for the day. The instructions specifically recommend food and drinks, but also prohibit eating and drinking in the vehicle. A small waterproof bag or daypack will keep your towel, snacks, phone, and dry clothes together. Avoid bringing a large suitcase or oversized luggage, which is not allowed.

The photo and video service is another useful touch. You can take your own pictures, and the tour includes photo and video services, according to the activity details. A waterproof phone case remains wise, since electronic equipment and slippery rocks are a poor combination.

Is $67 good value?

At $67 per person, the price is reasonable if you want both nature stops in one day. You are paying for return transport from central Valencia, a live guide in English or Spanish, and entrance to both the Salto de la Novia waterfall and the Montanejos hot springs.

The value is strongest for people who do not have a car. Reaching two rural locations independently can involve separate transport plans, waiting times, and the hassle of getting back to Valencia after a full day outdoors. Here, the route is arranged for you and the entrances are covered.

Food and drinks are the main extra cost. Since you need to bring your own picnic and water, add those supplies when comparing the total price. You might also want to budget for snacks in Navajas, though buying food there is not presented as part of the tour.

The price is less attractive if you only want a hot spa. Montanejos is not a heated indoor bath, and the water may not feel hot enough for you. The better way to judge the value is as a combined waterfall, countryside, swimming, and transport day.

Who will enjoy this day trip?

I would recommend this outing to you if you want to leave Valencia for a day without handling rural transport yourself. It suits couples, friends, and solo visitors who like scenic walks, swimming, and a relaxed guide-led schedule.

It is also a good match for people who want a little activity without signing up for a hard hike. The walking is described as rough in places but generally more like a walk than a demanding hike. Still, comfortable shoes and reasonable mobility are important.

You may want to skip it if you dislike cool water, need fully accessible paths, or prefer a tightly organized sightseeing program with no picnic or swim break. The experience is not suitable for wheelchair users, and electric wheelchairs are not permitted. It also does not suit anyone carrying large luggage.

The guide can make a real difference. Mati’s careful organization receives high praise, while Miguel brings a more playful, social tone. You may get either guide, so expect a friendly atmosphere with commentary in English or Spanish rather than a formal lecture.

What to pack for the eight-hour outing

Keep your daypack practical and light. I would bring:

• Swimwear and a towel
• Water shoes for the rocky edges
• Comfortable walking shoes or hiking shoes
• Food and drinks for the day
• A waterproof phone case or waterproof bag
• Water and a spare layer of comfortable clothing
• Sunscreen and personal items that you can carry easily

The activity specifically prohibits smoking indoors, alcohol, drugs, littering, fires, and food or drinks in the vehicle. Pack food for the stops, then follow the guide’s instructions about when and where to eat.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Check the available starting time before booking, since the exact departure time is not fixed in the information provided.

Should you book the Montanejos tour?

Book it if you want an easy escape from Valencia with two scenic stops, a proper amount of time at the water, and transport already handled. The waterfall is the safer bet for dramatic scenery, while Montanejos is best if you enjoy outdoor swimming and do not mind water that is cool rather than hot.

I would book with realistic expectations: this is a countryside day with rough paths, picnic logistics, and a natural pool, not a luxury spa visit. Bring water shoes, food, a towel, and a waterproof phone case, then let the guide handle the route. At $67, it is a solid choice for a car-free day outside Valencia, especially if Mati or Miguel leads the van.

FAQ

Where does the tour start and finish?

It starts and ends at Gate A3 of Mestalla Stadium, at Av. d’Aragó, 31, in Valencia.

How long does the full experience last?

The tour lasts about 8 hours. Check availability for the specific starting time.

What languages are available?

The live guide is available in English and Spanish.

Is swimming included?

Yes. Swimming at the Montanejos thermal waters is part of the day, and entrance to the hot springs is included.

How warm is the Montanejos water?

The water is about 25 degrees Celsius all year. It may feel cool when you first enter, especially in winter or in shaded areas.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, so you should bring enough for the day. Food and drinks are not allowed inside the vehicle.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The experience is not suitable for wheelchair users, and electric wheelchairs are not allowed.