From Valencia: Thermal Springs & Hike – Private Day Tour

Montanejos gives you two very different pleasures in one day: a proper mountain hike through the Maimona canyon, followed by a swim in natural springs surrounded by cliffs. The route passes pine woods, high viewpoints, and huge rock walls before you trade hiking shoes for swimwear.

I like the private format because you can set the hiking pace instead of being tied to a large group. I also like the chance to eat in a local mountain village, where tapas are optional and reasonably priced, rather than being pushed into a fixed tourist lunch. The main caution is the water temperature: although the springs are said to stay at 25°C, wind and cool weather can make them feel lukewarm, so a winter swim is not guaranteed fun.

• The 9 km La Bojera circuit follows the River Maimona through canyon scenery and pine forest.
• A 6 km shorter route takes about 1 hour 45 minutes and is the easier choice.
• Montanejos springs remain open to swimmers year-round, with water described as 25°C.
• The private vehicle and guide make the 1 hour 10 minute journey from Valencia easy and flexible.
• Lunch is optional, either at a village tapas restaurant or near the springs.
• Guide Kevin has supplied wetsuits and water shoes on a cold-weather departure, a useful touch if available for your tour.

A mountain day outside Valencia

Valencia is easy to enjoy from street level, but the Valencian Community quickly changes character once you leave the coast. Orange groves, small villages, valleys, and mountains replace city traffic. On this outing, the drive itself becomes part of the day, with a route that passes below the historic Sagunto Fortress before turning inland.

The destination is Montanejos, about 1 hour 10 minutes from Valencia. That is long enough to feel like a real escape, but short enough to make the trip practical as a day excursion. Your air-conditioned vehicle is private, and hotel pickup and drop-off are included, so you do not need to work out a bus connection to a mountain village.

The tour lasts around seven hours in total. That includes the drive, the hike, time at the springs, and the return to Valencia. You should think of it as an active full-day outing rather than a quick sightseeing stop.

A private tour matters here. You can spend longer at a viewpoint, take the shorter trail, or keep moving if the group is keen to reach the water. The guide speaks English and Spanish, and Kevin has led departures with careful planning and good communication. If he is assigned to your group, you can also ask whether wetsuits and water shoes are available, as he has provided them for a cold-weather outing.

Walking the 9 km La Bojera route

The longer hike is the heart of the experience. The 9 km circular trail is known as the route of La Bojera and follows the River Maimona through a dramatic canyon. Allow about 3 hours 15 minutes, although the private format lets you take the route at your own speed.

This is not a flat riverside stroll. The trail passes through pine forests and reaches viewpoints over gorges, mountains, and tall vertical cliffs. The reward is a changing walk: shaded woodland in one stretch, open mountain views in another, then the close walls of the canyon.

The route is rated medium difficulty. You need comfortable footwear, and sneakers or trainers are recommended. The supplied information does not describe technical climbing, but the distance and mountain setting still call for a reasonable level of fitness. If your idea of exercise is a gentle walk on Valencia’s beach promenade, the longer route may feel demanding.

I like the way the hike gives the springs more meaning. You do not simply arrive at a swimming spot by car, take a quick photo, and leave. You first earn the change of pace through forest and canyon, then get several hours for rest and water.

Bring water and snacks. Even if lunch is planned later, the hike takes more than three hours, and you should not count on the restaurant or springs area to cover every need during the walk. A sun hat and sunscreen are wise in hot months. In colder months, bring a top and jacket, since mountain weather can feel much cooler than Valencia.

The shorter 6 km option

You can choose a 6 km version of the hike, taking about 1 hour 45 minutes. This route is rated easy, making it a better fit if you want the canyon scenery without committing to the full outing on foot.

The shorter walk also gives you more time at Montanejos. That can be a good trade if swimming is your main reason for booking. You will still see the mountain setting and have time outdoors, but you will spend less of the day on the trail.

Ask for the shorter route if someone in your private group has limited walking stamina. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users, pregnant women, or people with back problems, and the longer route should not be treated as a casual stroll. A private group makes it easier to choose the sensible option without worrying about holding up strangers.

The exact balance between hiking and swimming depends on the day’s pace. If you stop often for photographs, the long route will naturally use more of the schedule. That is not a flaw, but it is worth knowing if you are hoping for a long swim afterward.

Montanejos thermal springs at 25°C

After the hike, you reach the thermal springs of Montanejos. The water maintains a stated temperature of 25°C throughout the year, and the springs sit in a mountainous setting surrounded by cliffs and rock.

At 25°C, the water is mild rather than hot. That distinction matters. You are not entering a steaming spa pool. You are swimming in natural water that can feel pleasantly comfortable in warm sunshine, but noticeably cool when the air is cold or the wind is strong.

One February departure found the water lukewarm in chilly, windy conditions. The group still valued the private outing, but the weather made swimming less appealing. Another cool-season visit skipped the swim and enjoyed a hard stream of water from the rock wall instead. Plan accordingly: the springs are a fine place to relax even if you decide not to get fully wet.

You can sunbathe on the shore, swim in the lagoon, visit a water cave, or, if you are comfortable with it, jump from a 3 m rock. The jump is optional, of course. I would treat it as a choice for confident swimmers, not as a required part of the day.

The water has long been associated with medicinal properties, which helps explain Montanejos appeal. Still, this is a natural swimming area, not a medical treatment. Come for the setting, the water, and the chance to rest after the hike.

The springs portion is listed as about two hours. That gives you enough time to swim or sit by the water without turning the stop into a rushed photo break. Bring swimwear, and pack a towel if your tour provider does not specify that one is supplied.

Lunch in a mountain village or beside the springs

Lunch is not included, which keeps the booking price lower and gives you control over the meal. You can stop at a local village tapas restaurant for traditional dishes at reasonable prices, or go directly to the springs and eat there.

I prefer the village option if you want a taste of ordinary local life. The meal is not presented as a formal food tour, but that is part of its appeal. You can choose simple tapas and eat at your own pace instead of being locked into a set menu.

The springs option makes sense if you have brought snacks and want to maximize your time by the water. Pack food that travels well, plus enough water for the hike. Since the meal is your responsibility, budget a little extra beyond the $153 tour price.

What the $153 price includes

At $153 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach Montanejos. It is also not simply a transport service. You are paying for a private day, hotel pickup and return, an English or Spanish-speaking guide, an air-conditioned vehicle, route guidance, and the freedom to choose between two hiking distances.

The value is strongest for two or more people who want a flexible outing without renting a car. A private vehicle avoids the practical work of reaching the mountain area, and the guide handles the day while you focus on walking and swimming.

The price is harder to justify if you only want to see the thermal springs for a short time or if you are comfortable arranging your own transport. It also does not cover lunch. Add the cost of food and any personal items before comparing it with other day trips.

For an active day beyond Valencia, the combination is appealing. You get a substantial walk, a scenic drive, and a natural swimming stop in one package. The private setup also has more value for couples, families with older children, or friends who want to set their own pace.

Weather can change the feel of the day

The best version of this outing depends heavily on conditions. In warm weather, the sequence is easy to appreciate: hike through the canyon, eat something simple, then cool off in the spring. In cold or windy weather, the hike may still be excellent, but the swimming can become optional rather than central.

Bring a sun hat and sunscreen in hotter months. In colder months, wear layers and carry a top or jacket for the drive, trail stops, and time beside the water. Comfortable trainers are the practical choice for the route.

The tour does not suit people with back problems, pregnant women, or wheelchair users. The medium hike also deserves honest consideration if you are not used to several hours on uneven mountain paths. The 6 km option helps, but it does not change the natural setting or the need for suitable footwear.

Who will enjoy this Montanejos excursion

I would recommend the tour to you if you want more than a city day and enjoy combining exercise with quiet time outdoors. It is especially suitable for people who like mountain scenery but do not want to organize a rental car, route planning, and a separate swim stop.

The longer walk suits active visitors who want canyon views and a proper half-day hike. The shorter route is better if you want a gentler outing or want to give the springs more time.

It is also a good choice for a private group with mixed preferences. One person can focus on photographs, another can keep walking, and the group can decide together whether lunch comes before or after the springs. That freedom is one of the strongest reasons to choose this trip.

I would be cautious if your main goal is a hot-water spa experience. The springs are natural and remain around 25°C, not a heated indoor pool. A sunny day can make them delightful. A chilly, windy day may make sitting on shore more attractive than swimming.

Should you book this private day tour?

Book it if you want a well-rounded escape from Valencia with real walking, canyon scenery, and a natural spring stop. The private vehicle, flexible trail choice, and hotel pickup make the $153 price reasonable for people who value convenience and personal pacing.

Choose the 9 km La Bojera route if you are comfortable with a medium mountain hike and want the day’s strongest scenery. Choose the 6 km route if you prefer an easier walk or want more energy for the springs.

Do not book it expecting a hot bath or a guaranteed warm swim. The water can feel cool in winter weather, even at its stated 25°C. Pack layers, water, snacks, swimwear, and an open mind about the order of the day. If the weather cooperates, this is a satisfying way to trade Valencia’s city streets for pine forest, cliffs, and a quiet mountain lagoon.

FAQ

How far is Montanejos from Valencia?

Montanejos is about 1 hour 10 minutes from Valencia by vehicle.

How long does the tour last?

The full experience lasts about seven hours, including transportation, hiking, time at the thermal springs, and the return to Valencia.

How long is the main hike?

The main circular La Bojera trail is 9 km and takes about 3 hours 15 minutes at a flexible pace.

Is there a shorter hiking option?

Yes. You can choose a 6 km hike that takes about 1 hour 45 minutes and is rated easy.

How warm are the thermal springs?

The springs maintain a stated temperature of 25°C all year. In cold or windy weather, the water may feel lukewarm rather than hot.

Is lunch included?

No. You can buy lunch at a local village tapas restaurant or eat food you bring near the springs.

What should I bring?

Bring water, snacks, swimwear, comfortable sneakers or trainers, and a sun hat and sunscreen in hotter months. In colder months, bring a top and jacket.

Is the tour suitable for everyone?

No. It is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, or wheelchair users. The longer hike is rated medium difficulty.