Hot springs and waterfalls in one packed day. I love the chance to soak in Montanejos thermal pools around 25°C all year, and I love the guided photo stops built around Salto de la Novia near Navajas. One consideration: the thermal water can feel less toasty in cooler months, especially with shade around the gorge—so plan for a gradual dip.

This is the kind of day trip that feels like you’re getting two different versions of the Valencian Community in one go: river-canyon drama first, then calm soak time. The day runs about 8 hours, starting at Gate A3 of the Mestalla Stadium and returning you to the same spot.

A good guide makes a difference here. Names like Maties and Miguel come up, and they’re the type who will point out what to watch for and help you make the day smoother. If you want a low-stress mix of walking, photos, and swimming, this one fits.

Key highlights you’ll feel right away

• Montanejos thermal pools at about 25°C, year-round
• Salto de la Novia waterfall in Navajas, with time for photos and views
• Tio Juan waterfall and a lookout stop, for more scenery and angles
• A guided day with both English and Spanish, plus picture-friendly photo stops
• About 3.25 hours in Montanejos, so swimming isn’t rushed
• Photo and video services included, so you can capture the day without extra hassle

How this Valencia-to-Montanejos day trip really works

This tour is built around a simple promise: you’ll leave Valencia, see one of the area’s best waterfall settings, and then spend real time in hot springs. It’s not a “bus, look, leave” format. The schedule includes multiple stops plus a long enough stretch in Montanejos to actually enjoy the thermal pools.

The pacing matters. You get a morning rhythm of travel and walking, then the day shifts into a relaxed swim-and-picnic zone. Even if you’re not the hiking type, there’s enough flexibility to take things at your own pace, as long as you’re comfortable with rocky areas and short walks.

A key value point for most people is the blend of active and easy. You’ll do photo stops and guided walking, then you’ll have a dedicated chunk of time to lounge in thermal water. That’s a better use of your day than stacking two intense hikes.

Price and what you get for $67

At $67 per person for an 8-hour day, the big question is: does it feel like a bargain or a splurge? In this case, it leans toward solid value because three costly pieces are handled for you:

• Transport from Valencia and back
• Entrance to the Salto de la Novia waterfall
• Entrance to the Montanejos hot springs

Food and drinks aren’t included, but the tour gives you time to plan your own snack strategy (more on that below). Also, the itinerary includes photos/video services, which is a small thing until you realize you’re likely doing a lot of water-and-view photography. Having help with that saves time and helps you avoid missing the best moments.

So yes, it costs money—but you’re paying for a day that would be awkward to stitch together yourself without a car, especially on a schedule that’s already timed for photo stops and swimming.

Meeting point at Mestalla: start your day with less stress

You’ll meet at Gate A3 of the Mestalla Stadium. Using a big, easy landmark like this tends to reduce the “where exactly do I go” panic.

After pickup, you’ll be on a van fairly quickly. The first stretch is travel time (about 50 minutes) before you start the scenic portion of the day. That’s good planning because it means you won’t burn the whole morning just getting out of the city.

At the end of the day, you return to the same meeting point. No mystery route back to the airport, no awkward last-minute transit puzzle.

Salto de la Novia in Navajas: the waterfall stop that sets the tone

The highlight most people remember is the Salto de la Novia waterfall in Navajas. This isn’t just a glance-from-a-distance kind of stop. The tour includes entry to the waterfall area and time for a photo stop, guided context, and walking.

Why this works: waterfalls look great on their own, but the setting matters. In this area, the canyon and gorge environment changes the feel of the water depending on where you stand. You’ll want to move around and find angles that show both the fall and the surrounding rock.

Practical tip: bring waterproof protection for your phone. A recommendation that keeps coming up is using a waterproof case so you can get shots near splashes without worrying about ruining your camera gear.

Also, wear comfortable shoes. Even if you don’t do a long hike, waterfall areas usually have uneven ground, and you’ll be glad you’re not trying to do it in fragile sneakers.

Tio Juan waterfall and the lookout: extra views without extra fuss

After the Navajas waterfall time, the tour includes another scenic feature: the Tio Juan waterfall plus a lookout point.

This is a smart add-on because it gives you “more than one win” in the scenery department. If the main waterfall is the headline, the Tio Juan stop helps you feel like you got a fuller story of the region instead of a single photo moment.

The payoff here is the viewpoint. A lookout stop is where the canyon scenery makes sense—suddenly you understand why this area looks the way it does and why the water is so dramatic.

If weather is less than perfect, lookouts can still deliver. You might not get that bright, sunlit sparkle, but you can still get strong shape and structure.

Montanejos hot springs: soaking time at about 25°C

Then comes the heart of the trip: Montanejos, with admission to the hot springs and about 3.25 hours on site. This is where you slow down.

The thermal pools are described as about 25°C year-round. That’s comfortable for many people, but the “feel” depends on the air temperature and whether you’re in shade. In cooler months, you may find it starts out less “wow-hot” and more “okay, I can handle this.” The good news is that once you’re in and your body adjusts, it can still be a relaxing break from city walking.

What I like about this setup is the time length. Three-plus hours is enough to do a dip, cool down with breaks, and then come back for another soak. You’re not stuck in a 15-minute stamina challenge.

Practical move: bring water shoes. There are rocky areas, and water shoes make walking easier around pools and uneven edges. Also pack a towel and consider how you’ll carry wet stuff in the rest of your day—one of those waterproof bags helps.

Picnic and swimming: plan your food like a local

Food and beverage aren’t included, so your day depends on what you bring (or buy on the way). The schedule gives you time to have a picnic in Montanejos, and you’ll likely want something easy that doesn’t require cooking.

A solid strategy:

• Bring snacks and drinks for the whole day
• Keep it simple: sandwiches, fruit, and a drink you’ll actually finish
• Have a water plan so you’re not scrambling halfway through

If you’d rather not carry everything, there’s usually opportunity to buy snacks in the nearby town before the springs, but you can’t count on a specific shop lineup. The safest plan is to pack your basics so you’re never hungry at the wrong time.

Guided walking: why the guide matters here

This isn’t just “here are the sights, good luck.” You get a live guide in Spanish and English, and that makes a difference at waterfall areas, where small details change your experience.

Guides like Maties and Miguel come up often, and the pattern is clear: they tend to add local context and help you make decisions on the ground, like where to stand for the best view or how to pace the walk so you don’t burn energy before soaking.

You also get the little extras that improve the day: helpful tips for where to go next in Valencia afterward, plus suggestions that can help you spend your evening wisely (restaurants and nightlife ideas were specifically called out).

And yes—photo/video help is included, so your guide isn’t just talking. They’re part of helping you capture the day without turning your trip into a solo photography project.

Clothing and gear: what to pack so the day feels easy

This tour asks more of your comfort than it does your fitness. You’ll walk, you’ll be near water, and you’ll switch from city-to-nature temperatures.

What to bring:

• Swimwear
• Towel
• Comfortable shoes (water-friendly if you have them)
• Hiking shoes if you prefer more grip
• Water shoes for rocky sections
• A daypack
• Water
• Food and drinks for the day

Useful add-on:

• A waterproof case for your phone, so you can take photos and videos in/near the water

What not to bring:

• Oversize luggage
• Anything you’re planning to smoke with in an indoor area (smoking indoors isn’t allowed)
• Alcohol and drugs
• Littering
• Making fires
• Food and drinks in the vehicle

The biggest “real life” takeaway: pack for water conditions, not just for weather. You might get wet, you’ll need to move around after, and you’ll want gear that doesn’t feel like a chore.

Accessibility and comfort notes before you go

This isn’t listed as wheelchair-friendly. It’s marked as not suitable for wheelchair users, and the day involves walking on uneven ground around natural settings.

If you have limited mobility, plan for extra care with traction and consider how much walking you’re comfortable doing in rocky areas.

If you’re traveling with just a normal amount of comfort needs—good shoes, swimwear, and a towel—this feels manageable for many people.

Timing: why the long Montanejos stop is the smartest part

The schedule is roughly:

• Travel out of Valencia (about 50 minutes)
• A guided/active scenic stretch (about 75 minutes)
• Another travel leg (about 50 minutes)
• Montanejos time (about 3.25 hours)
• Return travel (about 70 minutes)

What that means for you: the Montanejos window is long enough to actually enjoy the thermal pools, instead of treating them like a quick photo prop. That’s also why the tour tends to satisfy people who came for swimming, not just sightseeing.

You’ll still do walking and photos, but the day’s center of gravity is clearly the hot springs.

What kind of traveler should book this?

I think this tour is best for you if:

• You want a one-day nature reset from Valencia
• You like photos but also want real time to relax in water
• You prefer a guided day that handles entry and transport
• You’re okay with moderate walking around natural sites

It’s probably not the best fit if:

• You need fully accessible paths
• You hate any cold-start dips (especially in winter or shaded gorge areas)
• You’re expecting a luxury food plan, because meals aren’t included

Should you book the Valencia Montanejos Hot Springs + Salto de la Novia tour?

If your ideal day includes thermal soaking plus real waterfall scenery, I’d book it. The price makes sense because the tour covers the transport and admissions, and the Montanejos time is long enough to feel worthwhile.

Book it especially if you want a guide who can keep the day moving while giving you practical help, and if you’re hoping for a fun guide experience—people often mention how much they enjoyed guides like Maties or Miguel.

One last decision tool: if you’re going in cooler months, treat the springs as a comfort soak that may start cool, not as an instant “scald me” hot bath. Pack your confidence, water shoes, and a waterproof phone setup, and you’ll be set for a memorable day out of Valencia.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The total duration is 8 hours.

Where do you meet and where does the tour end?

You start at Gate A3 of the Mestalla Stadium, and the tour ends back at the same meeting point.

What does the $67 price include?

It includes transfer from Valencia to Navajas and Montanejos and back, entrance to the Salto de la Novia waterfall, and entrance to the hot springs of Montanejos.

Is food included?

No. Food and beverage are not included, so you should plan to bring snacks and drinks or buy your own.

Do I need to buy waterfall or hot spring tickets?

You get included entry for the Salto de la Novia waterfall and the Montanejos hot springs, and the tour notes a skip the ticket line experience.

What should I bring for the day?

Bring comfortable shoes, swimwear, a towel, food and drinks, water, a daypack, and waterproof protection for your phone. Water shoes are recommended for rocky areas.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

No. It is not suitable for wheelchair users.