Montanejos Hiking Tour & Thermal Pools from Valencia

Montanejos gives you a proper change of scene from Valencia: mountain paths, the turquoise Mijares River, rocky gorges, and a swim at Fuente de los Baños. The day works especially well because the hike comes before the swim, so your reward is waiting at the end.

I like the easy round-trip coach service and the guides, including Arturo, Alejandro, Taoufik, Paco, Nouha, and Nico, who are often praised for their humor and energy. I also like the mix of scenery, caves, waterfalls, and river time. The catch is simple: these are not hot springs. At about 23°C, the water feels refreshing to some and cold to others.

Key points to know before you book

• The hike takes about four hours: Expect mountain paths, rocky sections, uphill stretches, and a fairly quick pace.
• Fuente de los Baños is refreshing, not hot: The water stays around 23°C because of its mineral composition.
• The scenery is the main event: You will see the Mijares River, canyons, pine woods, cliffs, the Arenoso Reservoir, and mountain peaks.
• The group can be large: The maximum is 53 people, which may mean less quiet time and a faster group pace.
• Transport saves planning time: An air-conditioned coach takes you from Valencia and back.
• Pack for both walking and swimming: Bring sturdy hiking shoes, water, food, sunscreen, a hat, swimwear, and something warm for the strongly air-conditioned bus.

Leaving Valencia for Montanejos

The tour lasts about eight hours, but that includes the drive from Valencia and the return journey. You meet the coach either at Torres de Serranos, in front of MYR Hotel, or at the Hola Trip office on C/ Ramon Llull 21.

At Torres de Serranos, wait 10 minutes before the stated departure time. At the Hola Trip office, pickup is scheduled 10 minutes after the stated start time. The coach arrives on the main road, and you should look for the guide wearing a HOLA TRIP badge.

This arrangement is useful if you do not want to work out regional buses or arrange a rental car for a mountain day. The coach is air-conditioned, though you may find it chilly. A hoody is a smart addition, especially if you are sensitive to strong air conditioning.

The day is offered in English, and confirmation is provided when you book. Since the maximum group size is 53, this is a shared outing rather than a private nature walk. That keeps the price at about $59.26 per person, but it also affects the feel of the day. You may walk in a long line, wait for other people at viewpoints, and have less freedom to stop whenever you wish.

Four hours on Montanejos mountain paths

The walking section takes you into the hills around Montanejos, following paths above the Mijares River. You move through pine forests, Mediterranean plants, rocky cliffs, and canyon country shaped by the river.

The scenery gives you plenty to look at. Turquoise water winds below the path, while cliffs rise around the valley. Viewpoints open toward the Arenoso Reservoir and the peaks associated with the Sierra de Espadán Natural Park. Your guide may pause to explain the area’s rocks, plants, wildlife, and the story linked to the Moorish Queen’s Baths.

This is not a flat stroll. The route has uphill sections and some rugged ground. Several people have found it manageable, but heat makes the effort harder, and the pace may feel quick if you are not used to walking in the hills. You need a moderate level of fitness, and the tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

The route can also include memorable extras. Depending on the guide and conditions, you might see a cave, a waterfall, the Chorro water feature, mountain goats, wildflowers, and birds above the cliffs. Some guides have taken the group through an impressive cave or toward less obvious swimming spots. These additions are part of the day’s appeal, but they should not be treated as guaranteed stops.

A practical point matters here: you may not be able to leave bags on the coach during the walk. Carry only what you are happy to take along. Bring enough water, food, sunscreen, and a hat, since the heat can be intense and the route may not always offer shade.

I would also choose proper hiking shoes rather than casual sandals. The route includes rocky and uneven sections, and you will enjoy it more if your feet feel secure. The supplied description calls for a moderate fitness level, but the pace and heat can make the walk feel more demanding than the words suggest.

What the guides add to the walk

The guide can make a major difference on a group hike. Arturo is often singled out for his comic timing, patience, and kindness. Alejandro has led the walk to the caves and the springs, while Taoufik, Paco, Nouha, Nico, Italo, and Filip have also been praised for keeping the mood light and helping people along.

The best moments come when the guide slows the group enough to explain what you are seeing. The river gorge is more interesting when you understand how water shaped it, and the Moorish Queen’s Baths legend gives the springs a human story as well as a scenic setting.

That said, the amount of explanation can vary. With a large group, slower walkers may fall behind and miss some of the stops where information is shared. If you like to take photographs, inspect plants, or enjoy a quiet pause, you may feel hurried.

This is the main trade-off of booking a packaged day trip. You get transport, a planned route, and a guide without having to organize the details yourself. In exchange, you give up some control over pace and route. If you want a slow, personal hike with long pauses, a smaller private outing would suit you better, though this tour does not offer that format in the supplied details.

Fuente de los Baños and the 23°C water

After the hike, you reach Fuente de los Baños de Montanejos for free time. The pools sit along the river, surrounded by cliffs, trees, and clear mountain water. You can swim, float, sit on the rocks, wade along the river, or simply rest beside the water.

The setting is the reason this stop works. You are not soaking in a built spa with tiled walls and changing rooms. You are spending time in a natural river area with rock, vegetation, and canyon views. After several hours on foot, even a cool swim can feel like an excellent finish.

But adjust your expectations before you go. The water is described as staying at about 23°C throughout the year. Its mineral composition makes it thermal, not its heat. That temperature can feel pleasant on a very hot day, but it will not feel like a warm bath. In autumn or on a cloudy day, you may find it distinctly cold.

Some warmer spots may be found nearer the canyon area, but the water is not consistently warm. You may also see fish in the pools. On some days, the water can look cloudy, and guides may offer a swim at a clearer lake or another nearby water spot instead. Conditions can change with weather, season, and water levels.

You get skip-the-line access to the springs, which is useful during busy periods. Still, do not expect solitude. The swimming area can be crowded, and a group of more than 50 people adds to the busy feel. The stop is best viewed as a scenic natural swim, not a private thermal bath.

There are washrooms at the pools, making it possible to change into swimwear after the walk. A café or snack bar may be available, but it has been closed at times for refurbishment. Do not depend on buying drinks there. Carry your own water, and bring toilet paper for the first bathroom stop, where supplies may be missing.

Is the $59.26 price good value?

At roughly $59.26, the tour is fairly priced if you value convenience. Your fee covers the air-conditioned return coach, a guided hike, the guide, and admission to Fuente de los Baños. You do not need to rent a car, plan the route, or sort out transport to an inland mountain town.

The value is strongest for solo visitors, couples, and anyone with limited time in Valencia. You get a full day outside the city, and the planned route removes much of the guesswork. Solo visitors may also find it easy to meet people during the shared outing.

The value is weaker if you mainly want a hot spring. The water is not hot, food and drinks are not included, and you may need to carry your own supplies for much of the day. The large group can also make the experience feel more like a standard excursion than a quiet escape.

The tour may also include hiking, rafting, or kayaking formats, according to the activity options. If you are choosing between them, check that you have selected the hiking version if the cave route, viewpoints, and walking experience are your priority. The supplied details describe the hike and thermal pools in depth, while some feedback refers to kayaking and white-water rafting.

Who will enjoy this day most?

You should consider booking if you want:

• A full-day break from Valencia without arranging transport.
• Mountain scenery, river views, caves, and a natural swim.
• A guided route rather than an independent hike.
• A social group outing with upbeat guides.
• A moderate outdoor challenge followed by time beside the water.

You should think twice if you want a slow walking pace, a small group, or genuinely hot water. This is also not suitable for anyone under 14 or over 65, or for people with mobility impairments, according to the tour rules.

Weather matters. The excursion requires good conditions, and poor weather can lead to a new date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made inside that window are not refunded or accepted.

What to pack for the Montanejos route

A little preparation will make this day much easier. I would pack:

• Hiking shoes with a good grip.
• Swimwear and a towel.
• Plenty of water and food.
• Sunscreen and a hat.
• A hoody or light layer for the coach.
• Toilet paper for the first bathroom stop.
• A small bag you can carry throughout the hike.

Do not assume you can return to the coach for forgotten items. One useful tip is to wear walking clothes on the bus and keep swimwear easy to reach for the final stop. At the pools, washrooms provide a place to change.

Should you book the Montanejos hiking tour?

I would book this tour if you want a convenient, active day in nature and understand that the springs are cool rather than hot. The combination of canyon views, pine woods, caves, river swimming, and round-trip transport gives you a lot for the price.

I would not book it for a quiet spa experience or a leisurely small-group hike. The group may reach 53 people, the pace can be brisk, and the water may feel cold outside the summer heat.

For the best chance of enjoying it, go prepared for a real mountain walk, carry your own food and water, and treat Fuente de los Baños as a refreshing natural swim. With those expectations, Montanejos makes a strong day trip from Valencia.

FAQ

How long does the Montanejos tour last?

The experience lasts about eight hours, including the coach journey from Valencia to Montanejos and the return trip.

What is included in the price?

The price includes round-trip transfers in an air-conditioned coach, a guided hiking route, a tour guide, and skip-the-line access to Fuente de los Baños.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, so you should bring your own supplies.

Where does pickup take place?

You can choose Torres de Serranos, at the bus stop in front of MYR Hotel, or the Hola Trip office at C/ Ramon Llull 21.

What time should I arrive at the pickup point?

At Torres de Serranos, arrive 10 minutes before the starting time. At the Hola Trip office, pickup is scheduled 10 minutes after the starting time.

Are the thermal pools hot?

No. The water remains around 23°C throughout the year. It is called thermal because of its mineral composition, not because it is hot.

How difficult is the hike?

The route requires a moderate level of physical fitness. It includes mountain paths, uphill sections, rocky ground, and a pace that may feel fast for less fit walkers.

Is the tour suitable for children or older adults?

The tour is not permitted for people under 14 or over 65.

Is the experience accessible for people with mobility impairments?

No. The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the experience begins for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted or refunded.