Trade city sidewalks for mountain springs. This guided day trip combines a Montanejos hike with Fuentes de los Baños thermal pools, plus round-trip transport built in.

I like that you get a ready-made route, so you are not stuck doing research or figuring out buses to the backcountry. I also like the human factor: the guides (Arturo, Taoufik, Alejandro, Filip, Paco, Nouha, and others) bring energy, humor, and clear storytelling as you walk.

One key consideration: the water is thermal in composition, not spa-hot. Even when it is around 23°C year-round, it can still feel cool after hiking, especially in fall or if the day is breezy.

Key things to know before you go

• Coach transport is included so your day trip runs on schedule, not guesswork.
• You hike first, then soak, which is the right order for comfort and motivation.
• Fuentes de los Baños entry is included with skip-the-line access.
• Viewpoints and natural features are part of the route, including the Mijares River canyon areas.
• Temperatures can surprise you: thermal pools are often cooler-feeling than people expect.
• This is a real hike. Moderate fitness is required, and the pace can be a bit brisk.

How This Montanejos Hiking + Thermal Pools Tour Flows

This tour is built like a simple formula: get you out of Valencia, put you on a guided trail in Montanejos, then reward you with time at the natural pools. The idea is that you do not need a plan for directions, timing, or what to see. You just show up, listen, and follow.

The hike is about four hours and focuses on panoramic viewpoints and walking through pine forests and rocky cliff zones. You will look over the turquoise waters of the Mijares River area and toward deep canyons that shape the valley. Depending on season, you may notice waterfalls, wildflowers, and birds.

Then you shift gears. The second half is about four hours of free time at Fuente de los Baños de Montanejos, where you can float, wade, or sit by the water. The pools are described as staying around 23°C all year thanks to mineral composition. In practice, I’d treat that as a “comfortable swim” number, not a guaranteed warm bath.

Valencia Pickup and the Coach Ride (Read This Part Closely)

This is a day trip with transport included, so the total duration on your ticket includes the ride to and from Valencia. That matters because you are not really getting an eight-hour block of hiking and pools only. You are trading some time for convenience: the coach handles the long-distance part.

You have two pickup choices:

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

Plan to be at the meeting point a little early. At Serranos Towers, pickup is about 10 minutes before the start time. At the Hola Trip office, pickup is about 10 minutes after the start time. The guide arrives on the main road holding an HOLA TRIP badge, so it is a lot easier than chasing down random meeting-point instructions.

One practical tip from the day: the air-conditioning on the coach can be strong. If you run cold easily, bring a hoody or light layer for the ride. The hike itself may be hot, but the bus can swing to cold fast.

Stop 1: Montanejos Hike—River Views, Pine Woods, and Big Canyon Drama

The Montanejos part is the star for people who want more than a quick look. You will walk along mountain paths with views over the Mijares River area and into canyon viewpoints carved by the valley. The route moves through Mediterranean vegetation, including pine forests and rocky cliff areas.

You should expect several planned photo stops at panoramic viewpoints. These are not random pull-offs; they are meant to show you the Arenoso Reservoir area and the peaks of the Sierra de Espadán Natural Park. On a clear day, these are the moments when the effort starts to feel worth it.

The hike is also where you need to be honest about your fitness level. The tour calls for moderate physical fitness, and several people noted the walk can be challenging depending on the day and how hot it is. One person described it as not really a walk in the park, with some sections that feel tougher and a pace that can be fast.

If you are a slower hiker, you may feel rushed to hit the shared stops. If that describes you, you can still enjoy it, but manage expectations: this is a guided group route with a rhythm.

What the Guides Teach You on the Trail (It’s More Than Walking)

The best guided hikes do two things at once: they keep you moving safely, and they help you see what you are looking at. This tour aims for both.

Guides share stories about the area’s geology, plus details about plants and wildlife. You may also hear the legend behind Montanejos’ fame: the story of the Moorish Queen’s Baths and why these waters became associated with healing.

Names you may get in the group include Arturo and Kate (Arturo in particular shows up a lot in the positive notes), plus Taoufik, Alejandro, Filip, and others. Regardless of who you get, the common thread is that the guides are active: funny, energetic, and willing to make the time pass fast while staying organized.

A nice bonus is that some groups report extra moments like cave detours, including a waterfall cave, and even cliff-jump opportunities when the guide and conditions allow. None of that should be treated as guaranteed, but it signals the guides are paying attention to what the terrain offers that day.

Stop 2: Fuentes de los Baños—Thermal Water at ~23°C, Not a Sauna

After the hike, you get free time at the thermal pools. You also get skip-the-line access, which is a big deal when you arrive and the site is busy. This portion is designed for real downtime.

Here is the key detail: the water is described as about 23°C year-round. That is warm enough for many people to swim, but it is not necessarily warm in the way most people imagine thermal pools. Several comments stressed that the pools can feel chilly, especially if the weather is cooler or if you are not fully warmed up.

So aim for this mindset: you are going for mineral-rich water that feels refreshing, not for guaranteed hot water. If you want a gentler first entry, wade slowly and give your body time to adjust.

You will have options for how to use your time:

• float and relax in the river-like pool area
• sit by rocks and soak feet
• lie near the shore and watch the canyon setting

Some groups also described the water condition changing during their visit. If the pool area is cloudy, guides may redirect you to a clearer alternative spot. That is not something you should count on, but it helps explain why the experience can vary slightly.

One more practical note: the on-site bathroom setup can be hit or miss for supplies. A strong tip from the day was to bring toilet paper, since a first bathroom stop may not have any.

What to Pack for Comfort: Heat, Shoes, Layers, and Snacks

This is a hike-first day, then a swim day. Pack for both, because you do not want to be stuck improvising at the halfway point.

Bring:

• Hiking shoes with grip. The terrain includes rocky cliff areas and mountain paths.
• Sun protection: sunscreen and a hat. Many days can get very hot, and shade depends on the route.
• Water. Food and drinks are not included, so you will need your own hydration plan.
• A light layer for the bus. People reported the coach air-conditioning can be powerful.
• Toilet paper. It came up in a caution from a guest who ran into an empty supply at the first stop.
• A swimsuit and a small towel or dry clothes change for after you hike.

About food: food and drinks are not included. Some people noted there may be a small restaurant or bar near the pool area, but one person also reported it can be closed for refurbishments. In other words, do not plan your day around buying a meal there. If you want a backup, bring snacks or plan to eat before you start the coach portion of the day.

Also, do not count on storing belongings during the hike in a way that makes it painless. You will carry what you bring, so pack smart.

Pace, Group Size, and Who Will Enjoy This Most

This tour is not marketed as a slow amble. It is guided and organized, and the pace can feel quick if you want lots of time to linger, take photos at your own speed, or ask extra questions at every step.

The group maximum is listed at 53 travelers. That does not mean you will feel like you are in a conga line the entire time, but it does explain why some guests felt the hike took focus from the slower details. Several people praised the guides and the scenery, but a few mentioned the pace and group size could make the experience feel more “get it done” than “wander.”

So who fits best?

• Great for you if you like structured nature time and want maximum value for a single day.
• Great if you want the organized transport out of Valencia.
• Consider a different style of hiking if you want a very slow pace, lots of quiet, or a smaller-group experience.

Age limits are also clear: not allowed for people under 14 or over 65, and not allowed for people with mobility impairments. That means the route can be taken as physically demanding enough to exclude some people, even though it is labeled moderate.

Price and Value Check: Why $59.26 Can Make Sense

At $59.26 per person, the value mostly comes from what is included. You get:

• round-trip transfers in an air-conditioned coach
• a guided hiking route
• skip-the-line access for Fuentes de los Baños
• a tour guide

You also get the pools admission included in the pricing structure. In a typical do-it-yourself setup from Valencia, you would likely pay separately for transport, and you might lose time waiting or figuring out schedules. This tour packages the full day and removes most of the logistics pressure.

What is not included: food and drinks. That is the main trade. If you budget for snacks and water, you are set. If you show up hungry and dehydrated, the price will start to feel less fair.

Also remember the emotional value: swapping the city for canyon views and a real swim stop in the same day is a strong use of limited time. If you want that mix without driving or navigating, the price is easier to justify.

Should You Book This Montanejos Tour?

I’d book it if you want a guided nature day with transport sorted and a clear plan from hike to thermal pools. The viewpoints, the canyon setting, and the story-telling from guides like Arturo and Alejandro make it more than a simple hike-and-swim.

I would not book it if warm water is your main goal. The pools are around 23°C all year, and even that can feel chilly after hiking for some people. Add the fact that the pace can feel fast in a larger group, and you should know what you are signing up for.

Best fit:

• first-timers to inland Valencia
• people who want organization and less planning
• swimmers who can handle refreshing water rather than spa heat

FAQ

How long is the tour, and does it include travel time from Valencia?

The tour is listed at about 8 hours, and the duration includes transportation time from and back to Valencia.

Where do I meet the guide in Valencia?

You can choose pickup at Torres de Serranos (bus stop in front of MYR Hotel) or the Hola Trip office on C/ Ramon Llull 21 (in front of a purple office).

Is the tour in English?

Yes, the tour is offered in English.

What kind of fitness level do I need?

The tour is for travelers with moderate physical fitness. People with mobility impairments are not allowed.

What ages are allowed?

People under 14 and people over 65 are not allowed.

Are the thermal pools and entry fees included?

Yes. Fuentes de los Baños entry is included, and you get skip-the-line access.

What should I bring since food and drinks are not included?

Bring water and snacks because food and drinks are not included. Also pack swimwear, sunscreen, and suitable hiking shoes. Toilet paper is a good idea as one bathroom stop may not have it.

Is the total group size limited?

Yes, there is a maximum of 53 travelers.

What if the weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

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