Valencia: Montanejos Thermal Spring & Girlfriend Waterfall

Mountain water, village charm, and a swim. This day trip takes you from Valencia into the Valencian countryside for the clear pools of Montanejos and the striking Girlfriend Waterfall, also called Salto de la Novia. I like the small-group feel, which gives guides such as Ivan, Miguel, Serena, and Kika room to help with water shoes, photos, questions, and safety.

I also like the balance between swimming, short walks, local stories, and time to relax. The main caution is that Montanejos is warm rather than truly hot, with the swimming area listed at about 25°C, or 77°F. In cooler weather, the open river water can feel much colder than the word thermal suggests.

The day at a glance

• Two very different swimming stops: Salto de la Novia offers a cool waterfall swim, while Montanejos provides a milder natural pool experience.
• About eight hours from Valencia: Expect roughly 45 minutes to the waterfall, another 45 minutes to Montanejos, and about 75 minutes back.
• Guides make the difference: Ivan, Miguel, Borja, Serena, Kika, and other local guides are praised for history, humor, safety, and personal attention.
• A practical small-group outing: Air-conditioned transport, life jackets, noodles, snorkel masks, children’s water toys, insurance, and tickets are included.
• A flexible activity choice: You can choose hiking, rafting, or kayaking instead of the Girlfriend Waterfall when booking.
• Bring proper swim gear: Water shoes, a towel, sunscreen, swimwear, and comfortable clothes will make the day much easier.

Leaving Valencia for Montanejos

The meeting point is at Av. d’Aragó, 31, outside The Little Corner Café, though the exact starting point can vary with the option you book. Hotel pickup is not included, so allow time to reach the meeting place on your own.

From Valencia, you travel by air-conditioned bus or minibus. The ride is long enough to make comfort matter, especially on the return, but the route is broken up by the two main stops. Guides often fill the drive with local stories, Spanish history, and details about the villages and countryside outside the city.

The smaller vehicle is a real advantage. It keeps the group more personal and makes it easier for the guide to check that everyone has water, understands the plan, and is ready for the next activity. Past groups have also appreciated guides taking photos, helping with forgotten equipment, and making room for people who feel carsick.

One practical point: if you have hearing loss, sit near the front so you can hear the guide more easily. A few people have found it harder to catch every word from the back of the vehicle.

Salto de la Novia and the Girlfriend Waterfall

The first major stop is usually Salto de la Novia, known in English as the Girlfriend Waterfall. The trip allows about 1.5 hours here for photos, walking, and swimming.

The name sounds romantic, and the setting lives up to it. You get rock walls, running water, and a natural swimming area surrounded by mountain scenery. In summer, the waterfall stop is a welcome change from Valencia’s heat. The water is noticeably cooler than Montanejos, so you may prefer to start with a quick swim rather than plan to stay in for a long time.

Look for the slide near the waterfall if conditions allow and you are comfortable using it. It adds a playful touch to the stop, but the rocks can be slippery. Water shoes are a smart choice, especially if you dislike walking over uneven stones.

This stop is more than a quick photo pullout. You have enough time to swim and explore at your own pace, though the exact sequence can change with weather, traffic, and the day’s activity choice. If you choose rafting, kayaking, or hiking instead, that activity replaces the waterfall visit.

Montanejos at 25°C, not a bubbling hot bath

After another journey of about 45 minutes, you reach the Aigües Termals de Montanejos. This is the main reason many people book the trip, and the setting is impressive: clear water, steep rock, and a natural pool area that can look surprisingly tropical.

The swimming area stays around 25°C, or 77°F, throughout the year. That is pleasant for many swimmers, but it is not the temperature of a spa bath. You will likely find it comfortable in warm weather and refreshing in spring, autumn, or winter. In colder months, the surrounding air and mountain runoff can make the swim feel brisk.

There is an important detail here. The water may feel warmer at the surface than below it, and the open swimming area can be cooler than expected. One small retaining pool is reported to feel warmer, but it is limited in size and may only suit a few people at a time. If you want a truly hot soak, this outing may disappoint. If you want a beautiful natural swim with mild thermal water, it is a better match.

You may also notice small fish around the quieter pools. Stay still and they may gently nibble at your feet, a harmless and entertaining detail that children often enjoy.

The water is often described as mineral-rich and pleasant for the skin. Those health claims should be treated sensibly. This is a natural swimming stop, not a medical treatment, and you should swim only if you feel well and follow the guide’s safety advice.

Two hours for swimming, walking, and photos

The Montanejos stop lasts about two hours, including a guided visit, time to walk, and swimming. That is a useful amount of time because you can do more than take one photo and leave.

You might begin with a short walk around the water, listen to an explanation of the area, and then change for swimming. The guide can point out places to enter the water and help with equipment. Noodles, life jackets, snorkel masks, and water toys for children are included, although you should still bring your own towel and swimwear.

Changing facilities and bathrooms are available at the thermal pool location. There is also a concession stand, so you are not completely cut off from basic refreshments. Still, bring sunscreen and water, and do not assume you can buy every personal item once you arrive.

The terrain is not designed for wheelchair users, and this trip is not suitable for babies under one year. You should also be comfortable walking over uneven ground and getting in and out of natural water.

Lunch and a useful break from the water

Lunch is scheduled for about 30 minutes at Montanejos. Food is not generally part of the published base price, but several outings have included a sandwich and drink, and some meals have received good marks for freshness and taste. The safest approach is to confirm exactly what your selected option includes before departure.

Food choices may be limited. One person specifically wished for more options, while another appreciated that the guide arranged a gluten-free lunch. Tell the operator about dietary needs when booking rather than waiting until the day itself.

The lunch break matters because this is an active day. Swimming, walking, sun, and mountain air can leave you hungry. A short meal also gives you time to dry off and change before the return journey.

The surprise: local stories beyond the water

The tour is not only a nature outing. Guides often add stops or stories that give the day more shape, including information about the Spanish Civil War trenches and the region’s past. The exact surprise can vary, but the strongest guides connect the scenery with local life instead of simply pointing out photo spots.

Ivan is repeatedly praised for explaining Spanish culture, the economy, local resources, civil war history, and the stories behind the waterfall and springs. Miguel is known for a lively style, jokes, Spanish music, and careful attention to the group. Borja has helped with photos, local shopping stops, and arranging a way for people to share pictures afterward.

That personal touch is one of the tour’s best features. A guide may lend water shoes, provide cold water, adjust the plan during extreme heat, or help a nervous swimmer. These small actions are worth more than a polished speech because they make the day easier and safer.

Transport, timing, and the return to Valencia

The listed route includes about 45 minutes to Salto de la Novia, 45 minutes onward to Montanejos, and roughly 75 minutes back to Valencia. With swimming, lunch, photo stops, and short walks, the full experience takes around eight hours.

That return leg is not glamorous, but it is practical. After a day in the water, you can rest in the air-conditioned vehicle. The minibus has generally been described as clean and comfortable, though air circulation may feel weaker in the back seats on very hot days.

The trip ends at the original meeting area or another stated drop-off point near Av. d’Aragó, 31. Since traffic and weather can affect the timing, avoid booking a tight evening reservation immediately afterward.

What $57 gets you

At $57 per person, this is good value if you want transport from Valencia and prefer not to plan a rural day by yourself. The price covers private transport from Valencia, an air-conditioned vehicle, tickets, insurance, taxes, a local guide, and water equipment.

The value is strongest for people who would otherwise need to arrange a rental car, find the swimming areas, manage parking, and work out the route between the waterfall and Montanejos. You also get a guide who can explain the area and handle the day’s moving parts.

It is less compelling if you only want a hot spring soak. Montanejos is warm, not hot, and the waterfall water is cooler still. You are paying for a full day of transport, scenery, swimming, guiding, and convenience, not for a private spa.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and the option to reserve now and pay later make the booking less risky. The tour operates in English and Spanish.

Who will enjoy this day most

I would recommend it to couples, families with older children, solo visitors who want company, and anyone who has already seen Valencia’s main sights and wants a day outdoors. The group format is intimate enough for conversation, but you should still expect to share the vehicle and swimming areas with others.

It suits confident swimmers and people who are happy around rocks, cool water, and short walks. Children can enjoy the water toys and life jackets, but adults remain responsible for supervision.

You may want to skip it if you need step-free access, dislike changing outdoors or near natural pools, or want a guaranteed hot-water experience. It is also not ideal if you want a slow spa day with no driving. The route covers a lot of ground.

What to pack for a better day

Pack light, but pack for water. I would bring:

• Swimwear and a towel
• Water shoes with a secure sole
• Sunscreen and a hat
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Dry clothes for the ride home
• A reusable water bottle
• A waterproof case for your phone

The operator provides some water equipment, but your own water shoes and towel are still essential. Avoid bringing food, drinks, or alcohol into the vehicle, and smoking is not allowed. Pets, fireworks, explosive substances, and drugs are also prohibited.

Should you book Montanejos and Girlfriend Waterfall?

Book it if you want a well-organized escape from Valencia with two different swimming experiences, mountain scenery, and a guide who adds real personality to the day. The strongest value comes from the small group, included transport, useful equipment, and the care shown by guides such as Ivan, Miguel, Borja, Serena, and Kika.

Think twice if the word thermal makes you picture a steaming pool. At 25°C, Montanejos is a mild natural swim, and winter water can feel cool. For most people who want fresh air, waterfalls, local stories, and an easy route into the countryside, $57 is a fair price for a full day beyond the city.

FAQ

How long does the Montanejos day trip last?

The experience lasts about eight hours, including transport, swimming, walking, photo stops, lunch, and the return to Valencia.

What is the water temperature at Montanejos?

The swimming area is about 25°C, or 77°F, all year. It is warm enough for many people to swim comfortably, but it is not a very hot spring.

Is the Girlfriend Waterfall included?

The standard route includes Salto de la Novia, also called the Girlfriend Waterfall, with about 1.5 hours for photos, swimming, and exploring. Hiking, rafting, or kayaking can replace this stop if selected when booking.

What languages are available?

The live tour guide speaks English and Spanish.

Is food included?

Food is listed as not included, but some departures provide a sandwich and drink. Confirm the meal details for your selected option, especially if you have dietary requirements.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users or babies?

No. The experience is not suitable for wheelchair users or babies under one year. You should also be comfortable walking on uneven ground and entering natural swimming areas.