From Valencia: Montanejos Hot Springs and San Jose Cave

Experience the Natural Wonders of Valencia’s Montanejos and San Jose Cave: An Honest Review

If you’re looking for a day trip that combines relaxation, adventure, and stunning scenery, this tour from Valencia offers just that. It’s designed for small groups—only 8 people maximum—which means plenty of personalized attention from knowledgeable guides. The itinerary includes soaking in warm thermal springs, enjoying scenic hikes, and discovering the impressive San Jose Cave on a boat tour.

What truly makes this experience stand out is the blend of relaxing thermal baths at Aigues Termals de Montanejos with the thrill of exploring Europe’s largest navigable cave. It’s a well-rounded outing that balances leisure with discovery, perfect for families, couples, or solo travelers with a sense of adventure.

One thing to keep in mind is that this tour requires a full day, so it’s best suited for those with a flexible schedule. Also, while the tour is rich in activities, there’s no included lunch, so planning ahead for a picnic or grabbing a bite locally is advisable. If you love exploring natural sites with a good dose of scenic views, this trip is likely to be a hit, especially with the personalized service and the expert guidance.

Key Points

• Small group size ensures personalized attention and a more intimate experience.
• Balanced itinerary with both relaxing thermal baths and adventurous cave exploration.
• Expert local guides enhance the experience with stories and insights, making each stop more meaningful.
• Beautiful scenery and viewpoints accessible via a short hike, perfect for photo opportunities.
• All-inclusive costs cover transportation, tickets, and safety gear, adding convenience.
• Ideal for families and explorers who want a mix of relaxation and adventure, with flexibility on activities.

A Detailed Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Point and Transportation

The tour begins bright and early at the designated meeting point in Valencia, precisely at Av. d’Aragó, 31, in El Pla del Real. With a maximum of 8 participants, the small-group setup encourages a relaxed atmosphere and allows for more personalized interaction with the guide. Transportation is by air-conditioned private vehicle, ensuring comfort on the roughly one-hour drive to Montanejos.

Traveling in a private vehicle means you skip the hassle of public transport, which can be especially handy if you’re traveling with family or friends. The journey itself offers a chance to soak in some views of the Valencian countryside, setting the tone for the day ahead.

Montanejos: A Natural Hot Spring Haven

The first stop is Montanejos, a charming village famed for its thermal springs. We loved the way the guide emphasized the natural origin of these springs and the fact that the water temperature remains consistently at 25°C (77°F) all year, making it perfect for a soothing swim regardless of the season.

The 1.5-hour visit includes a gentle walk through the village and some free time to explore. Reviewers noted that the area is stunning with spectacular views and secret spots, perfect for those who enjoy a good photo or just soaking in nature. One reviewer mentioned, “Great place, recommend it, and guide them very well,” highlighting how helpful and informative the guide was during this part.

Scenic Hike to Viewpoints

After relaxing in the springs, the tour includes a 30-minute hike leading to viewpoints that showcase some of the most breathtaking scenery in the area. This walk is not overly strenuous but enough to enjoy the outdoors and get a sense of the terrain. The guide shares fascinating stories about the region, adding depth to the experience.

Travelers can expect to discover hidden secrets, with one reviewer mentioning that they encountered incredible viewpoints and interesting local stories. The hike culminates at a viewpoint, where you can snap some memorable photos and take in panoramic vistas—a definite highlight for landscape lovers.

Soaking in Montanejos’ Thermal Waters

Next, guests are encouraged to bathe in the thermal springs for about 1.5 hours. The water feels warm and soothing, perfect for unwinding after the hike. Reviewers loved this part, with comments like, “the water was very clean,” and “the hot springs are a natural delight,” emphasizing the quality of the experience.

The springs are equipped with the necessary safety gear—life jackets, water toys for kids, and snorkel masks—making it suitable for families. The warm water temperature means you can comfortably stay in longer, and some travelers mentioned how refreshing it was, especially during summer.

Lunch Break and Free Time

A 30-minute lunch break provides an opportunity to refuel. Although lunch isn’t included, the guide often recommends local eateries or suggests bringing a picnic. This flexibility allows you to tailor your meal to your preferences, whether grabbing a quick bite or relaxing with a picnic amidst nature.

Exploring La Vall d’Uixó and San Jose Caves

From Montanejos, the tour proceeds to La Vall d’Uixó, roughly an hour and 15 minutes away. This town is the gateway to the Coves de San José, Europe’s largest navigable cave. The caves are a major highlight, offering a guided boat tour through an underground river that reveals stunning rock formations and underground chambers.

The 45-minute cave visit is accessible and family-friendly, with guides sharing fascinating stories about the cave’s history and geology. Reviewers particularly appreciated the knowledgeable guides who made the exploration engaging and informative. One mentioned, “Great guide, very nice, everything was very nice—we had a great time,” which underscores the quality of the storytelling.

Return to Valencia

After exploring the caves, the group boards the vehicle for the roughly one-hour return journey to Valencia, arriving back at the starting point in the early evening. The total duration of around 7 hours makes it a full but manageable day, packed with diverse activities.

Why This Tour Offers Real Value

The tour price of $132.42 per person covers transportation, all tickets, safety gear, and a professional local guide. Given the inclusion of unique experiences like thermal springs bathing and a boat tour inside Europe’s largest navigable cave, the cost is reasonable, especially considering the small group size and personalized service.

The miniature group size—only up to 8 people—ensures you won’t feel lost in a crowd. This setup offers more time for questions, better interaction with the guide, and a more relaxed atmosphere overall. For families or small groups, this experience provides great value and a chance to truly connect with the natural surroundings.

Practical Considerations

While the tour is rich in activities, it’s important to note that lunch is not included, so packing a picnic or planning to eat locally is advisable. The tour operates with good weather conditions, and cancellations are possible if the weather turns poor, but you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

Travelers should be comfortable with light hiking and water activities, as some parts involve walking and water-based exploration. The small group size helps ensure safety and attention, particularly for children or less experienced hikers.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This trip is perfect for adventurous families, couples, or solo travelers who want to experience the natural beauty of the Valencian region without sacrificing comfort. Nature lovers who enjoy scenic viewpoints and calming springs will find plenty to love, as will those curious about Europe’s underground caves.

If you’re eager to combine relaxation and exploration in a single day, this tour offers a well-rounded, immersive experience. It’s especially suited for travelers who appreciate small-group intimacy and expert storytelling, making each stop meaningful.

Final Thoughts

This tour from Valencia strikes a nice balance between leisure, adventure, and scenic beauty. The combination of soaking in thermal springs, hiking to viewpoints, and exploring Europe’s largest navigable cave makes for a memorable day. The knowledgeable guides, personalized attention, and well-structured itinerary ensure that travelers of all ages can enjoy it comfortably.

While it’s a full day and requires some walking and water activities, the value for the price—covering transportation, tickets, and gear—is impressive. It’s a great way to uncover some of the region’s hidden gems with a small group for a more intimate experience.

If you’re after an active, scenic, and nature-filled day in the Valencian Community, this tour deserves a spot on your list.

FAQs

Is lunch included in the tour?
No, lunch is not included. You can bring a picnic or plan to eat at local eateries during the free time.

What is the duration of the tour?
The full trip lasts approximately 7 hours, including travel time, activities, and breaks.

How many people are in each group?
A maximum of 8 people per guide, ensuring a small, personalized experience.

Are the activities suitable for children?
Yes, especially since safety gear like life jackets and water toys are provided. The cave tour is family-friendly.

What should I wear for the hike and water activities?
Comfortable outdoor clothing suitable for walking, plus swimwear for the springs. Don’t forget sunscreen and a hat!

Is transportation included?
Yes, private air-conditioned transport is part of the package.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour relies on good weather; if canceled, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Do I need any special skills for this tour?
No special skills are needed, but a basic comfort with walking and water activities is recommended.

This experience is a fantastic way to explore some of Valencia’s most beautiful natural sites, combining relaxation with adventure in a manageable, small-group setting.