Valencia: Waterfalls and Thermal Springs Tour with Swimming

The best part of this day trip is the chance to swim in Montanejos’ Blue Lagoon, where the spring water stays around 25°C all year. You also get the misty Bridal Veil waterfall, a 60-meter drop that feels far removed from Valencia’s city streets.

I like the easy pace and the fact that you park close to each stop, rather than spending the day on a hard hike. I also like the personal touch at Mike’s Nomad Soul Retreat, with changing rooms, bathrooms, gear storage, and a place to sit near the springs. The main drawback is the long road time, and the price does not include lunch or drinks.

Four reasons this day trip works

• 25°C thermal swimming: The Blue Lagoon gives you a proper swim in clear spring water, not just a quick photo stop.
• A 60-meter waterfall: The Bridal Veil offers cool spray, mountain views, and the option to stand beneath the falling water if conditions suit you.
• Very little walking: The minibus parks near the main sights, making the day suitable for many fitness levels.
• Useful extras included: Water shoes, attraction entry fees, transport, and photos are part of the price.
• Good social atmosphere: Guides such as Mike, Anna, Morgane, Siobhan, Thomas, and Sofia are described as friendly, calm, and attentive.
• A full day outside Valencia: You see springs, a waterfall, river canyons, and a large dam in one outing.

Leaving Valencia for Montanejos

The meeting point is in front of the main entrance of Estació del Nord on Calle Xàtiva, beside the large clock on the station tower. Construction may alter the exact pickup spot, so follow the provider’s current instructions and arrive early.

The vehicle is a new, air-conditioned minibus. That matters here. Montanejos is difficult to reach by public transport, and a car gives you access to several far-flung sights in one day. The drive from Valencia is part of the experience, with about 45 minutes to the first stop, followed by shorter transfers between the sites.

The usual schedule begins at 9:30 AM and returns to Estació del Nord around 5:30 PM. That makes this a practical choice if you are staying in central Valencia and want to be back in the city for dinner.

The group is described as small, with one outing numbering about a dozen people. The exact size can vary, but this is not presented as a large coach trip. Guides speak English, Spanish, or French, with Dutch available on request. Mike leads some departures, while other guides include Anna, Morgane, Siobhan, Thomas, and Sofia.

Feeling the spray at Bridal Veil waterfall

The first major stop is the Bridal Veil, a 60-meter waterfall reached after the initial drive. It is valued less as a long walk than as a dramatic first look at the area. You can feel the spray, take photos, and watch for mountain goats along the ridge.

The waterfall is also the point where the day shifts from ordinary sightseeing to outdoor activity. If conditions and your confidence allow, you may shower beneath the falling water. The wording if you dare is fair: standing under a powerful waterfall is fun for some people and uncomfortable for others.

Bring shoes with a firm grip. The tour includes water shoes, which are useful later at the springs, but comfortable footwear is still sensible for the paths around the waterfall. The company says the tour involves minimal walking, though one account describes a small uphill walk toward the swimming area. This is not a strenuous hike, but it is not a completely flat stroll from vehicle to water either.

The waterfall stop lasts roughly an hour. That gives you enough time to see it properly rather than rushing out for one photograph. Still, the exact amount of time spent close to the water can depend on weather, water conditions, and the group.

Swimming in the 25°C Blue Lagoon

The main event is Montanejos’ Blue Lagoon, fed by thermal springs that remain about 25°C year-round. Do not picture a hot bath. The water is pleasantly mild, and some people may find it cool once they are fully wet, especially outside the hottest months. In return, you get clear spring water, cliffs, and a striking natural setting.

You should bring swimwear and a towel. Water shoes are included, a worthwhile detail because rocky edges and uneven footing can make a natural swimming area less comfortable in bare feet. If you are not a strong swimmer, tell the guide before getting in. Guides have helped people feel more secure in the water, and one guide carried extra equipment for anyone who needed support.

The swimming time is not simply a quick dip between bus stops. It is built into the day as a central activity. You can swim, enjoy the canyon scenery, and take photos without carrying your phone into the water. Several guides, including Morgane and the wider team, are praised for taking photos and videos for the group.

That service has real value. Natural swimming and cameras do not mix well, and trying to protect a phone can distract you from the experience. You still need to keep your own expectations sensible: photographs depend on the weather, light, and how busy the area is.

A useful base at Nomad Soul Retreat

A short distance from the springs is Mike’s Nomad Soul Retreat, set among olive trees. The retreat gives the day a practical base, with changing rooms, clean bathrooms, a secure place for your belongings, and an area where you can relax in the sun.

These are small comforts, but they change the feel of the outing. You can get changed without searching for a public facility, and you do not have to leave your bag beside the water. If you are travelling with children, have mobility concerns, or simply dislike outdoor changing arrangements, this part of the setup is especially useful.

The retreat also supports the social side of the day. The guides make an effort to introduce people and keep conversation flowing, which helps solo visitors settle in. One person who had never travelled abroad alone found the guide’s encouragement helpful during the swimming and jumping activities.

That said, the retreat is not presented as a luxury spa. Think of it as a relaxed private base near the springs, with the facilities you need for a day outdoors.

Lunch in Montanejos

Food and drinks are not included in the $101 price. The guides suggest budget-friendly choices at the Blue Lagoon snack bar or in Montanejos town, and you can bring your own meal.

Some departures stop at a local restaurant in the village. The meal is described as good value and authentically Spanish, but this is not guaranteed as a formal inclusion, so you should budget separately. If lunch matters to you, ask the guide about the plan on your departure date.

The lunch arrangement keeps the tour flexible, but it also means the final cost will be higher than the advertised fare if you buy a full meal and drinks. Bring water and perhaps a snack, particularly if you prefer not to wait until the group’s chosen food stop.

Looking over the Mijares River canyons

After swimming and lunch, the minibus takes you to a lookout above the Mijares River canyons. This is a short photo stop, around 15 minutes, so it is more about taking in the view than walking through the area.

The canyon stop adds variety. The morning focuses on water at close range, while this viewpoint gives you a wider sense of the cliffs and river corridor. It is also a good time to use the camera without worrying about spray or wet hands.

Do not expect a long nature walk here. The tour is designed around several viewpoints and access points close to the vehicle. That makes it friendly to people with limited stamina or sore knees, but less satisfying if you want a full-day trek through the mountains.

The Montanejos dam and its powerful water

The final major sight is the Montanejos dam and reservoir, a large piece of engineering set against the surrounding scenery. The stop offers a different kind of drama from the waterfall and springs: instead of a natural stream, you see water controlled on a massive scale.

The powerful blasts from the dam’s large spout can be the most surprising moment of the afternoon. Water pressure, concrete, and the quiet reservoir make an impressive contrast. Depending on the day’s conditions and the dam’s operation, the sight may vary, but the stop is included as part of the planned route.

There is time for photographs and a short walk, not a lengthy visit. The value lies in how the dam rounds out the day. You have seen a waterfall, swum in spring water, looked into a canyon, and then viewed a major structure holding back a reservoir.

What the $101 price really covers

At $101 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see the Valencian countryside. You are paying for an eight-hour outing in an air-conditioned minibus, a guide, entry fees, water shoes, and the convenience of reaching Montanejos without arranging a car.

The price makes more sense if you value several stops in one day. Public transport may get you toward Montanejos, but combining the waterfall, springs, canyon viewpoint, and dam would be harder without private transport. You also avoid the work of planning parking, route timing, and access between sites.

The included water shoes and photos are useful extras rather than gimmicks. Water shoes save you from buying or packing a pair, while guide-taken photos let you enjoy the swim without carrying a camera. Lunch and drinks remain extra, so allow for those costs.

The strongest value comes from the guide service. Mike and his team appear to focus on this route, and the timing, group interaction, swimming support, and photo help are all part of the package. If you only want to look at scenery from a vehicle, the price may feel high. If you want to swim and have the day organized for you, it is easier to justify.

Is this suitable for you?

This outing suits you if you want nature without committing to a demanding hike. The company describes it as suitable for all fitness levels, and the short walks are manageable for many people. Still, you need comfortable shoes, enough balance for uneven ground, and the ability to decide for yourself how far to enter the water.

It works especially well for:

• Solo visitors who want a social day outside the city
• Couples and friend groups looking for swimming and photos
• Families with older children who are comfortable around natural water
• People without a rental car
• Anyone who wants a full outdoor day with limited walking

It is less suitable if you want a quiet, private outing or a long mountain hike. The friendly group style is central to the experience, and the route covers four stops in one day. You will have time at each place, but not unlimited time.

The tour runs rain or shine, with cancellations described as rare. Weather can change the feel of the waterfall, swimming, and canyon views, so pack sunscreen, water, a towel, swimwear, comfortable clothes, and shoes that can handle wet ground.

Should you book it?

I would book this trip if you want to escape Valencia for one well-organized day and the idea of swimming in a natural spring appeals to you. The Blue Lagoon is the anchor, while the waterfall, canyon viewpoint, and dam keep the day varied.

I would think twice if you dislike group outings, need a very warm pool, or prefer to set your own schedule. The water is around 25°C, not hot, lunch costs extra, and road transfers take a meaningful part of the day.

For most visitors without a car, the convenience is the deciding factor. You get four distinct natural sights, practical swimming support, and guides who are involved rather than distant. Pack lightly, bring a towel, and leave room on your phone for the photos your guide may take.

FAQ

Where does the tour begin?

It begins in front of the main entrance of Estació del Nord on Calle Xàtiva in Valencia, near the large clock on the station tower. Construction may move the pickup just outside the gated area.

What time does the tour start and finish?

The stated departure time is 9:30 AM, with a return to Estació del Nord around 5:30 PM. Check availability for the exact starting time on your date.

How long is the experience?

The tour lasts eight hours.

Is swimming included?

Yes. Swimming at Montanejos’ Blue Lagoon is part of the experience, and the spring water is described as approximately 25°C year-round.

Is lunch included?

No. Food and drinks are not included. You may buy food at the Blue Lagoon snack bar or in Montanejos, and you may also bring your own.

Are water shoes provided?

Yes. Water shoes are included, along with transport, guide service, and entry fees to the attractions.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, water, and comfortable clothing.

Is the tour suitable if I do not hike well?

The tour involves minimal walking, and the vehicle parks close to the main sights. Some paths may include a small hill or uneven ground, so comfortable footwear is still important.

What languages are available?

Guides operate in English, French, and Spanish. Dutch may be available on request.