A day trip from Valencia with water at two different temperatures. This tour puts you in Montanejos for thermal baths (25°C year-round) and then at the Girlfriend Waterfall for a classic canyon-style swim.

I especially like how the day is built around real time in the water, not just looking from the shore. I also like the human touch: guides such as Ivan and Miguel lead with energy, explain what you’re seeing, and keep the group moving smoothly.

One thing to plan for: the walkways and rocks can be slippery, and comfortable closed-toe shoes and water shoes can make the experience a lot less stressful.

Key points to know before you go

• 25°C thermal water year-round at Fuente de los Baños de Montanejos
• Two major water stops: thermal baths first, then Salto de la Novia
• Small-group feel with a maximum of 24 travelers
• Guides who engage (Ivan, Miguel, Kiki, Manuel, Paola show up across experiences)
• Bring shoes for traction since some surfaces can be uneven or slick

How the day runs from Valencia (9:00 a.m. and about 8 hours)

You start at 9:00 a.m. in Valencia at Av. de Suècia, 27, El Pla del Real (46010), and the tour ends back at the same meeting point. The whole thing takes about 8 hours, with travel time built in from the city to the mountains.

Expect a guided day that doesn’t waste energy on long explanations. There’s an air-conditioned vehicle, you’re joining a group (up to 24 people), and you’ll get a mobile ticket. The tour also includes an express security check process, and it’s offered in English.

Also note what’s not part of the setup: there’s no hotel pickup. So you’ll want to make it to the meeting point on time on your own, then relax once you’re on the bus.

Montanejos first stop: time to land, stretch, and reset

The day begins with a stop in Montanejos, using private transport from Valencia. You get about 1 hour 30 minutes here, and the time is listed as free admission.

This first stretch is more than just “getting there.” It’s your buffer time. It’s where you can get your bearings, use the restroom before the water stop, and mentally shift from city pace to mountain pace. Some guests also describe a short walk early in the day, and a few found it a bit more challenging than expected, with uneven ground and loose rock. So if you’re arriving with sandals, treat this as a warning sign.

Practical takeaway: if you’re the type who likes to take photos and wander a little, this early Montanejos window gives you that breathing room before the main thermal and waterfall time.

Fuente de los Baños de Montanejos: the thermal stop that’s 25°C all year

This is the signature stop: Fuente de los Baños de Montanejos. You’ll spend about 2 hours here, and admission is included.

What makes this special is the steady water temperature: 25°C / 77°F all year round. That matters. When you’re coming from the heat of Valencia, that constant warmth helps you feel comfortable quickly, even if the air is cooler than you expected.

Inside the thermal area, you’re not just “visiting.” You’re here to bathe. Think: soak, float, wander around for views, and take breaks from sun and shade. Many people come for the swim-and-chill combo, and this stop really delivers that rhythm.

One more detail I’m glad is part of the experience: you’ll usually need to change for swimming. Reviews mention basic changing options like portable bathrooms in the area. So don’t stress about finding fancy facilities, but do expect to handle swim-to-dry transitions.

If you hate slippery floors, this is still your best friend of the day. The water temperature helps, but you’ll still be on walkways and rocky edges.

Lunch in Montanejos: a short break you should plan for

After the thermal baths, you get a lunch break in Montanejos: about 30 minutes. Lunch itself is not included.

So treat lunch as “time to eat,” not “a guaranteed meal.” You’ll need to choose food on-site during that short window. If you’re traveling with kids or you’re picky about meal timing, have a simple plan before you go—because 30 minutes disappears fast when you’re also trying to freshen up.

In other words, this is a good moment to do two things at once:

1) grab something quick,

2) then get back to the group and the next water stop without running late.

Salto de la Novia (Girlfriend Waterfall): swim time, not thermal water

Then comes the waterfall. The tour drives you from Montanejos to Salto de la Novia (the Girlfriend Waterfall). You get two connected segments here:

• a first viewing period of about 1 hour
• then a longer waterfall time of about 1 hour 30 minutes

Admission is listed as included for these stops.

The big reality check: the swimming described here is not thermal. The water at the waterfall is different, and in late-season or shoulder-season weather it can feel cold at first. In summer, you can swim in the waterfall area, and it’s a big draw.

This is where the “cool photos” happen. Reviews mention people getting the money-shot style photos with the waterfall in the background while staying near safe viewing/swimming spots. You’ll also want a phone that survives splashes. A waterproof phone bag is a smart move.

Safety note you should take seriously: several accounts mention slippery rocks. Even if you’re a confident swimmer, the walk to and from the water isn’t always forgiving. That’s why closed-toe shoes and water shoes matter. Don’t count on flip-flops for this portion of the day.

Back to Valencia: the drive home and the small-group vibe

After the Girlfriend Waterfall stops, you return to Valencia by private transport. There’s about 1 hour of driving back, and the tour ends at the meeting point.

This is usually when you’ll notice what kind of day it was. The best experiences described here have a “group energy” feel—people meet, chat while waiting, and end the day in a good mood. Guides often help with that by setting a friendly tone and keeping safety front and center.

One practical detail I like in the way the day is run: during swimming time, guides are described as helping with belongings and making sure people can relax in the water. Nobody wants to spend their swim time worrying about bags. Of course, still take sensible precautions with your valuables, but it’s clear the hosts think about comfort.

Price and value: what $107.68 buys you (and what it doesn’t)

At $107.68 per person, this isn’t a cheap impulse buy. But it’s also not just a “bus ride with a couple stops.” Here’s what you get:

Included:

• Air-conditioned vehicle
• Professional and local tour guide
• Skip the line via express security check
• Tickets
• Taxes and insurance, including accident insurance

Not included:

• Lunch
• Hotel pickup

So the value comes from stacking multiple ticketed nature stops into one guided, timed day, with transport taken care of and the guide handling the flow. You’re paying for convenience and for not having to coordinate timing between thermal baths and a separate waterfall area.

If your plan in Valencia was basically: see the city, then try to find a reliable day trip with water activities, this price can look pretty reasonable once you factor in transport, admissions, and the guided pacing.

What to pack: shoes, water safety, and phone protection

If you only remember one thing, remember this: traction wins.

From the experience details and the way people describe the terrain:

• wear closed-toe trainers for any walking portions
• bring water shoes if you plan to swim at the thermal pools and waterfall edges
• don’t assume rocks will be friendly on wet surfaces

For phones and cameras, think splash risk:

• bring a waterproof bag for your phone if you want clean shots near the waterfall

Also pack the “small comfort” items that make long water stops easier:

• a change of clothes for the end of the day
• a towel if you have one you like
• a refillable water bottle, since long outdoor stretches can add up (some guides have been noted as providing water in the vehicle, but don’t plan solely on that)

Who this tour suits best (and who should think twice)

This works best for:

• people who want a guided day in the mountains without complicated logistics
• water-lovers who want both thermal bathing and a waterfall swim
• couples and solo travelers who like meeting other people in a group setting

It also shows up as family-friendly in the way it’s described, with kids participating and everyone being able to enjoy swim time.

Who might pass:

• If you dislike cold water, remember the waterfall water is not thermal, even if it’s swimmable in summer.
• If you’re not comfortable with slippery or uneven ground, don’t treat it like a flat walking tour. Plan for traction and take your time.

And one more thing: the tour requires good weather. If conditions aren’t right, it can be rescheduled or refunded, so keep that flexibility in your calendar.

Should you book this Montanejos thermal springs and Girlfriend Waterfall tour?

I’d book it if you want one simple day that delivers two very different water experiences: warm thermal bathing at 25°C and a spectacular waterfall where you can swim when conditions and season allow. The guided format, small-group size (up to 24), and the inclusion of tickets make it a strong “value-for-effort” choice.

Skip it or choose something else if:

• you’re unwilling to wear proper footwear for wet rocks
• you want a city-focused day instead of nature and swimming
• lunch being on your own stresses you out (since lunch isn’t included and the break is short)

If your ideal day trip looks like: bus to the mountains, soak in thermal water, then cool down near a waterfall with photos and laughs, this one fits the bill.

FAQ

What time does the tour start in Valencia?

The tour starts at 9:00 a.m. at Av. de Suècia, 27, El Pla del Real, 46010 València.

How long is the tour?

The duration is about 8 hours.

How big is the group?

The tour has a maximum of 24 travelers.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup is not included. You meet at the listed Valencia address.

What’s included in the price?

You get air-conditioned transport, a professional local guide, express security check skip, tickets, and taxes/insurance (including accident insurance). Lunch is not included.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, and you have about 30 minutes for lunch during the Montanejos stop.

Can I swim at both places?

You can bathe/swim at the thermal baths. At Salto de la Novia, swimming is possible in summer, but the waterfall water is not thermal.

How warm is the thermal water?

The thermal bath water temperature is listed as 25°C / 77°F all year round.

What’s the cancellation policy if plans change?

There is free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience start time for a full refund. It requires good weather; if canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

What kind of footwear should I bring?

Bring closed-toe shoes and strongly consider water shoes. The itinerary includes swimming, and parts of the experience involve wet, slippery surfaces.