Montanejos turns Valencia into canyon country. This 8-hour day trip swaps city streets for a guided walk with big views over the Mijares River, the Arenoso Reservoir, and Sierra de Espadán. Then you get time to unwind at Fuentes de los Baños, where mineral-rich natural water runs around 23°C year-round.

I love the rhythm of the day. You hike first, so the pools feel like a true reward at the end. I also like that you get round-trip coach transport and a guide who handles the route, plus skip-the-line entry for the thermal pools.

One thing to plan around: the water is not always toasty warm. Even with the 23°C claim, people sometimes find it cool (especially in shoulder seasons), and the day can feel fast-paced if the group is large.

Key things that make this Montanejos day trip work

• Guided hike built around viewpoints over the Mijares River and the Arenoso Reservoir
• Fuentes de los Baños skip-the-line access so you spend less time waiting and more time soaking
• Thermal pools at about 23°C all year (but it can still feel chilly depending on you and the season)
• Big scenery stops without navigation stress, since the route is planned for you
• Guide storytelling includes local legends like the Moorish Queen’s Baths
• Practical comfort tips from the field, like bringing toilet paper and a light layer for the bus

From Valencia to Montanejos: the timing that matters

This is an all-in day that runs about 8 hours total, but that includes travel time from Valencia and back. The schedule is straightforward: a guided hike in Montanejos for around 4 hours, then another 4 hours at Fuentes de los Baños for swimming, wading, and relaxing.

That structure is great if you want a full outdoor reset without spending your afternoon searching for buses or figuring out where to enter the park. You also avoid the common problem where a thermal stop turns into a quick photo-op. Here, you actually get time to change, cool off, and enjoy the setting.

Pickup is from two points in Valencia: Torres de Serranos (bus stop in front of MYR Hotel) or the Hola Trip office on C/ Ramon Llull 21. The timing differs slightly: the Serranos Towers pickup is set 10 minutes before the start time, while the Hola Trip office pickup is 10 minutes after the start time. Build in a little patience either way and watch for the guide with the Hola Trip badge.

Stop 1: Your guided Montanejos hike with river-and-reservoir views

The first half of the day is a guided hike through some of Montanejos’ most scenic terrain in the Sierra de Espadán area. Your route follows mountain paths with views out over the turquoise-looking Mijares River and down toward deep canyons that shape the valley. Expect a mix of terrain—pine forests, rocky sections, and lookout moments where the guide can stop the group for photos.

You’ll hit several panoramic viewpoints where you can admire the Arenoso Reservoir and surrounding peaks. This is not a hike that depends on expert navigation. The point is to be carried through a high-impact route where the best scenes are timed into the walk.

What makes this stop especially good value is that it’s not just walking. Your guide shares information about geology, plants, and wildlife, and they also bring local stories into the mix—like the legend of the Moorish Queen’s Baths, which is tied to why Montanejos became known for its healing waters.

Seasonal extras can make the trail feel different each time you go. Depending on the time of year, you might notice waterfalls, wildflowers, or birds circling over the cliffs. If it’s hot, the pace can feel more intense than you expect, so treat the hike as moderate-to-challenging rather than a slow stroll.

Viewpoints, cave moments, and why guides can change your day

The hiking part is where the day earns its memorable character. You’re in a canyon-and-ridge world with repeated lookouts, so the scenery keeps renewing itself. That’s exactly why reviews tend to praise the guides: an energetic host helps you keep moving, but also helps you see the places you’d miss on your own.

Some guides have been known to add special moments along the route. For example, a cave walk has shown up as an extra for some groups, and in certain conditions guides may pivot the last swim plan if pool areas look different (like switching to a clearer water spot). None of this is guaranteed, but it’s a good sign: the guide isn’t just reading a script—they’re adapting when nature changes the day.

That said, this is still a group hike. Reviews include both the praise for guide humor and the caution that a larger group can mean fewer slow-picture breaks and a pace that feels quicker than ideal for relaxed hikers. If you like to stop a lot, you may need to manage expectations and communicate your pace early with the guide.

Stop 2: Fuentes de los Baños thermal pools and the real temperature question

After the hike, you get free time at Fuentes de los Baños—about 4 hours—with access handled so you don’t have to wait in line. This is the cooling-off centerpiece: natural thermal pools set against cliffs and lush greenery, fed by mineral-rich waters.

The tour description says the water stays around 23°C all year. That’s warm by natural standards, but it is not spa-hot. If you’re used to very warm baths, it can feel cooler once you’re out of the sun or moving from the hike into shade. Several people specifically call out that the water can feel chilly, with some describing cooler temperatures depending on conditions.

Here’s the practical takeaway: treat it like a refreshing dip and a soak with occasional warm pockets, not like a heated swimming pool. If you want the best comfort, plan to spend time easing in gradually, especially if the air is cool or windy.

What can you do with your pool time?

• Swim or wade along the river-like areas
• Float and relax while you look at the gorge walls
• Sit near rocks to soak feet and settle in
• If you get bored, take a short walk along the riverside areas where the terrain allows it

There are also basics in place to make the switch from hike to swim easier. Changing into a swimsuit is typically manageable because bathroom and changing facilities are available on-site. One useful heads-up: bring toilet paper anyway. A common complaint is that the first bathroom stop may not have it.

Water appearance can change too. Pools may look cloudier at times, and guides have, at least in some situations, redirected people to a clearer alternative swim spot. So don’t assume the photos match every minute of the day. Nature does what nature does.

What to bring: comfort wins on the trail and at the pools

This is the kind of day where the right small items can make a big difference. Even if you pack light, I’d think about comfort and the realities of an 8-hour schedule.

Bring:

• Hiking shoes or sturdy footwear with grip for rocky bits
• Sun protection: hat and sunscreen (the hike can be hot)
• A refillable water bottle (you may find mineral water sources on-site; at minimum, carry what you need)
• A quick-dry layer and swimwear
• Toilet paper (seriously, it’s a recurring tip)
• A light layer for the bus: air-conditioning can feel strong enough that a hoodie helps

Also pack snacks if you need them. Food and drinks are not included in the tour price. There may be a small café/snack bar on-site, but it isn’t something I’d rely on. One review notes it can be closed for refurbishments.

And about bags: you’ll want to keep what you need for the day with you, since you can’t count on storing everything comfortably during the hike.

Price and value: is $59.26 a fair deal from Valencia?

At $59.26 per person, this hike-and-pools day trip can be a solid value if what you care about is logistics plus guided time. You’re paying for several built-in components:

• Round-trip coach transport from Valencia
• A guided hiking route in Montanejos
• Thermal pool entry handled with skip-the-line access

You also avoid the cost and stress of planning transport on your own. With a day that includes both a hike and a long pool window, it’s also a better use of time than doing the pools alone and then trying to fill the morning.

The value shifts a bit depending on what you personally want:

• If you enjoy guided context and storytelling, the guide time is a strong part of the payoff.
• If you’re expecting a super-warm thermal bath experience, you may feel it’s overpriced—because 23°C is still cool for some people.
• If your biggest goal is quiet swimming with minimal crowds, note that group size can be large (maximum 53 travelers), and pool areas can get busy.

Still, for a first trip to Montanejos from Valencia, this is a clear, low-effort way to get both the hiking scenery and the thermal payoff in one day.

Group size, pace, and what can change during the day

The tour caps out at 53 travelers. That size can work, especially if the guide keeps things organized, but it also explains some of the mixed feedback: one group may move at a pace that feels manageable, while another group may feel rushed for photography and slower hikers.

You can also run into the normal trade-offs of popular natural sites. Some reports mention the pool areas feeling crowded at certain times. If you crave solitude, you’re better off treating this as a fun, social day trip rather than a private retreat.

Weather matters too. The experience requires good weather. If conditions are poor, the tour can be canceled and you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

One more detail that’s worth knowing: on at least one hike variation, views included man-made structures such as electrical transmission lines and access roads. That doesn’t ruin the day for most people, but it can affect how “wild” the views feel. If you’re very sensitive to seeing infrastructure in nature, adjust your expectations.

Who should book this Montanejos hike and thermal pools tour

This tour is a good fit if you:

• Want a guided day trip out of Valencia with minimal planning
• Like outdoor walking with frequent viewpoints and photo stops
• Plan to treat the thermal pools as a cool-off soak, not a heated spa
• Enjoy guide-led storytelling and local legends like the Moorish Queen’s Baths

It is also a solid choice if you’re traveling solo. Some people report meeting others easily during the hike and then settling into the pools together.

Who should think twice:

• Anyone expecting consistently warm thermal water (23°C can still feel chilly)
• Hikers who need a slow, relaxed pace with long stops
• People who strongly prefer quieter, smaller groups
• Anyone outside the age range: the tour is not allowed under 14 or over 65

And one hard limit: the tour is not allowed for people with mobility impairments, so make sure your needs match the hiking demands and the pool environment.

Should you book Montanejos Hiking Tour & Thermal Pools from Valencia?

Book it if you want a straightforward, value-focused way to experience inland Valencia in one day: a guided hike with real viewpoints, then a long, satisfying soak at Fuentes de los Baños. The combination of transport + guide + skip-the-line is what makes this feel easy, and the guide energy (I’ve seen names like Arturo, Taoufik, Alejandro, Paco, Nouha, and Nico mentioned) tends to be a highlight.

Skip or rethink it if your top priority is warm thermal water or quiet. The pools run around 23°C, but the feel can vary, and the group can be large enough that pace and crowds become real factors.

If you want a day where you hike enough to earn that cool dip, and you’re okay going with the natural temperature and natural crowd levels, this is a strong choice from Valencia.

FAQ

How long is the Montanejos hiking and thermal pools trip?

It’s about 8 hours in total, and that duration includes the transportation time from and back to Valencia.

Where are the pickup points in Valencia?

You can be picked up at Torres de Serranos (bus stop in front of MYR Hotel) or at the Hola Trip office on C/ Ramon Llull 21 (in front of the purple office).

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, the tour is offered in English.

What kind of fitness level do I need?

You should have moderate physical fitness, since the day includes a guided hike of about 4 hours.

What’s included at Fuentes de los Baños?

You get skip-the-line access and about 4 hours of time to relax and use the thermal pools.

Are the thermal pools actually warm?

The thermal pools are described as keeping a constant temperature of around 23°C all year long. People may still find it cooler depending on conditions.

Do I need to bring food and drinks?

Food and drinks are not included. There may be a café/snack bar on-site, but you should plan on bringing what you need for the day.

Who is this tour not suitable for?

It’s not allowed for people under 14 or over 65, and it’s not allowed for people with mobility impairments.

What happens if weather is bad or I need to cancel?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time.