Valencia: Waterfalls and Thermal Springs Tour with Swimming

A 60-meter waterfall, warm spring swimming, river canyons, and a huge dam make this one of Valencia’s best escapes from the city. The star of the day is Montanejos’ Blue Lagoon, where the water stays around 25°C year-round, but the Bridal Veil waterfall provides the most dramatic opening.

I like the easy logistics: you meet at Estació del Nord and ride in an air-conditioned minibus that parks close to each stop. I also like the human touch, especially the guides’ help with photos, water shoes, and nervous swimmers. Guides may include Mike, Anna, Morgane, Siobhan, Thomas, or Sofia, depending on the departure.

The main drawback is time. You spend much of the eight-hour day on the road, and lunch, drinks, and towels are not included. The springs are comfortable rather than hot, and the outing is built around sightseeing and a swim, not a long walk through the countryside.

Why this Montanejos day trip is worth your time

• A year-round 25°C swim: The Blue Lagoon is warm enough for swimming even outside the hottest summer months.
• A 60-meter Bridal Veil waterfall: You can admire the falling water, feel its spray, and shower beneath it if conditions and confidence allow.
• Four major sights in one day: The route combines the waterfall, thermal springs, Mijares River canyons, and Montanejos dam.
• Little walking required: The minibus parks near the sites, making the outing suitable for a wide range of fitness levels.
• A small-group feel: The guides encourage conversation, help with photos, and keep the day friendly rather than formal.
• Useful extras included: Transportation, entry fees, a guide, water shoes, and photographs are covered in the price.

Leaving Valencia from Estació del Nord

The day begins at 9:30 AM in front of Valencia’s Estació del Nord, the city’s central train station on Calle Xàtiva. Look for the large clock on the station tower. Construction may affect the exact curbside pickup, so the meeting point is just outside the gated area rather than directly in front of the main doors.

This is a sensible starting point. You can reach it by train, metro, or on foot from much of central Valencia, and you avoid the fuss of finding a remote pickup lot. The tour returns here at about 5:30 PM, making it easy to plan an evening meal or another city activity afterward.

The ride out takes place in a new, air-conditioned minibus. That matters in Valencia’s hot months, especially after swimming, when a cool vehicle is a welcome change from a crowded public bus. The drive also gives you a chance to settle into the group before the first stop.

The guides speak English, French, and Spanish. Dutch may be available on request. The tone is informal and social, with Mike and his team often using music, conversation, and simple introductions to help solo visitors and couples feel part of the group.

The Bridal Veil waterfall and its mountain setting

After roughly 45 minutes on the road, the first stop is a less developed natural site known as the Bridal Veil. Water drops about 60 meters down the rock face, creating a broad curtain of spray that gives the waterfall its name.

This is more than a quick roadside photo. You have time to look around, enjoy the mountain air, and feel the mist from the falls. Mountain goats can sometimes be seen along the ridge, adding a touch of wildlife to the stop. Keep your eyes up, since the animals may be easier to spot from a distance than near the water.

The guide may offer the chance to stand under the falling water. I would treat that as an optional thrill, not a required part of the tour. The rocks and spray can make footing less certain, and you should follow the guide’s instructions rather than chase the strongest water.

The first stop sets the tone well. You get a striking natural sight without a demanding hike, and the scenery begins before you reach Montanejos itself. If you have knee trouble or limited mobility, this section is still worth asking about in advance. The paths are described as manageable, but natural ground is not the same as a paved city street.

Swimming in Montanejos’ Blue Lagoon

The thermal springs are the heart of the outing. At around 25°C throughout the year, the water is pleasantly mild rather than steaming hot. Think refreshing natural swimming water with a little extra comfort, not a spa pool.

The springs sit among steep rock walls and clear water, giving the swim a strong sense of place. You are not simply stopping at a municipal pool. You are floating and paddling in a natural setting connected to the Mijares River system.

The swimming section can be exciting for confident swimmers, but you should take the guide’s advice seriously if you are not comfortable in open water. One review specifically noted that the water can challenge less confident swimmers. Guides have helped people feel secure and, in at least one case, carried extra equipment so everyone could take part more comfortably.

Water shoes are included, which is a useful detail. They protect your feet on rough or slippery surfaces and save you from packing a pair. Still, bring your own swimsuit and towel. You will want dry clothes for the ride home, and the provided water shoes do not replace a towel.

Plan on bringing sunscreen, drinking water, and comfortable clothes. Even if the water feels cool after the waterfall, the sun can be strong. Valencia is known for more than 300 sunny days a year, and this trip operates in most weather conditions.

A pause at the Nomad Soul Retreat

Near the springs, the tour uses Mike’s Nomad Soul Retreat, a private, relaxed base among olive trees. It has changing rooms, clean bathrooms, a secure place for belongings, and an area where you can sit in the sun.

This stop adds real practical value. Natural swimming areas often leave you wondering where to change, where to put your phone, or how to dry off without blocking a public path. Having a dedicated place nearby makes the swimming part less awkward and lets you enjoy the water without guarding every bag.

The retreat also helps pace the day. You are not rushed from the spring straight back into the minibus. There is room to change, rest, and chat with the group before lunch or the next sightseeing stop.

Do not expect a luxury resort. The appeal is convenience and atmosphere, not elaborate facilities. The tour presents it as a simple base with a personal feel, and that seems to match its role well.

Lunch in Montanejos

Food and drinks are not included in the $101 price. The guide points you toward budget-friendly choices at the Blue Lagoon snack bar or in Montanejos town, and you can also bring your own food.

Some departures stop at a local restaurant in the village. The town setting gives lunch a more genuine feel than eating beside the minibus, and one highly praised meal included good-value local food. Still, restaurant arrangements may vary, so do not book this expecting a fixed menu or a meal included in the ticket.

This is one area where a little planning helps. If you have dietary needs, prefer an early lunch, or want to keep costs low, pack something with you. If you enjoy sharing a meal with a small group, following the guide’s recommendation can add to the social side of the day.

Because lunch is separate, remember to budget beyond the advertised tour price. The total cost can remain reasonable, especially considering the transport and included entry fees, but $101 is not an all-inclusive figure.

Mijares River canyon views

After lunch, the minibus heads toward a viewpoint over the Mijares River canyons. This is mainly a photo stop, with about 15 minutes to take in the view and capture the steep rock formations around the river.

The short timing makes sense. This is a scenic pause rather than a full walking route, so you get the visual reward without adding a tiring trek to an already full day. Guides such as Morgane and Siobhan have been especially helpful with group photos, which is valuable if you are traveling alone or do not want to risk your phone near the water.

Bring a phone or camera if you like, but you do not need to carry it during the swim. The team takes photos for the group, including swimming pictures, so you can enjoy the water without worrying about wet electronics.

The canyon stop is also a useful contrast to the springs. At the lagoon, you experience the water directly. At the viewpoint, you pause to understand the scale of the river valley from above.

Montanejos dam and reservoir

The final major sight is the Montanejos dam, where a large wall holds back a calm reservoir. The setting brings together two very different kinds of scenery: the rough rock of the river gorge and the clean lines of a major engineering project.

The dam is particularly impressive when water is released through its large outlet. The force and sound of the water give this stop more energy than a quiet reservoir view. Conditions can affect exactly what you see, so think of the dam as a scenic and engineering stop rather than a guaranteed water spectacle.

You usually do not need a long hike to reach the viewing areas. The minibus parks close to the main locations, and the itinerary includes only limited walking. That makes the day suitable for people who want nature without committing to a strenuous trail.

If you want a serious canyon hike, this is not the right excursion. You get viewpoints, photographs, and short walks, but the schedule is designed to show several sights in one day rather than explore one valley on foot.

How the $101 price adds up

At $101 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see Montanejos. The price makes more sense if you do not have a car, since reaching the springs and the other stops by public transportation is difficult and would require careful connections.

You are paying for an eight-hour outing, round-trip transport from central Valencia, a driver and guide, entry fees, water shoes, and group photographs. The air-conditioned minibus is also important value in summer. A cheaper public transport option may not bring you directly to four sites or provide help at the swimming areas.

The personal service is another part of the value. Guides have helped with mobility concerns, offered encouragement to nervous participants, suggested food stops, and taken pictures. That assistance can make the difference between merely seeing the springs and feeling comfortable enough to enjoy them.

The price is less attractive if you already have a car and only want to visit one site. Driving yourself gives you more time at the lagoon and more control over lunch. The tour earns its cost through convenience, access, and the number of sights packed into one day.

Guide style and group atmosphere

This is a social tour rather than a quiet private outing. The guides encourage interaction, and the group often includes solo visitors, couples, families, and friends. That can be a real advantage if you are traveling alone and want company for the swim and lunch.

Several guides have received strong praise for being calm, friendly, and attentive. Anna has been described as especially good with families and people managing knee pain. Siobhan has a relaxed way of getting people involved while keeping the day organized. Morgane is known for taking photos and helping people find the best angles.

Mike’s role is more host than distant lecturer. His long experience with the area comes through in the way the stops are arranged, and the repeated return of his name in the feedback suggests a personal presence in the business. You may not have Mike himself on every departure, so check the language and guide details when booking.

The rating is 4.8 from 643 reviews, which points to a consistently well-liked operation. The strongest pattern is not one isolated attraction. It is the combination of organization, friendly guides, photographs, and an easy route through several natural sites.

Who should book this excursion

I would recommend it to you if you want to swim outdoors but do not want to rent a car or plan a rural route yourself. It suits first-time visitors to Valencia who want one full day beyond the city, as well as solo visitors who prefer a small social group.

Families can also find it workable, particularly if children are comfortable around open water and can manage short walks. One family with a 13-year-old had a good day, and the route’s limited walking helps people with some mobility concerns.

You should think twice if you dislike group schedules, need a long quiet break, or want a serious hiking day. The tour moves through several places, and the canyon and dam stops are brief. You also need to be prepared to swim in natural water, bring your own towel, and pay separately for lunch.

The trip runs rain or shine, although cancellations have been rare over its 15-year operating history. That policy is useful for planning, but it also means you should pack sensibly for changing conditions rather than assume perfect sun.

Practical tips before you go

Wear comfortable shoes for the short paths and pack the items the tour does not supply. A small bag with the following will make the day easier:

• Swimsuit and towel
• Sunscreen and drinking water
• Comfortable clothes for the minibus ride
• A phone or camera, if you want extra photos
• Food or money for lunch and drinks

You can leave bulky gear at the retreat’s secure area, but keep valuables to a minimum. The guide will take photographs, so there is no need to carry your phone into the water.

If you have mobility problems, tell the company before departure. The route is not presented as a hiking tour, and the minibus stops close to each site, but the paths remain natural and the swimming area may require care.

Book with free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure if your plans are uncertain. The reserve-now, pay-later option also gives you flexibility, though you should still check the exact starting time before committing to other plans.

Should you book the Valencia waterfalls and thermal springs tour?

Book it if you want a well-organized day of swimming, waterfall spray, canyon views, and local scenery without dealing with a car. The strongest reasons are the warm Blue Lagoon, the four-stop route, included water shoes, and guides who take an active interest in your comfort and photographs.

Skip it if you want to hike for hours, spend the whole day at one spring, or keep every meal and expense inside the ticket price. For most visitors staying in Valencia, though, the $101 cost is fair for the transport, access, and personal help involved. Bring a towel, accept that lunch costs extra, and this can be one of the most memorable outdoor days of your trip.

FAQ

Where does the tour meet in Valencia?

The meeting point is in front of the main entrance of Estació del Nord on Calle Xàtiva. Look for the large clock on the station tower. Because of construction, pickup may take place just outside the gated area.

What time does the tour start and finish?

The stated departure is 9:30 AM, and the tour returns to Estació del Nord at about 5:30 PM. Starting times can vary, so check availability when booking.

Is swimming in the thermal springs included?

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

Are water shoes provided?

Yes. Water shoes are included with the tour. You should still bring comfortable shoes for the paths and a towel for after swimming.

Is lunch included in the price?

No. Food and drinks are not included. The guide can suggest options at the Blue Lagoon snack bar, in Montanejos town, or at a local restaurant, and you may bring your own food.

How much walking is involved?

The tour involves minimal walking, and the minibus parks close to each site. It is not designed as a hiking tour, though you should still wear comfortable shoes because some paths are natural.

Which languages are available?

The regular guide languages are English, French, and Spanish. Dutch may be available on request. Guides on different departures can include Mike, Anna, Morgane, Siobhan, Thomas, or Sofia.