Two swims in one mountain day.

This trip is built around Montanejos thermal water held at 25°C year-round and then a second swim option at Salto de la Novia (the Girlfriend Waterfall), which is refreshingly different from the springs. I also like how the day runs with a real local guide and a small max group size, so you get guidance on what to do, when to do it, and how to enjoy it safely (I saw names like Ivan, Miguel, Kika/Kiki, Manuel, and Paola come up a lot).

One thing to plan for: you’ll be moving around in and near water, with short hikes and slippery rocks at the waterfall, so closed-toe shoes and water shoes are not optional in practice.

Key highlights at a glance

• 25°C thermal baths year-round at Fuente de los Baños de Montanejos
• Girlfriend Waterfall swimming is allowed in summer, but it’s not thermal water
• Small group (max 24) with a friendly, chatty vibe
• Air-conditioned private transport plus guided timing so you’re not wandering all day
• Guides like Ivan and Miguel bring energy, safety reminders, and local context
• Bring water shoes for slick stones and comfortable walking

Leaving Valencia: getting to Montanejos without wasting time

You start from a clear, easy meeting spot in Valencia: Av. de Suècia, 27, El Pla del Real. The departure starts at 9:00 am, and you’re back at the same place at the end, which keeps the day simple if you’re staying in the city.

This is not a “hop on a bus and hope” kind of tour. You travel in an air-conditioned vehicle with a professional, local guide, and the schedule is paced so you reach the mountains early enough to enjoy the main moments without feeling rushed.

You should know two practical things before you go. First, there’s no hotel pickup, so build in time to get to the meeting point. Second, the tour is designed for a group day, not a private timeline. If you like chatting with others and sharing a relaxed day, that’s a big part of the fun here.

Also, the tour includes a skip-the-line express security check, which can matter more than it sounds like. When it’s hot, waiting around is annoying—so shaving off friction helps you start enjoying the day sooner.

Montanejos Thermal Springs: the real reason this works (and how 25°C changes your day)

The heart of the experience is Fuente de los Baños de Montanejos, where you’ll spend about two hours in the thermal baths. The standout detail is that the thermal water stays around 25°C (77°F) all year. That temperature is a sweet spot: warm enough to feel good and calm your body, but not so hot that you cook. In other words, it’s built for repeat dips and lingering.

You’re not just looking at the water—you’re getting time to bathe and enjoy the bath setting. That’s important, because Montanejos isn’t the kind of place where the “main attraction” is a view from far away. The value comes from being able to actually use the space.

From what you’ll likely notice on-site, you should treat the experience like a mini-routine:

• change into swimwear,
• settle into a comfortable spot in the water,
• then use the time to swim slowly, float, or simply relax and take breaks.

You also get real free time in the water. That flexibility matters because some people want quick photos and a single dip, while others want a longer soak. This itinerary leaves room for both.

Do keep your expectations realistic: thermal water doesn’t mean the ground is magically safe. Several people mention bringing water shoes, because you’ll walk on stones and surfaces around the bath areas. If you show up with flimsy footwear, you’ll spend more time worrying than enjoying.

Stop 1 in Montanejos: a first taste of the town and river setting

Before the springs portion, you arrive in Montanejos for a stop around 1 hour 30 minutes. This part is a warm-up—think of it as time to get oriented and start soaking in the mountain-river setting before you head into the main thermal bath.

Even if your plan is mostly “swim first,” don’t skip this timing. It’s the part of the day where you’ll get bearings, ask the guide questions, and figure out where you’ll want your photos later. Also, it helps the day feel less like a checklist and more like a relaxed outing.

Admission at this initial Montanejos stop is listed as free, which usually means it’s more about being in the place than paying to enter an attraction. The benefit is that you can stay flexible—follow the guide’s pacing, then adjust based on how you’re feeling.

The lunch break: where to recharge and how to handle it smartly

After the Montanejos morning, you get a 30-minute lunch break. Lunch is listed as not included, so plan to either buy something at the lunch stop area or bring your own option if that’s your style.

Here’s the practical truth: with a day built around swimming, lunch is less about a big meal and more about keeping your energy steady. Eat something that won’t upset your stomach in the afternoon heat, drink water, and give yourself a few minutes to cool down before your next water stop.

Some people describe lunch as decent during their day out, but since it isn’t listed as included, treat it as a “stop you’ll find food during” rather than a guaranteed full meal. The best approach is to be flexible: if a simple snack works for you, great. If you want something more filling, come ready to pick it up quickly.

Salto de la Novia: the Girlfriend Waterfall swim, plus the slippery-rock reality

The other big moment is Salto de la Novia, often called the Girlfriend Waterfall. You travel by private transport for about 1 hour, then spend around 1 hour 30 minutes at the waterfall area.

This is where the day changes gear. Unlike the thermal baths, the waterfall area is not thermal. In summer, you can swim, and the setting is more “canyon + rocks + waterfall action” than “spa pool.”

You’ll likely get exactly what you came for here: the waterfall is a dramatic sight, and the water activity feels like a reward after the thermal soak. Many people mention that this is a great place for photos and for that classic “stand under the flow” feeling.

Now for the important consideration: the waterfall area can be slippery on rocks. That’s not a minor footnote. People explicitly recommend sturdy shoes/sea shoes and closed-toe footwear, especially if you plan to get closer to the edges where swimming is happening.

My advice: treat this stop like you would a river crossing. Move deliberately, keep your balance, and don’t rush for the perfect photo at the cost of footing. This is also the part where water shoes pay off because they protect you and help you grip.

What to pack: the swim-kit that makes the day feel easy

This is a water day. Pack like it.

Here’s what I’d bring based on what you’ll actually encounter:

• Water shoes (non-slip) for both springs and waterfall rock areas
• Closed-toe trainers for any short hiking parts that feel more technical than they look
• A waterproof phone bag if you want phone photos safely
• A small towel and dry bag so you’re not stuck damp all afternoon
• Sun protection, because the mountain stops still have strong sun exposure

One thing I really like in the way this tour is run is that the guides focus on safety and comfort. People mention being watched over while they swim, and that helps you enjoy the water instead of constantly managing belongings.

Also note: the day includes moving between stops and doing a short hike portion at the beginning for some participants. Several people mention it isn’t always as gentle as you might expect. So if you think “it’s just a stroll,” bring shoes that can handle loose rock and steep bits.

Guides and group vibe: why the day feels friendly (and not rigid)

A huge part of why people rate this so highly is the human factor. Guides like Ivan and Miguel come up again and again, and they’re described as upbeat, funny, and attentive to the group.

If you’re the type who likes meeting other people, this day plays well. You’re in a small group, you’re moving together between scenic stops, and there’s time for casual conversation in the bus. Some participants mention meeting people from different countries and actually chatting throughout the day, which is a nice bonus if you’re traveling solo.

Another reason it works: the guides seem to balance fun with practical direction. People talk about safety and comfort—plus helpful details like keeping water nearby during hot stretches and creating a supportive atmosphere around swimming.

You won’t just be dropped at points. You’ll be guided through what to pay attention to and how to enjoy the water parts without turning the day into a stress-fest.

Price and value: what you’re paying for (and what to watch)

At $107.68 per person for about 8 hours, this is clearly a “paid organization” day, not a DIY free-for-all. The value shows up in four places:

1. Transport + timing. You’re going from Valencia to Montanejos and then to the Girlfriend Waterfall without having to plan buses, schedules, and parking.
2. Local guide. You don’t just get an audio guide. You get real guidance and a live person keeping the day moving.
3. Tickets included for the paid stops. The thermal baths and the waterfall admissions are part of the deal.
4. Extra protection. Taxes and insurance (including accident insurance) are included.

What’s not included is equally important. Lunch isn’t included, and there’s no hotel pickup. Those two items are where the day might cost you a little extra depending on your appetite and how you plan to get to the meeting point.

Also, the tour lists maximum 24 travelers, which tends to keep things from getting chaotic. One common theme in the feedback is that the experience still feels friendly and not like a conveyor belt.

Who should book this Montanejos + Girlfriend Waterfall day trip?

This is a strong fit if you want:

• a guaranteed swim day with both thermal baths and a waterfall swimming stop in summer
• a small-group day tour with a guide you can actually talk to
• a break from beach-only outings, since this is mountains + river canyon energy

It’s also family-friendly, based on multiple mentions of kids being in the group. That doesn’t mean it’s a stroller-only outing, though. If you’re traveling with children, expect some walking and short movement around slick surfaces.

Best match: couples, friends, and solo travelers who like water activities and don’t mind being active for a few stretches. If you hate uneven ground or slippery rocks, you’ll still be fine with good footwear, but you’ll want to plan your comfort level at the waterfall.

Should you book it?

I think you should book this day trip if you want a mix of real thermal relaxation plus the spectacle of Salto de la Novia—and you’re okay packing the right shoes. The thermal water at 25°C year-round is the kind of detail that turns “maybe” into “yes,” because it makes the main attraction dependable.

Skip it (or reconsider) if you’re expecting a totally flat, no-risk walk-and-watch tour. Even when things are described as gentle, the terrain near water can be more demanding than you’d guess, and the waterfall area can be slippery.

If you’re ready for a fun, guided mountain day from Valencia with swims at both stops, this is one of the more practical ways to do it without turning the trip into logistics work.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The total duration is about 8 hours.

How much does the tour cost?

The price is $107.68 per person.

What’s included in the price?

You get an air-conditioned vehicle, a professional local English-speaking guide, skip the line through express security check, taxes and insurance (including accident insurance), and tickets for the stops.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. There is no hotel pickup.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is not included. There is a lunch break, but you’ll need to handle food on your own during that time.

Can I swim at both stops?

You can bathe in the thermal baths at Montanejos. At the Girlfriend Waterfall, swimming is described as possible in summer, and it is not thermal.

What should I bring?

Bring water shoes (or sturdy sea shoes) since rocks can be slippery around the water. You’ll also want closed-toe trainers for any walking portions, and a waterproof option for your phone if you plan to take pictures.

What if weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund.

Can I cancel and get a full refund?

Yes—free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded.

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