Valencia: Waterfalls and Thermal Springs Tour with Swimming

Leave Valencia’s city heat behind. This full-day escape takes you to Montanejos for a 60-meter waterfall, warm spring water, canyon views, and a huge dam. I like the small-group feel and the way the guides handle photos, water shoes, and access to the swimming spots. The main drawback is the long day and the extra cost of lunch, and the springs feel pleasantly mild rather than hot.

You meet outside Valencia’s Estació del Nord at 9:30 AM, then ride in an air-conditioned minibus into the Valencian countryside. Guides such as Mike, Anna, Siobhan, Morgane, Thomas, and Sofia have all led this route, with English, French, and Spanish available. Dutch may be available on request.

This is not a demanding hike. You walk short distances from the vehicle, though one path to the swimming area includes a small hill. If you want a day outdoors without giving up comfort, the four-stop plan works very well. Bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, water, and shoes you can walk in.

Four reasons this Montanejos day is worth your time

• The Blue Lagoon stays around 25°C year-round, making swimming possible even outside the hottest months.
• The Bridal Veil waterfall drops 60 meters, with spray close enough for a refreshing shower if conditions allow.
• Mike’s Nomad Soul Retreat provides changing rooms, bathrooms, a place for your belongings, and space to relax near the springs.
• The Mijares River canyon viewpoint gives you dramatic photographs without a long uphill walk.
• Water shoes and entry fees are included, which adds real value to the $101 price.
• The ride returns to Estació del Nord around 5:30 PM, making this a practical day trip from central Valencia.

Leaving Valencia by minibus

The meeting point is in front of the main entrance to Estació del Nord on Calle Xàtiva. Look for the large clock on the station tower. Construction may affect the exact pickup spot, so follow the instructions provided after booking and wait just outside the gated area.

The trip uses a new, air-conditioned minibus. That matters here. Montanejos is difficult to reach by public transport, and a private vehicle lets you visit four separate places in one day without figuring out rural bus connections.

The first drive lasts about 45 minutes. You get views of the countryside along the way, but the real advantage is simple: you can relax, talk with the group, and save your energy for the water and viewpoints.

Group size is usually kept fairly small, often around a dozen people, though the exact number can change. That gives the day a friendly, social quality without the feel of a large coach outing. Solo visitors tend to fit in easily, and the guides make a clear effort to help people get acquainted.

The 60-meter Bridal Veil waterfall

The first nature stop is the Bridal Veil waterfall, a 60-meter cascade tucked into the mountain country near Montanejos. The name fits the thin, falling curtain of water, and the spray gives the place a cool, fresh start to the day.

You can admire it from nearby and, if you feel brave and conditions permit, stand under the falling water. This is not a polished attraction with rows of shops and displays. It feels more like a natural stop reached by a short walk from the minibus.

Keep your eyes on the ridges. Mountain goats may appear above the waterfall, an unexpected bonus that adds life to the scenery. You will want your camera ready, but do not spend the whole stop looking through it. The sound of the water and the cool mist are the point.

This stop also gives you a sense of the route’s style. You are not being marched from one lookout to another with a long lecture at each stop. The guides share useful information, point out good photo angles, and let you enjoy the place at your own speed.

Swimming in Montanejos’ Blue Lagoon

After the waterfall, the group continues toward Montanejos. The route includes another short drive, followed by the main event: swimming in the Blue Lagoon thermal springs.

The water is listed at 25°C throughout the year. That is warmer than many natural swimming areas, but do not expect a hot bath. One useful point from the day’s feedback is that the water can still feel cool, especially when you first enter or when the air is not hot. Once you are in, the temperature is comfortable for swimming and lingering.

The water is clear, and the surrounding rock walls give the pool a dramatic setting. You can swim, float, take photographs from the edge, or simply sit and enjoy the unusual mix of mountain scenery and spring water.

The guides are attentive around the swimming area. If you are not a confident swimmer, tell them before getting in. Extra equipment may be available, and guides have helped people who needed more support in the water. Still, you should be comfortable with the basic demands of swimming before booking. This is an outdoor spring, not a supervised pool.

The tour includes water shoes, a very useful touch. Rocks around natural swimming areas can be rough or slippery, and proper footwear makes getting in and out easier. You should still bring your own towel and swimsuit.

A break at the Nomad Soul Retreat

A short distance from the springs is Mike’s Nomad Soul Retreat, set among olive trees. The stop gives the day a practical base rather than leaving you to manage wet clothes and belongings beside the water.

You can use changing rooms and clean bathrooms, and there is a safe place for your gear. There is also a sunny area where you can dry off and relax after swimming. For many people, these small comforts will be worth more than another formal sightseeing stop.

The retreat also helps the day feel personal. Mike has spent 15 years exploring the area, and the property is presented as his own place near the springs. Guides often take photos here and at the swimming area, so you can enjoy the water without trying to keep a phone dry in your hand.

Photography is one of the strongest parts of the experience. Guides including Morgane, Siobhan, and Anna have been praised for taking both posed and spontaneous pictures. If you want specific shots, ask clearly and early. The guides are happy to help, but they are also managing the whole group.

Lunch in Montanejos

Lunch is not included in the $101 price. The guide points you toward budget-friendly options, such as a snack bar by the springs or restaurants in Montanejos.

Some groups eat in the village, where local food gives the day a more ordinary Spanish feel. The stop is casual rather than a long food tasting session, so expectations should be modest. You are paying for the transport, guide, entries, and outdoor access, not for a full meal.

You can bring your own food if you prefer. That is useful if you have dietary needs, want to keep spending down, or would rather spend more time near the water. If you enjoy eating with a group, following the guide to a local restaurant may be the more social choice.

Budget another meal cost when comparing the price with other day trips. The food expense is not a surprise, but it does mean the final cost is higher than the advertised tour price.

The Mijares River canyon viewpoint

After lunch, the group stops above the Mijares River canyons. This is mainly a photo and sightseeing stop, lasting around 15 minutes according to the planned schedule.

The view gives you a different side of Montanejos. At the springs, the water and rock walls keep your attention close. Here, the scale opens up, with the river cutting through the surrounding mountains. It is a short stop, but it earns its place because the scenery looks completely different from the swimming area.

Do not expect a long walk or a detailed mountain trek. The minibus parks near the viewpoint, and the visit is designed to give you strong views with little effort. That makes it a good fit if you have knee problems or limited stamina. One person with serious knee issues found the paths manageable, but you should still expect uneven ground and a short incline.

The guides often take group photos at this point. If you want a picture that shows the full canyon behind you, this is one of the best opportunities.

Montanejos dam and reservoir

The last major sight is the Montanejos dam and its reservoir. The structure brings a human element into a day otherwise shaped by waterfalls, springs, and canyon walls.

The dam is large and imposing, while the reservoir appears calmer than the force of water at the nearby outlets. Depending on conditions, you may see powerful blasts of water from the massive spout. That sight can be one of the day’s most memorable moments, especially after seeing the gentle spring water earlier.

The planned stop includes sightseeing and a walk, but it remains short and easy. You do not need hiking equipment or strong fitness. Comfortable shoes are enough.

This final stop also gives the day a satisfying change of pace. You start with falling water, swim in naturally warm spring water, look over a river canyon, and finish beside a major piece of engineering. The four locations do not feel repetitive.

How much time you spend at each place

The day runs from about 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM, including driving. The schedule gives you roughly:

• About 45 minutes for the first drive
• Around an hour at the waterfall and first natural stop
• Additional driving time to Montanejos and the springs
• Swimming and relaxation time near the Blue Lagoon
• A lunch break
• Around 15 minutes at the Mijares River viewpoint
• Around 30 minutes around Montanejos and the dam area

The exact order and timing can change. Weather, traffic, road conditions, and water conditions may affect the day. The experience operates in rain or shine, although cancellations have been rare over the past 15 years.

You should not book this expecting a slow, private day at one spring. It is a full route with several stops. The benefit is variety. The cost is that some viewpoints are brief, and the total day includes several hours in the minibus.

What the $101 price really covers

At $101 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see one natural swimming area. It is better judged as a transport-and-access package for a difficult day trip from Valencia.

The price includes:

• Air-conditioned minibus transport
• A live guide
• Entry fees
• Water shoes
• Access to the planned natural sites
• Help with photos
• Use of the retreat facilities near the springs

You also avoid the cost and stress of renting a car, navigating mountain roads, finding parking, and locating the best access points. Since Montanejos is not easy to reach by public transport, that convenience carries real value.

The strongest value comes if you want to swim and see all four sites in one day. If you only want a short walk and a viewpoint, the price may feel high. If you are traveling without a car, want help in the water, or appreciate a guide who handles the details, it becomes easier to justify.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve without paying immediately. Those terms help if your Valencia plans are still shifting.

Guides, group mood, and personal attention

The guide can shape this day more than any single stop. Mike is often involved, but the company also uses guides including Anna, Siobhan, Morgane, Thomas, and Sofia.

The most praised qualities are warmth, calm organization, and personal attention. Siobhan has been especially good at encouraging group interaction while letting people move at their own pace. Anna has received praise for leading families and helping people with mobility concerns. Morgane is known for taking strong photographs and speaking several languages.

That does not mean every departure will feel identical. Your guide, group, weather, and water conditions all affect the mood. Still, the small-group setup gives the staff room to help with photos, swimming confidence, and practical questions.

The social side is a real part of the experience. Solo visitors can meet people without being forced into a rigid group activity. Couples and families can also keep some personal space.

Who should book this experience?

I would choose this trip if you want:

• A full day outside Valencia without renting a car
• Swimming in a natural spring rather than visiting a standard pool
• Short walks and easy access from the vehicle
• A friendly group atmosphere
• Help with photos and water access
• Several different natural sights in one day
• A guide who can explain the area in English, French, or Spanish

It is also a good choice for families with older children and for people who have some mobility limitations but can manage short walks and a small hill. Tell the guide about any concern before the activity begins.

I would hesitate if you want a strenuous hike, a quiet private outing, or a very hot thermal bath. The water is about 25°C, not spa-hot, and the day includes driving between stops. You should also be happy spending extra on lunch and carrying a towel and spare clothes.

What to pack for the springs

Bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, drinking water, comfortable clothes, and shoes suited to short walks. A small bag for wet clothing will make the ride home more comfortable.

Water shoes are supplied, but you should still wear comfortable footwear for the waterfall, canyon viewpoint, and dam area. Keep valuables to a minimum, although the retreat provides a safe place for belongings.

A phone or camera is useful, but you do not need to risk taking it into the water. The guides regularly take photos for the group.

Should you book this Montanejos tour?

Book it if you want the easiest way to combine swimming, waterfalls, canyon views, and the Montanejos dam in one day. The route is active without being strenuous, the water shoes and transport are useful inclusions, and the guides add warmth that can make a group outing feel much more relaxed.

Skip it if your idea of a thermal spring means steaming water, or if you dislike fixed schedules and minibus rides. For most visitors without a car, though, the $101 price is fair for the access, equipment, entries, and four distinct stops. Bring a towel, accept that lunch costs extra, and give yourself a full day. This is one of the most practical ways to trade Valencia’s city streets for mountain water.

FAQ

Where does the Montanejos tour start?

It starts outside the main entrance of Valencia’s Estació del Nord on Calle Xàtiva. Look for the large clock on the station tower. Because of construction, pickup may take place just outside the gated area.

What time does the tour leave and return?

The tour begins at about 9:30 AM and returns to Estació del Nord around 5:30 PM. Exact starting times should be checked when you book.

Is swimming in the Blue Lagoon included?

Yes. Swimming in Montanejos’ Blue Lagoon thermal springs is part of the experience. The water is listed at about 25°C year-round.

Is lunch included in the price?

No. Food and drinks are not included. You can buy food at the spring area or in Montanejos, or bring your own.

Are water shoes provided?

Yes. Water shoes are included, along with transport, guide services, entry fees, and access to the planned natural sites.

What languages are available?

Guiding is available in English, French, and Spanish. Dutch may be available on request.

Is this tour suitable for people who do not want a long hike?

Yes. The vehicle parks close to the main stops, and the tour involves minimal walking. You should still bring comfortable shoes because some paths include uneven ground and a small hill.