Valencia: Waterfalls and Thermal Springs Tour with Swimming

The best part of this outing is the chance to swim in Montanejos’ Blue Lagoon, then spend the same day at a 60-meter waterfall, a canyon lookout, and a massive dam. I like the easy pace and the fact that you do not need a car to reach these mountain sites. I also like the small-group feel, with guides such as Mike, Anna, Siobhan, Morgane, Thomas, and Sofia adding personal help and plenty of photos.

The main drawback is the long day in a minibus, plus lunch and drinks cost extra. The springs are described as 25°C year-round, but that may still feel cool when you first get in, especially outside the warmest months.

Key points at a glance

• Swim in 25°C springs: Montanejos’ Blue Lagoon is the day’s main event, with clear water and a natural setting.
• See the 60-meter Bridal Veil: You can admire the waterfall, feel its spray, and shower beneath it if conditions suit you.
• Four scenic stops: The route covers the waterfall, thermal springs, Mijares River canyons, and Montanejos dam.
• Minimal walking: The minibus parks close to the main sites, making this a good choice for varied fitness levels.
• Small-group atmosphere: The guides encourage people to mix, help with swimming, and take photos while you enjoy the water.
• Good practical extras: Transport, entry fees, water shoes, and guide service are included, while lunch is your responsibility.

Why this day trip is different from a city tour

Valencia is easy to enjoy on foot, but its best natural escapes are spread well beyond the city. Montanejos is difficult to reach by public transport, so this tour solves the biggest problem: getting to several far-flung places in one day without renting a car.

You leave from Estació del Nord, Valencia’s central train station, at 9:30 AM and return around 5:30 PM. That gives you a full day outside the city without requiring an overnight stay or a complicated bus connection.

I like the way this experience combines active and passive moments. You can swim and explore at the springs, then sit back for the ride, stop for photos, and enjoy the views from the canyon and dam. It is not a serious hiking trip. You are visiting natural places, but the focus is on access, swimming, conversation, and scenery rather than miles on the trail.

The mood also seems more social than formal. Mike has built the outing around a friendly group atmosphere, and guides including Siobhan and Anna are described as calm, welcoming, and good at bringing people together. Solo visitors can join in easily, while couples and families can keep to themselves when they want a quieter hour.

Meeting the minibus at Estació del Nord

The meeting point is in front of the main entrance of Estació del Nord on Calle Xativa. Look for the large clock on the station tower. Construction may affect the exact pickup spot, so you should wait just outside the gated area rather than directly in the construction zone.

The ride is in a new, air-conditioned minibus. That matters in Valencia, especially during the hotter months, and the smaller vehicle is better suited to a personal day out than a large coach.

The route includes several driving sections, with the first ride lasting about 45 minutes and later transfers lasting roughly 40 minutes and five minutes. You will spend a fair amount of time on the road, but the mountain scenery begins to make the journey part of the outing. Mike’s music may provide the soundtrack, and the guides offer local context along the way.

Bring water, sunscreen, and comfortable clothes. You should also wear shoes that are easy to walk in, although water shoes are supplied. A swimsuit and towel are essential if you want to make the most of the springs.

Bridal Veil Waterfall and the first swim

The first major stop is the Bridal Veil waterfall, a 60-meter cascade in the mountains. You can admire the height, feel the mist, and, if conditions and confidence allow, stand beneath the falling water for a natural shower.

This is one of the more memorable stops because it feels immediate. You are not simply viewing a waterfall from a distant platform. The spray, rock walls, and sound of the water give you a stronger sense of the place.

Mountain goats may be visible along the ridge, adding a bit of wildlife interest. Keep your attention on the guide’s instructions and your footing, since wet ground near moving water can be slippery. The outing is designed for light walking, but that does not mean every surface is perfectly flat.

The waterfall stop is also a good early test of the day’s style. You are encouraged to look around, take pictures, and enjoy the setting rather than rush through a fixed checklist. Guides take photos for the group, which is useful when you do not want to carry a phone near spray or water.

Montanejos’ Blue Lagoon and the Nomad Soul Retreat

The Blue Lagoon is the heart of the experience. The water is listed at 25°C throughout the year, and you have time to swim in the clear thermal springs rather than simply stop for a quick photograph.

The temperature should feel refreshing rather than hot. That distinction is worth noting. These are thermal springs, but 25°C is closer to a pleasant swimming temperature than a steaming bath. Some people will find it comfortable right away, while others may need a minute to adjust.

The spring area is near Mike’s Nomad Soul Retreat, a private base among olive trees. It has changing rooms, clean bathrooms, a place to keep your belongings, and a sunny area where you can relax after swimming. These details may sound modest, but they make a real difference. Changing in a proper room and having somewhere secure for your bag is much easier than managing wet clothes beside a riverbank.

Water shoes are included, which is another useful touch. They help you manage the rocky approach and protect your feet around the swimming area. You should still bring a towel, because a supplied pair of water shoes does not replace one.

The time in the springs can be as active or relaxed as you like. You can swim, take photos, sit in the sun, or chat with the group. Guides have also helped people who are not strong swimmers, and flotation equipment may be available through the guide team. You should still tell your guide if you are uneasy in the water.

Lunch in Montanejos without surprises

Food and drinks are not included, so plan for this cost. The guides point you toward affordable choices, such as the snack bar near the Blue Lagoon or local food in Montanejos town.

A number of groups have eaten at a local restaurant in the village, where the food was described as good value and authentic. You can also bring your own lunch. If you prefer a proper sit-down meal, ask the guide about the day’s plan before ordering, since the time available may depend on the group and the restaurant.

This is one area where the $101 price does not cover everything. You should budget separately for lunch and drinks, especially if you are swimming and spending a full day outdoors. Still, the included transport, entry fees, water shoes, and guide service cover the expenses that would be hardest to arrange independently.

The Mijares River canyon lookout

After lunch, the route moves to a lookout above the Mijares River canyons. This is a short photo stop rather than a long walk, with about 15 minutes listed for the visit.

The canyon view gives the day a different scale. The waterfall is about falling water, and the springs are about being in the river. Here, you get the wider view of the surrounding rock formations and the river corridor below.

Do not expect a lengthy trail or a full canyon hike. The value is the viewpoint and the chance to pause after lunch. It is also a useful stop for photos because you can keep your camera dry and take in the scenery from above.

The guides are especially helpful here. Morgane, for example, is known for taking pictures and finding good spots for the group. If you are traveling alone, this makes the day easier. You can enjoy the view without asking another visitor to take every photograph.

Montanejos dam and the reservoir

The final major sight is the Montanejos dam, a large piece of engineering holding back a calm reservoir. It gives the day a change of mood, from wild water and swimming to a more controlled meeting of human construction and the surrounding mountains.

The dam is a photo stop, and the schedule allows around 30 minutes in the Montanejos area for views and walking. You can expect a close look at the structure and the water held behind it, rather than a technical engineering tour.

I like this stop because it prevents the outing from becoming a waterfall-and-swimming trip with little variety. The dam shows how water shapes daily life in the region, not just the scenery. It also offers a calmer final pause before the ride back to Valencia.

One review highlights the thrill of seeing water released from the dam, while another mentions the excitement of a cliff jump. Treat those moments carefully. The exact conditions and activities can vary, and you should follow the guide’s safety advice rather than assume every day includes the same water release or jump.

How much walking and swimming is involved

This is marketed as an outing for all fitness levels, and the route is built around short walks from the minibus. That is a major advantage if you have knee problems or simply do not want a strenuous day.

One visitor with poor knees found the paths manageable, while another noted a small uphill walk near the swimming stops. So you should not interpret minimal walking as completely flat access. Comfortable shoes remain important, and wet or uneven ground may require care.

Swimming is optional, but it is the main reason to book this particular outing. If you cannot swim confidently, tell the guide before entering the water. The guides have helped people feel more secure, and water shoes are provided, but you remain responsible for judging your own comfort.

Families can enjoy the route, and a group with a 13-year-old had a good day. Children and adults should still be comfortable around open water and follow all instructions near the waterfall, river, and dam.

The guides and small-group feel

The human side is a big part of this experience. Mike leads some departures, while other days may be handled by guides such as Anna, Siobhan, Morgane, Thomas, or Sofia. English is available, with French and Spanish, and Dutch on request according to the tour information.

The most praised qualities are warmth, patience, and practical help. Siobhan is described as relaxed and good at encouraging group interaction. Anna has been singled out for being friendly and attentive to families. Morgane is valued for her photos and language skills, while Thomas has helped people feel comfortable in the water.

That personal attention can matter more than a long speech about local facts. You receive help with photos, swimming, timing, and finding lunch. The guides also keep the day moving without making it feel hurried.

Group size is generally kept small, with one outing described as having about a dozen people. The exact number can vary, but this is not designed as a large coach excursion. You have a better chance of getting help and conversation in a compact group.

Is $101 good value?

At $101 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see the countryside. You could spend less by arranging your own transport, but Montanejos is not simple to reach without a car, and independent planning would require combining several local connections.

The price includes an air-conditioned minibus, guide service, entry fees, water shoes, and photos. It also buys you a full eight-hour day with four different natural and scenic stops. For a visitor without a rental car, those inclusions make the price easier to justify.

You still pay for lunch and drinks, and you should account for that before booking. The value is strongest if you want to swim, need transport from Valencia, and appreciate having someone manage the route and photography.

The value is weaker if you dislike group outings, prefer long independent hikes, or only want a short visit to a thermal pool. You are paying for convenience, company, and a carefully arranged route, not just access to the water.

Practical details before you book

The tour runs rain or shine, with cancellations described as rare. Bring sunscreen, water, swimwear, a towel, comfortable clothing, and shoes suitable for short walks on natural surfaces.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and reserve now while paying later. The tour lasts eight hours and returns to the same train station meeting point.

The experience is suitable for solo visitors, couples, families, and friend groups. It is especially useful for anyone staying in Valencia without a car. It is less suitable if you want a quiet private outing, a serious hike, or a hot spa rather than a cool natural swim.

Should you book the Montanejos tour?

I would book this if you want an active day outside Valencia with very little planning. The mix of waterfall spray, a 25°C spring swim, canyon views, and the dam gives you more variety than a simple pool excursion.

The strongest reasons to go are the easy transport, small-group atmosphere, included water shoes, and guides who take care of photos and practical details. I would be more cautious if you dislike minibus rides, need a truly warm bath, or want every meal and expense included.

Bring a towel, arrive ready to swim, and expect a friendly day rather than a formal sightseeing lecture. For many visitors, that combination makes Montanejos one of the most rewarding ways to trade Valencia’s city streets for fresh air and moving water.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

It starts in front of the main entrance of Estació del Nord on Calle Xativa in Valencia. Look for the large clock on the station tower, and wait outside the gated area because construction may affect the exact pickup point.

Where does the tour finish?

The tour returns to the same meeting point at Estació del Nord.

How long does the experience last?

The full activity lasts eight hours. The planned departure is 9:30 AM, with an expected return around 5:30 PM.

What languages are available?

The tour is available in English, French, and Spanish. Dutch may be available on request.

Is swimming included?

Swimming at Montanejos’ Blue Lagoon is part of the experience. The springs are listed at 25°C year-round.

Are water shoes provided?

Yes. Water shoes are included in the tour price.

Is lunch included?

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

Do I need to bring a towel?

Yes. You should bring a towel, along with swimwear, sunscreen, water, comfortable clothes, and suitable shoes.

Is the tour suitable for people who do not want a long hike?

Yes. The minibus parks close to the main sights, and the tour involves minimal walking. Some paths may include a short hill or uneven ground.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option is also available.