Montanejos Hiking Tour & Thermal Pools from Valencia

Montanejos is a fine change of pace from Valencia, trading city streets for pine forests, rocky gorges, and the turquoise Mijares River. The day’s best pairing is the scenic mountain hike followed by a swim at Fuentes de los Baños. Guides including Arturo, Alejandro, Nouha, and Nico have drawn particular praise for their humor and energy.

I like that transport is handled for you, and that the route includes more than a quick photo stop. I also like the choice built into the day: you can hike, swim, picnic, or simply rest by the river. The main caution is that the group may reach 53 people, and the hike can feel brisk and demanding in hot weather.

At a glance

• A full day beyond Valencia: Allow about eight hours, including the coach ride to and from Montanejos.
• The hike comes first: Expect mountain paths, pine woods, cliff views, caves, waterfalls, and some uphill sections.
• The pools are refreshing, not hot: The water is listed at about 23°C year-round and can feel cold after a hike.
• Guides make a difference: Arturo, Alejandro, Nouha, Nico, Taoufik, and others have been praised for humor, care, and clear organization.
• Bring your own supplies: Food and drinks are not included, and you may carry your belongings during the walk.
• Not for every body: You need moderate fitness, and the activity is not offered to people under 14, over 65, or with mobility impairments.

Why Montanejos makes a good day trip from Valencia

Valencia is easy to love, but after several days of tiled markets, grand squares, and beach time, a mountain day can reset your senses. Montanejos gives you a taste of inland Valencia without asking you to arrange a rental car, compare rural bus schedules, or plan a walking route through unfamiliar country.

The setting is the real reason to go. The Mijares River cuts through a valley of cliffs and pine-covered slopes. From higher paths, you can look toward the Arenoso Reservoir and the peaks near the Sierra de Espadán Natural Park. The scenery changes as you walk, from open viewpoints to shaded forest and rocky passages.

This is not a polished theme-park outing. The area feels like a real rural recreation spot, with uneven paths, natural river water, and facilities that can vary. That is part of its appeal, but it also means you should arrive prepared rather than expecting a spa resort.

The coach ride and meeting points in Valencia

The tour uses an air-conditioned coach, with round-trip transport included in the $59.26 price. That is a fair deal if you want to see Montanejos without renting a car. The excursion takes about eight hours, but remember that some of that time is spent on the road.

You can choose between two pickup points:

• Torres de Serranos, at the bus stop opposite MYR Hotel
• Hola Trip’s office at C/ Ramon Llull 21, opposite the purple office

At Torres de Serranos, you should be ready 10 minutes before the start time. At the Hola Trip office, pickup is scheduled 10 minutes after the start time. The bus arrives on the main road, and you should look for a guide wearing a Hola Trip badge.

The coach has air conditioning, and several people have found it quite strong. I would pack a light sweater or hoodie, even in warm weather. You may also want to use the bathroom before departure and carry toilet paper, since facilities on the way may not be well supplied.

Following the mountain route above the Mijares River

The walking portion lasts about four hours, though the exact route and pace can vary. You follow a guide along mountain paths with views over the river, canyon walls, and surrounding peaks. Pine trees and Mediterranean plants provide shade in places, but this is still an outdoor walk in a hot part of Spain.

The route can include several scenic stops for photographs. The Arenoso Reservoir is one of the main views, while the rocky gorge gives the walk a more dramatic feel. Depending on the season, you might see waterfalls, wildflowers, or birds riding the air above the cliffs. Mountain goats have also been spotted on the route.

The guide may explain the area’s geology, plants, wildlife, and the story connected with the Moorish Queen’s Baths. Some outings have included a cave, a waterfall cave, a water jet, or a quieter lake used as an alternative swimming spot. These additions are not guaranteed, but they show how the day can change with water levels, weather, and local conditions.

You should not think of this as a flat stroll. Several people have found the walk manageable, but others describe uphill sections, uneven ground, and a fairly quick pace. The heat can make a moderate route feel much harder. Good walking shoes, sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water are sensible choices.

One practical point matters: you may not be able to leave belongings on the bus during the hike. Carry only what you need in a comfortable daypack. If you bring swimwear, towel, snacks, and water, keep the load light.

The pace, group size, and guide experience

The strongest part of the human side of this outing is the guide team. Arturo has been singled out for his humor, kindness, and attention to the group. Alejandro has been praised for an animated manner, while Nouha, Nico, Taoufik, Paco, Filip, and others have helped make the day feel friendly and lively.

A good guide can turn a walk through rocks and trees into a clearer story about the region. The best moments come when the group pauses at a viewpoint, enters a cave, or learns why the springs are called thermal. The tour is offered in English, which makes it useful if you do not speak Spanish.

The tradeoff is scale. The maximum group size is 53 people. A large group can make the coach transfer simple and social, but it may also mean less personal attention. If you walk slowly, you may find the pace too fast to stop for every photograph or explanation. The route can also feel crowded in summer, especially around the swimming area.

I would book this as a group adventure, not as a private nature walk. If you want quiet, long pauses, and detailed interpretation at every stop, a smaller private outing would suit you better. If you enjoy meeting people and want the logistics taken care of, the group format is more reasonable.

What the thermal pools are really like

Fuentes de los Baños is the reward at the end of the walking portion. The natural pools sit beside the river, surrounded by cliffs and greenery. You can swim, float, sit on the rocks, wade along the river, or find a place on the shore to rest.

The word thermal can mislead you. The water is described as staying around 23°C throughout the year because of its mineral composition. That is mild, not hot. After a summer hike, it may feel wonderfully refreshing. In autumn or on a cooler day, it may feel distinctly chilly.

Some people have found warmer spots farther into the canyon, while others felt cold in the main swimming area. Go expecting a natural river swim, not a heated bath. That simple adjustment will prevent the biggest disappointment.

The water may also look different from photographs depending on the season, weather, and water level. At times it can appear cloudy. If conditions are not ideal, the guides may take the group to a clear lake or another swimming spot. That flexibility is useful, but it also means the exact water experience is not fixed.

There are bathrooms at the pools, and you may be able to change into swimwear there. A small cafe or snack bar has been available at times, but it may be closed for refurbishment. Do not rely on buying food or drinks on site. Bring enough water and a packed meal.

A spring provides mineral water where you can fill a bottle, but carrying your own supply is still wise. The hike, heat, and swim can use up more water than you expect.

Is the $59.26 price good value?

For $59.26 per person, the tour includes the coach, a guided walk, a guide, and access to Fuentes de los Baños. The price makes sense if you value convenience. You avoid the work of finding transport to a rural mountain town, planning a route, and arranging your return to Valencia.

The value is strongest when you make full use of the day. Hike the route, listen to the guide, swim afterward, and take advantage of the views. If you plan to skip the walk and spend most of the day at the pools, you may find the price less attractive, since independent access could be worth comparing.

Food and drinks cost extra, and hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You must reach one of the two city meeting points. Those are small costs in practical terms, but they matter if you are carrying a lot or staying far from central Valencia.

The included access to the springs is helpful during busy periods. Still, it does not turn the site into a private bathing area. The pools can be busy, especially in summer, and a group of 53 can make the whole experience feel more organized than intimate.

Who should book this Montanejos outing?

I would recommend it to active adults who want a nature day without hiring a car. It suits couples, solo visitors, friends, and families with teenagers aged 14 or older who are comfortable walking on uneven mountain paths.

It is especially good for you if:

• You want transport and route planning handled for you.
• You enjoy mountain views more than museum visits.
• You like combining a walk with a natural swim.
• You are happy in a social group.
• You can carry your own water, towel, and light lunch.
• You do not expect hot spring water.

This is not the right choice if you need step-free access, have limited mobility, or want a slow, private walk. It is also a poor match if you dislike cold water or struggle with heat. The operator does not allow people under 14 or over 65, and the activity requires moderate physical fitness.

What to pack for the day

A little preparation will make the outing much easier. Wear shoes with a firm sole, since the route includes rocky and uphill sections. Lightweight clothing, a hat, and sunscreen are important during warm months.

Bring:

• Plenty of drinking water
• Food or snacks
• Swimwear and a towel
• A light hoodie for the strongly air-conditioned coach
• Toilet paper
• A small backpack
• Waterproof protection for valuables

Do not pack as if you can leave everything on the bus during the hike. Keep your belongings compact and comfortable to carry. If you plan to swim, place wet clothes in a separate bag for the ride home.

Booking, cancellation, and weather notes

Confirmation is provided when you book, and the experience requires good weather. If poor conditions cancel the outing, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. The same choice applies if the minimum number of people is not reached.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund. The cut-off follows local time in Valencia.

Plan to arrive early at your selected meeting point. The different pickup times can be confusing, so check the message sent after booking and match it to your chosen location.

Should you book the Montanejos Hiking Tour?

Book it if you want an easy way to reach one of inland Valencia’s most appealing outdoor areas, and if you see the thermal pools as the finish to a mountain day rather than the main event. The canyon views, pine woods, caves, and river swim create a satisfying change from the city.

Go with realistic expectations. The walk may be brisk, the group may be large, and the 23°C water is refreshing rather than warm. Pack food, water, sun protection, and a hoodie for the bus. If those conditions suit you, the $59.26 price offers solid value for a guided day in the mountains.

FAQ

How long does the Montanejos tour last?

The experience lasts about eight hours, including transportation time between Valencia and Montanejos.

Where does pickup take place?

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

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You must reach one of the two designated meeting points.

Are the thermal pools hot?

No. The water stays at about 23°C year-round. It is considered thermal because of its mineral composition, but it may feel cool, especially in cooler weather.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, so bring your own supplies. A cafe or snack bar may be available near the pools, but it can sometimes be closed.

How difficult is the hike?

The route requires moderate physical fitness and includes mountain paths, rocky sections, and uphill stretches. The pace may feel quick, particularly in hot weather.

Can children or older adults join?

The activity is not permitted for anyone under 14 or over 65. It is also not suitable for people with mobility impairments.