A spring day in Spain can turn into a soak-fest. This Montanejos hot springs tour strings together hot springs and a waterfall river stop with included tickets and a small-group feel. I like that the day is built around real time in the water, not just quick photo stops, and I also like the included air-conditioned transfer so you’re not stressed about logistics. One thing to consider: you’ll need to plan around a lot of time outdoors, so good weather matters.

The group size stays small (up to 6), which helps the flow of the day feel more personal, especially when your guide turns the route into a story. If you’re lucky enough to get Juan Carlos, you can expect friendly energy and smart pointers on where to go for views and swim time. Still, guidance levels can vary, so don’t book this expecting a nonstop lecture the whole ride.

Quick hits before you go

• Hot springs stop with admission included so you can focus on actually soaking.
• Salto de la Novia waterfall + river bathing with admission included for the experience.
• Small group (maximum 6) with an air-conditioned vehicle.
• Mobile ticket and English available.
• No lunch included, but there’s time to eat at a restaurant on-site.

Montanejos and Salto de la Novia: a day where you actually get wet

This is the kind of day trip that makes sense if you want variety without rushing. You start by leaving Valencia for Montanejos, then you spend the heart of the day at thermal waters where you can bathe and recharge. Later, the trip shifts from steaminess to cool river energy at Salto de la Novia, where you get another chance to swim in a natural setting.

The big win here is pacing. You’re not just driving from one spot to another and watching people go in the water. The schedule leaves room for you to settle, change your plans if you feel like a longer soak, and still make the waterfall stop.

Also, the naming is charming in a very Spanish-tour way: Salto de la Novia (girlfriend or bride waterfall) is memorable, and that helps the day feel fun even when the day is simple.

Price and what $107.17 is really paying for

At $107.17 per person for about 8 hours, you’re paying for three main things: transportation, admissions, and a guide who handles timing. Transfers are included, and the tour covers entry at the hot springs and at Salto de la Novia, which matters because those aren’t just free sightseeing stops.

What you should budget separately is food. Lunch isn’t included, though there is a restaurant on-site at the hot springs area where you can grab a meal during your free time there. If you typically eat lunch anyway on day trips, this price lands more in the “fair value” range than the “just pay for a bus ride” range.

If you’re comparing to cheaper tours that only include driving, this one has the advantage of built-in ticket costs. If you’re comparing to premium private trips, it’s more budget-friendly while still feeling like a real outing rather than a quick hop.

Getting there from Valencia: the 9:00 am start and small-group feel

You meet at Av. d’Aragó, 31, El Pla del Real, 46010 València. The tour starts at 9:00 am, and it ends back at the same meeting point. That return-to-start setup is convenient if you want to avoid a second taxi gamble at the end of the day.

This tour caps at 6 travelers, and that small size changes the vibe. You tend to spend more time at each place and less time waiting around. The air-conditioned vehicle also makes the ride easier, especially if it’s warm when you head out of the city.

Practical tip: be there early. A late arrival can throw off a day built around time in the water, and you don’t want to start your trip annoyed or rushed.

Stop 1: Montanejos town and a smooth lead-in to soaking

After you leave Valencia, you drive to Montanejos. This first stretch is about 1 hour 30 minutes, and there’s no admission cost at this phase. Think of it as your ramp-up time: get your bearings, use the ride to mentally plan your day (what swimwear you’re wearing, whether you’ll want a quick snack before the hot springs), and avoid the “I’m too hungry to enjoy water” trap.

Montanejos itself is the gateway. Even if your main focus is the thermal baths and waterfall, getting there early enough matters because it makes your later stops feel calmer.

Stop 2: Fuente de los Baños hot springs and your included swim time

This is the core stop. You spend about 3 hours 30 minutes at Fuente de los Baños de Montanejos, where you can bathe in the hot springs. Admission is included, so you can treat this time as the main event rather than a pay-as-you-go add-on.

Here’s what’s valuable about having a real chunk of time: hot springs aren’t like standing under a shower where you rinse and go. You’ll likely want to settle in, soak at your own pace, then step out when you feel ready. The schedule supports that.

There’s also a restaurant in the hot springs area, and you’ll have time to eat there. Food itself isn’t included, so decide in advance if you want a sit-down meal or a lighter option. If you tend to get hungry during long soaks, plan to eat before you feel wiped out. If you’re the type who prefers to swim first, do that, then grab lunch with the rest of your energy.

One more thing to keep in mind: because this is water-focused, you’ll want to keep it simple with what you bring. You don’t want your day to turn into a frantic search for the right towel or the right shoes once you’re ready to relax.

Stop 3: Salto de la Novia waterfall and river bathing

After the hot springs, the day shifts to the waterfall. The drive to Salto de la Novia is about an hour, and then you get about another hour at the waterfall to see it and bathe in the river.

Admission is included here too, which is a plus. The river-bathing part is what makes this stop feel active. You’ll get the kind of natural contrast that makes the day memorable: warm thermal water earlier, then a cooler river environment later.

This is also the section of the day where footwear and comfort matter most. You’ll be moving around in a natural area, and you don’t want to feel trapped by slippery shoes. If you have any concerns about footing, plan to go slow, pick your steps, and treat it like a sightseeing stop that happens to include water time.

How the day flows back to Valencia

Once the waterfall stop wraps up, you drive back to Valencia, about 1 hour. You end back at the meeting point, which makes your evening planning easy. You can head straight to dinner plans without needing to track down where the tour ends.

The overall rhythm is: travel, soak, swim again, return. It works well if you want a full day without feeling like you’re burning daylight on transit.

Food reality check: lunch is on you

Lunch is not included. You’ll likely handle lunch one of two ways:

• Eat at the restaurant on-site at the hot springs during your time there.
• Grab something else nearby if you prefer a lighter meal.

Either way, try not to over-plan. The hot springs stop gives you enough time to eat without turning lunch into a separate expedition.

If you’re coming from Valencia early, it also helps to have breakfast covered before you meet at 9:00 am. When the day’s main focus is water time, your energy level affects how much you enjoy it.

Guide factor: when your day runs smoothly with Juan Carlos

This is where the tour can really shine. Multiple guests praised Juan Carlos for being friendly and for keeping the mood light. They also appreciated his ability to point out the best views and the best spots to swim.

That said, one complaint that matters: a few people felt like the guide role was more driver than guide. That can happen on any tour, especially with small groups where expectations vary. The best move is to arrive with a clear mindset: this trip is centered on access and timing, not on an all-day lecture.

If you do want more guidance, ask questions early. Even a quick ask like where the best photo angle is or where people tend to swim best can change how you experience the day.

Also, there’s a hint of flexibility. One guest mentioned an extra local stop in the wider area, including Navajas and a nearby pantano (reservoir). That suggests some days may include a surprise add-on if time and routing work out. Keep your schedule flexible and enjoy the fact that it’s not just a rigid checklist.

What to pack for hot springs and a river stop

Nothing in the tour details lists gear, so I’ll keep this practical and based on what you’ll actually be doing: you’ll bathe at the hot springs and bathe in a river at the waterfall.

Bring:

• Swimwear and a quick-dry layer if you get chilly after soaking.
• Something for wet walking. You might find you need better grip than you expect.
• A small bag for wet items so you’re not carrying soaked stuff in the same space as your dry clothes.
• Sunscreen and a hat, especially since you’ll be spending hours outdoors.

And yes, towels can be tricky on day trips. The tour doesn’t specify what’s provided, so plan as if you’ll want to use your own.

Weather, cancellations, and keeping your trip on track

This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. That’s a big deal because water days are sensitive to conditions.

The simple strategy: when you’re booking, check the forecast for your chosen day and keep your schedule flexible enough to accept a change.

Who should book this Montanejos hot springs day trip

This works best if you want:

• Real time in thermal waters and real time at a waterfall river.
• A small group day trip that’s more about the experience than about sitting in a classroom.
• A guided transfer that saves you the trouble of figuring out rides between stops.

It’s also a solid choice for families, based on one group of seven (including children) praising the day as smooth and fun from start to finish. The schedule is long, but it’s organized around activities kids can understand quickly: see, swim, repeat.

If you prefer a super-structured commentary-style tour where the guide narrates constantly, you might want to set your expectations differently. The day is built to let you enjoy the water.

Should you book this tour?

I’d book it if you’re excited about Montanejos hot springs and you want a second watery payoff at Salto de la Novia, all with transfers and key admissions handled. The $107.17 price feels more justified when you’re actually using the included bathing time rather than treating it as a drive-and-look day.

I’d pause if:

• You’re hoping for an all-day, high-interaction guided tour where you never get a quiet moment.
• You’re arriving late to the meeting point. Being on time matters with a schedule that depends on swim windows.

If your plan is simple and your expectations match the focus (soak and swim), this is a great way to turn a Valencia day into something you’ll remember for the water alone.

FAQ

How long is the Montanejos hot springs day tour?

It runs about 8 hours (approx.), starting at 9:00 am and ending back at the meeting point.

Where do I meet the tour in Valencia?

The meeting point is Av. d’Aragó, 31, El Pla del Real, 46010 València, Valencia, Spain.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

How many people are in each group?

The tour has a maximum of 6 travelers.

Is admission included for the hot springs and the waterfall?

Yes. Admission is included for Fuente de los Baños de Montanejos and for Salto de la Novia.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included. You’ll have time to eat at a restaurant in the hot springs area, but food costs are on you.

Do I get a mobile ticket?

Yes, the tour includes a mobile ticket.

What transport is included?

Transfers to the attractions are included, using an air-conditioned vehicle.

What happens if the weather is bad?

This tour requires good weather. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I participate if I’m a typical visitor?

Most travelers can participate, and the tour is designed as a standard day trip experience.