Mountains just an hour from the city.

This day trip trades Valencia streets for a guided hike in Montanejos above the turquoise Mijares River, then caps it with time in Fuentes de los Baños thermal pools. I especially like that the route is planned for you (so you don’t need research), and you get a guide who brings the area to life with geology, plant life, wildlife, and even the legend of the Moorish Queen’s Baths.

The trip is built for moderate fitness, not technical climbing, and the coach gets you there and back without DIY bus math. One thing to plan for: the water isn’t necessarily hot-hot—many people find the pools feel cool after the hike, even though they’re around 23°C year-round.

Key things I’d focus on before you go

• Natural pools, not a heated spa: expect mineral water around 23°C, which can still feel chilly in air-conditioning weather or cooler seasons
• Coach pickup from central spots: Torres de Serranos or the Hola Trip office area, with the guide carrying a HOLA TRIP badge
• Canyon views + panoramic stops: you’ll pause for photos with views over the Arenoso Reservoir and Sierra de Espadán Natural Park
• Guides who add personality: names like Arturo, Taoufik, Alejandro, Paco, Nouha, Italo, Nico, Filip, and Jean-François show up often in the guide line-up
• A route that can include surprises: some guides add cave walks or special swim angles depending on conditions
• Bring practical swim-and-hike gear: toilet paper, a light layer, solid shoes, and sun protection help a lot

Why Montanejos beats another day in Valencia

Valencia is great, but sometimes you want a change of pace fast. This tour is a clean one-day formula: you start outside the city, spend the morning/first half walking through pine forests and rocky cliffs with canyon views, then you finish by cooling off in natural pools. It’s not a “tour bus window” kind of day.

What makes it work well for real life is that you’re not responsible for logistics. A coach handles the travel, the hike is guided, and you get skip-the-line access for Fuentes de los Baños. That means fewer waits and fewer chances to miss the best part of your day.

And the best part is emotional, not just scenic: after the exertion, the pools feel like a reward. Even when the water reads as cool, the setting—cliffs, river edges, mineral pools—tends to make it worth it.

The day’s rhythm: hiking first, pools second (and why the order matters)

The day runs about 8 hours total including transportation. The hike portion is about 4 hours, then you get another 4 hours at the thermal pools with free time to swim, wade, float, and relax.

Here’s why the order matters. When you swim right after hiking, you don’t need to pretend you’re a cold-weather athlete—you’re already warmed up. Later, in the pools, you can slow down and re-focus. Many people also find this order easier socially: it’s one guided segment first, then you can do your own pace during pool time.

Also, plan your energy like this: even if you’re not tackling a steep hike, you still have sustained walking time plus stops for viewpoints. In hot weather, that can feel harder than the word moderate suggests. If you’re sensitive to heat, start hydrating early and don’t save your sunscreen for later.

Montanejos hiking route: canyon views, reservoir panoramas, and a legend stop

This is a guided walk through some of Montanejos’s standout scenery: mountain paths overlooking the Mijares River, deep canyons shaped by the valley, and Mediterranean vegetation around pine forests and rocky stretches. Along the way you’ll hit panoramic viewpoints where you can admire the Arenoso Reservoir and peaks of the Sierra de Espadán Natural Park.

Your guide shares more than directions. Expect talk about geology and local plants and wildlife, plus the story behind Montanejos’s fame—the Moorish Queen’s Baths legend. It’s the kind of context that turns a pretty view into something you actually remember.

What can vary with season and conditions:

• You might see waterfalls or colorful wildflowers depending on timing.
• Some guides have also led groups to caves or added small “wow” detours (including cave sections with water features).
• One hiking route can include views of man-made structures like power lines for stretches, so you’re not guaranteed a perfectly untouched panorama.

Pace is another real factor. The hike is described as moderate, but the walking pace can feel quick, especially if you want long photo stops or you move slowly. If you’re an easy-going hiker, give yourself permission to take a breath at viewpoint stops and don’t assume the group will slow way down for every picture.

Fuente de los Baños pools: 23°C year-round, mineral water, and the reality check

After the hike, you get free time to relax at the natural thermal pools in Montanejos. The water is described as staying around 23°C all year, thanks to mineral composition. That’s the key phrase: mineral composition. People sometimes expect true “hot spring” warmth. The temperature can still feel cool once you’re in shorts-and-t-shirt humidity, especially if the air feels brisk or you’ve cooled down after sweating.

Where the setting helps: the pools sit in a dramatic area of cliffs and greenery, and you can float or wade along the river edges. There’s time to sit on rocks, soak your feet, or do a slow stroll around the pool area if you want. Some days may also shift the look of the water—reports include times when pools were cloudier and other times when they were crystal-clear.

A few practical notes that can save your day:

• If you need a bathroom break before you’re ready for the first swim session, bring toilet paper. One stop reportedly had none.
• Bring a light layer for after-swim. Even if the water is “thermal,” you can cool off quickly once you’re out.
• If a café or snack spot is on-site, don’t count on it as your plan for food or drinks. On at least one trip day, the place was closed and there was nowhere obvious to buy beverages.

The pools are part cooling ritual, part scenery. Think of them as a chance to reset your body, not a guaranteed “burning warm” soaking experience.

Transport from Valencia: meeting points, coach comfort, and timing traps

This is one of the simplest logistics setups out of the Valencia day trips. You’ll take a round-trip transfer by air-conditioned coach.

Pickup options (choose one):

• Torres de Serranos (bus stop in front of MYR Hotel)
• Hola Trip office on C/ Ramon Llull 21 (in front of the purple office)

The guide comes to the main road with a HOLA TRIP badge. At Torres de Serranos, pickup happens 10 minutes before the start time. At the Hola Trip office, pickup is 10 minutes after the start time. That tiny detail matters because you don’t want to be late and stuck scanning faces.

Comfort tip: the bus air-conditioning can be strong. Pack a hoody or light jacket, even in warmer months, so you’re not freezing on the ride home after damp swims.

Also remember the tour duration includes travel time. If you’re the type who books other plans the same day, leave a buffer for the full return.

What to pack so the day feels smooth (not stressful)

This tour is straightforward, but it’s outdoors plus water plus heat. Pack like you want the day to feel easy.

Must-haves from what people actually ran into:

• Toilet paper (the first bathroom stop may not have it)
• Solid hiking shoes with grip (rocky paths can be slippery)
• Sun protection: hat and sunscreen
• Water bottle (the day can run hot)
• Swimwear and a way to change comfortably
• A light layer for the bus and for when you get out of the water

If you can, also bring:

• A small dry bag or zip pouch for your phone and valuables during the pool segment
• Quick-dry towel (or at least a plan for how you’ll dry off)

One more reality check: you’ll carry what you bring. The tour doesn’t emphasize stashing stuff during the hike, so pack minimally and keep essentials accessible.

Price and value: what $59.26 gets you (and what it doesn’t)

At about $59.26 per person, the value here is the “no hassle” parts: coach transport, a guided hike, and skip-the-line access to Fuentes de los Baños. If you tried to DIY this, you’d spend time figuring out timing, local transport, and ticket logistics—stuff that eats your day.

What’s not included is also clear:

• Food and drinks
• Hotel pick-up and drop-off (you pick from the listed meeting points)

So you should budget a bit for lunch or snacks on your own. Many people plan a simple lunch before pool time or grab something at the pool area if it’s open. But since on-site options can be hit-or-miss, treat food as your responsibility, not a guarantee.

In short: you’re paying for a guided day with transport. It’s good value if you want structure. If you love total independence and you’re comfortable making your own way to Montanejos, you might compare costs—but you’re trading convenience for freedom.

Who this tour fits best (and who should skip it)

This experience is best for people who want an outdoors day without planning headaches. It’s a fit if you:

• Enjoy guided walks with viewpoint stops
• Want a natural swim time at the end
• Prefer a group day trip over DIY logistics from Valencia
• Are comfortable with a moderate hike in warm weather

It’s not a fit if:

• You want super-hot thermal water (you may find the temperature feels cool)
• You need mobility-access accommodations (it’s listed as not allowed for people with mobility impairments)
• You’re outside the age range: not allowed under 14 or over 65

Also, group size is capped at 53. That’s not “private trip” energy. On some days, groups can feel large, and the pace may feel fast if you want to linger. If you’re a slow hiker or you like long photo breaks, plan to work with the group rhythm instead of fighting it.

Should you book this Montanejos Hiking Tour & Thermal Pools?

Book it if you want a simple, scenic day with guided nature time and an easy reset in natural thermal pools. The biggest wins are the planned route, the coach convenience, and the combination of canyon viewpoints plus the Fuentes de los Baños soak.

Skip it or choose something else if you’re mainly chasing guaranteed warm water. The pools are around 23°C year-round, and many people find them refreshing rather than soothing-warm. Also, if you’re the kind of hiker who needs a very slow pace and lots of lingering, this tour may feel a bit “keep moving” at times.

My practical take: if you pack smart—especially toilet paper, sun gear, good shoes, and a light layer—you’ll set yourself up for a day that’s genuinely fun outside the city.

FAQ

How long is the Montanejos hiking and thermal pools tour?

It runs for about 8 hours total, including transportation time from and back to Valencia. The hike and thermal pool time are each about 4 hours.

What’s included in the price?

Round-trip transfers by air-conditioned coach, a guided hiking route in Montanejos, skip-the-line access to Fuentes de los Baños, and a tour guide.

What’s not included?

Food and drinks are not included, and hotel pick-up and drop-off are not included.

Where do I meet the guide in Valencia?

You can choose pickup at Torres de Serranos (bus stop in front of MYR Hotel) or at the Hola Trip office on C/ Ramon Llull 21 (in front of the purple office). The guide arrives on the main road with a HOLA TRIP badge.

Are the thermal pools actually hot?

They’re described as natural thermal pools with a temperature around 23°C all year. The water can still feel cool depending on the weather and how you feel after the hike.

Do I need a certain fitness level?

Yes. The tour is for people with moderate physical fitness.

What age is allowed?

People under 14 and over 65 are not allowed.