From Valencia: Thermal Springs & Hike – Private Day Tour

Trade city streets for mountain air. This private day trip joins a 9-kilometer canyon hike with a swim at Montanejos thermal springs, giving you a full day of nature without arranging transport or finding the trail yourself. I especially like the choice between a longer, medium-level walk and a shorter easy route, plus the freedom to set your own hiking pace.

I also like the personal feel of a private group and the scenic drive from Valencia through orange groves, villages, valleys, and mountains. Kevin, one of the guides, earned praise for clear planning, patient communication, and even arranging wetsuits and water shoes for a chilly February outing. The main consideration is the water temperature: at 25°C, the springs are not hot, and wind or cool weather can make a swim feel less inviting.

What makes this day trip worth considering

• A 9-kilometer circular route follows the River Maimona through the La Bojera canyon, pine woods, cliffs, and mountain viewpoints.
• A shorter 6-kilometer option takes about 1 hour 45 minutes and is better suited to anyone who wants scenery without a demanding walk.
• Montanejos water stays at 25°C all year, pleasant for swimming but closer to lukewarm than a hot spring.
• The private format lets you choose the longer or shorter hike and spend more or less time in the water.
• The drive is part of the experience, passing the Mediterranean coast, orange groves, mountain villages, and Sagunto Fortress.
• Lunch is flexible, with the choice of a local village tapas restaurant or food at the thermal springs.

Leaving Valencia for the mountains

The tour begins with pickup at your Valencia hotel or agreed pickup point. Be ready five minutes before departure. Your English or Spanish-speaking guide drives you in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle, which makes this outing far easier than trying to combine regional buses, trail access, and Montanejos on your own.

Montanejos is about 1 hour and 10 minutes from Valencia. The route gives you a pleasant change of scene before the walking begins. You pass orange groves, villages, valleys, and mountain roads, with the Mediterranean coast and the historic fortress at Sagunto appearing along the way.

I like this transfer because it connects the city with a part of the Valencian Community that feels very different from Valencia’s beaches and old center. You get rural scenery without giving up a guide or private transport. The tradeoff is simple: roughly seven hours is a substantial day, and some of that time is spent in the vehicle. Still, the drive is useful rather than wasted, since it takes you to a remote natural area that would be awkward to reach independently.

The La Bojera route follows the River Maimona

The main walk is a 9-kilometer circular trail known as the route of La Bojera. It takes about 3 hours and 15 minutes, although you can walk at your own pace. The route follows the River Maimona and enters an impressive canyon cut between large mountain walls.

Expect pine forests, high cliffs, gorges, and several spots where you will want to stop for photos. The appeal is not a single viewpoint at the end. The route keeps changing as you pass from woodland into more open mountain scenery and along the canyon.

This is a good choice if you enjoy a proper half-day walk and want more than a quick lookout. The route has a medium difficulty rating, so comfortable trainers or hiking shoes matter. Bring water and snacks, since lunch is not included and the walk comes before the thermal-spring stop.

The guide can help you judge the pace and conditions. On a private tour, you are not tied to the speed of a large group, which is useful if you want time for pictures or need a slower rhythm. At the same time, the hike is not described as a casual stroll. Anyone with back problems, anyone who is pregnant, or anyone who uses a wheelchair should not book this experience.

Choosing the easier 6-kilometer walk

If three hours of mountain walking sounds like too much, ask for the shorter route. The alternative covers 6 kilometers and takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes. It is rated easy, so it gives you a chance to enjoy the pine forests, canyon views, and mountain scenery with less strain.

This option also leaves more time and energy for the thermal springs. That can be a smart choice in colder weather, when you may not want to arrive at the water tired and chilled. It may also suit you if you want a nature-focused day but do not normally hike.

The shorter route is not a lesser version of the day. You still get the drive, the mountain setting, and the Montanejos stop. The difference is that the longer route gives walking a larger role, while the shorter route puts more emphasis on relaxation.

Montanejos springs are pleasant, not piping hot

After the walk, you visit Aigües Termals de Montanejos, the natural thermal springs. The water remains at a constant 25°C throughout the year. That temperature is comfortable for many swimmers, but it is important to set your expectations correctly: this is not a steaming spa pool.

The springs have long been valued for the medicinal qualities associated with their water. Their setting is a major part of the appeal. You can sit by the shore, sunbathe, swim, visit a water cave, or simply enjoy the mountain walls around the lagoon.

If you are feeling adventurous, there is also a 3-meter rock jump into the water. That is optional, of course, and the tour does not turn the stop into a forced challenge. You can take a quiet swim or remain on shore.

Weather matters here. On a windy February day, the water felt lukewarm at best, and the cold air made swimming less attractive. A wetsuit and water shoes helped on that outing, and Kevin arranged them for the group. In warmer months, the same 25°C water may feel much more inviting. Bring swimwear in all seasons, but do not assume that the water will feel hot simply because it is called thermal.

How much time do you get at the water?

The published itinerary allows about two hours at the thermal springs. That gives you enough time to change, swim, visit the cave, sit by the shore, or try the rock jump if conditions and confidence allow.

Your actual balance between hiking and swimming depends on the route you choose and the pace of your private group. The longer walk takes about 3 hours and 15 minutes, while the shorter one takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes. If swimming is your priority, the shorter route gives you more breathing room.

The springs are also a useful place to have lunch. You can bring snacks and eat there, or stop first at a village tapas restaurant. Since the meal is not included, plan for that cost separately. A local village stop may appeal if you want simple, non-touristy dishes at reasonable prices. Eating at the springs is easier if you prefer to keep the day moving.

Lunch choices and local flavor

Lunch is deliberately flexible rather than built into the tour price. You can choose a local mountain restaurant or village tapas place, where the food is described as reasonably priced and aimed at local tastes. This is a nice chance to eat away from Valencia’s busy central dining streets.

You can also skip the restaurant and eat at the thermal springs. Pack snacks if you want maximum flexibility. The tour information specifically recommends bringing snacks and water, which is sensible for both the hike and the wait between activities.

The downside is that you need to make your own lunch plan. If you expect a full meal to be included in a seven-hour excursion, the additional cost may surprise you. On the other hand, independent lunch choices mean you can spend more or less according to your appetite and budget.

Why the private format matters

At $153 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see Montanejos. The value comes from what is included: hotel pickup and drop-off, a private group, a native English-speaking guide, and an air-conditioned vehicle. You are also paying for a guide who can combine the hike, swimming stop, timing, and return drive in one organized day.

For two or more people who value comfort and flexibility, the price can make sense. You avoid arranging transport and do not have to work out how to reach the trail or springs. The private setup also lets you select the 6-kilometer or 9-kilometer hike, stop for photos, and decide how much time to spend swimming.

For a solo visitor on a tight budget, $153 is a bigger decision. You should book it for the convenience and personal attention, not because it is a bargain. The strongest value is for people who want an active day outside Valencia but do not want to rent a car or manage the route alone.

The guide can shape the whole day

A private nature trip depends heavily on the guide. The strongest feedback here centers on Kevin, who kept one group informed, planned ahead, and showed patience throughout the day. Providing wetsuits and water shoes on a cold outing was a particularly useful touch.

That kind of preparation matters because the experience is weather-sensitive. A sunny day may invite a swim, while a windy or cold day may shift the focus toward the hike, the cave, the scenery, and the mountain restaurant. A good guide can help you make that choice without making the day feel rushed.

Guiding is available in English and Spanish. The private format means you have a direct line to the guide rather than trying to get help in a large group.

What to bring for the hike and springs

Keep your packing simple but practical:

• Comfortable trainers or hiking shoes
• Water
• Snacks
• Swimwear
• Sun hat and sunscreen in hot weather
• A top and jacket in colder months

You may also want a small bag for wet swimwear, though that is not specifically required. Good footwear is the most important item for the La Bojera route. Even the shorter walk takes you into mountain terrain, not onto a paved city path.

A jacket is useful outside summer, especially because the water can feel cool when the air is windy. The February outing showed why a swim plan should remain flexible. A 25°C spring can sound warm on paper but feel quite different when you leave the water in chilly weather.

Who will enjoy this experience most?

I would recommend this tour to active couples, small private groups, and solo visitors who want a guided outdoor day from Valencia. It is especially good for people who like to combine a scenic walk with a swim rather than spend the entire day on one activity.

Choose the longer hike if you want canyon scenery, pine forests, viewpoints, and a solid three-hour walk. Choose the shorter route if you prefer an easy outing, have limited hiking experience, or want more time at the water.

This is not the right choice if you want a hot spa, a fully included lunch, or a gentle sightseeing drive with no physical activity. The water is warm by natural-spring standards but not hot, and the longer walk requires reasonable fitness. The tour is also not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, or wheelchair users.

Booking advice and final verdict

Book this day trip if you want a well-organized escape from Valencia with genuine mountain scenery, a choice of walking distances, and the comfort of private transport. The best reasons to go are the La Bojera canyon route, the quiet setting around Montanejos, and the freedom to shape the day with your guide.

Before booking, check the weather and decide what matters more to you: the longer hike or time in the water. In colder months, treat swimming as an option rather than the main event. In warmer weather, the springs should become the natural reward after the walk.

At $153 per person, the tour earns its price through convenience and personal service rather than luxury. If that suits your plans, this is a rewarding way to see a quieter side of the Valencian Community.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts seven hours, including pickup from Valencia, the drive, the hike, time at the thermal springs, and the return to Valencia.

How far are the thermal springs from Valencia?

Montanejos is located about 1 hour and 10 minutes from Valencia.

Is the hike difficult?

The main 9-kilometer circular hike is rated medium and takes about 3 hours and 15 minutes. A shorter 6-kilometer route is rated easy and takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes.

Can I choose the shorter hike?

Yes. You can choose the shorter and easier 6-kilometer hike instead of the longer La Bojera route.

How warm are the thermal springs?

The water maintains a constant temperature of 25°C throughout the year. It is not a hot spring in the usual spa sense, and it can feel cool in windy or cold weather.

Can I swim at Montanejos?

Yes. You can swim in the thermal waters, sit along the shore, visit a water cave, and optionally jump from a 3-meter rock into the lagoon.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included. You can eat at a local village tapas restaurant or bring food and eat at the thermal springs.

What should I bring?

Bring snacks, water, swimwear, and comfortable footwear such as sneakers or trainers. In hot weather, bring a sun hat and sunscreen. In colder months, bring a top and jacket.

Is the tour suitable for everyone?

No. It is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, or wheelchair users. The activity is offered as a private group tour with English or Spanish guidance.