A full-day trip to Spain's most photogenic natural thermal pools, 90 minutes north of Valencia in the Castellón mountains. The Mijares river flows through a turquoise gorge with hot springs feeding pools that hold a constant 25°C year-round. Bring a swimsuit. Photogenic enough that summer weekends get crowded — book the weekday version when possible.
Highlights
- Natural thermal pools at constant 25°C year-round (Fuente de los Baños spring)
- Turquoise gorge swimming with hot springs feeding the river
- Scenic mountain drive through the Sierra de Espadán
- Free time at the pools for swimming, picnicking and photos
- Round-trip transport from Valencia included
What's included
- Round-trip transport from Valencia
- English-speaking guide
- Free time at the thermal pools
- Stop at scenic viewpoint en route
- Lunch (bring a picnic or use village restaurants)
- Swim gear and towels
- Hotel pickup
- Tips
Meeting point
Pickup
Central Valencia meeting point — typically Plaza de la Virgen or Hotel Las Arenas. Exact location confirmed at booking.
Drive
Around 90 minutes each way · ~95 km north into Castellón province · Scenic mountain route
Total trip time
8 to 9 hours · Roughly 4 hours of free time at the pools
Important information
What to bring
- Swimsuit and towel — there are no rentals at the pools
- Water shoes — the river bottom is rocky and slippery
- Picnic and water — Montanejos village has restaurants, but they fill at lunch
- Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses — limited shade at the open pools
- Camera or waterproof phone case — turquoise water is genuinely photogenic
Know before you go
- Best window: May to October when both water and air are warm
- Summer weekends are crowded — go on a weekday or arrive at opening
- Winter trips work for thermal soaking but expect cold air (5–12°C)
- Not stroller-friendly — riverside paths are uneven
- Mobile signal is patchy in the gorge — download offline maps before you arrive
What travellers are saying
Travellers consistently call this the most beautiful natural site near Valencia and one of the highlights of the trip — particularly those who go on weekdays or shoulder season. Most-cited positives: the colour of the water, the temperature, and the scenic drive in. Most-cited issue: summer weekend crowds — Spanish families know about Montanejos too, and Saturdays in July and August are packed.
Summarised from verified GetYourGuide customer reviews