You’ve seen the Montanejos Hot Springs photos on Instagram: crystal-clear turquoise water, surrounded by dramatic cliffs, with sun-dappled swimmers enjoying the natural thermal springs like extras from a travel brochure.
The reality?
It’s still stunning—but expect crowds, screaming kids, and at least one guy with a Bluetooth speaker playing reggaeton far too loud.
That said… it’s still absolutely worth the trip—provided you go in with realistic expectations and perhaps on a weekday if you value your sanity.
🏰 A Brief History of Montanejos (Without Sending You to Sleep)
✅ The village of Montanejos, located in the province of Castellón (Valencia region), has been around for centuries.
✅ Legend has it that Moorish King Abu Zeit created the hot springs for his harem, so they could stay youthful and beautiful forever.
(How well that worked… history doesn’t say.)
✅ The water maintains a steady 25°C (77°F) all year round, and is rich in minerals, making it popular for both relaxation and vague health benefits that no one can scientifically prove but everyone repeats anyway.
🌟 What Are Montanejos Hot Springs Best Known For?
✅ Natural thermal waters at 25°C all year
✅ Stunning cliffside gorge location
✅ Clear, blue-green river water (ideal for photos… if you angle the camera right to avoid the crowds)
✅ Adventure activities like hiking, canyoning, and cliff jumping (with guides… don’t just YOLO it)
🗺️ Where Exactly Are Montanejos Hot Springs?
✅ Located in Castellón Province, part of the Valencian Community
✅ About 90km (56 miles) northwest of Valencia city
✅ Nestled in the Sierra de Espadán mountains, surrounded by forest, cliffs, and winding river valleys.
✈️ How to Get to Montanejos Hot Springs
By Car:
✅ From Valencia city:
- Roughly 1 hour 30 minutes drive bring your own or rent a car if you’re on holiday.
- Take the A-23 motorway, then smaller mountain roads (CV-195)
✅ Scenic, but twisty. Pack travel sickness tablets if needed.
By Bus:
✅ There’s a daily bus from Valencia to Montanejos, run by Herca (limited schedule, check timetables on Omio in advance).
✅ Cheap, but slower—expect 2 hours+ each way.
By Train:
❌ Nope. Closest train station is Segorbe, still a good 40 minutes away by car or taxi.
By Tour:
✅ Several companies in Valencia and Castellón offer day trips with transport and guided swimming stops.
✅ Check Viator, GetYourGuide, or local tourism offices.
🚶♂️ Are There Tours To Montanejos Hot Springs?
✅ Yes, and highly recommended if you don’t want to mess about with rural bus timetables.
✅ Most Valencia-based tours include:
- Transport
- A local guide
- Time at the springs
- Optional hiking or canyoning add-ons
✅ Popular booking platforms:
GetYourGuide, Viator, Civitatis
🏞️ What To Expect at Montanejos Hot Springs (Reality Check Edition)
✅ The main swimming area (called “Fuente de los Baños“) is a beautiful stretch of the Mijares River, enclosed by dramatic limestone cliffs.
✅ The water really is clear and pleasantly warm year-round (not “hot tub hot”… more like British swimming pool in late May warm).
✅ The bottom is rocky and slippery—bring water shoes unless you enjoy stubbed toes and awkward riverbed yoga.
✅ No changing rooms or lockers on site—plan accordingly.
✅ In summer? Expect crowds—this is a major local day-trip destination for families, teens, and everyone within a 100km radius looking for somewhere to cool off.
✅ Best Time to Visit Montanejos Hot Springs
✅ Spring (March–May): Pleasant, fewer crowds
✅ Autumn (September–October): Cooler air, but water stays at 25°C
❌ July–August: Full-on circus. Parking nightmare. Screaming kids. Sunburnt tourists. Go early morning or late afternoon if you must go in summer.
✅ Winter: Quiet, peaceful, and the water will feel much warmer compared to the air temp.
🏨 Where to Stay Near Montanejos Hot Springs
✅ Small, rural hotels and guesthouses in Montanejos village itself
✅ Options include:
- Hotel Rosaleda del Mijares (popular with hikers and weekenders)
- Hotel Xauen
✅ Or do it as a day trip from Valencia or Castellón
🍷 Food and Drink: What’s Available Nearby?
✅ A few cafes and restaurants in Montanejos village (5 minutes from the springs by car or a 15-minute walk)
✅ Popular local dishes:
- Gazpacho de montaña (Mountain-style stew, not the cold soup)
- Grilled meats and hearty plates for hungry hikers
✅ There’s also a small picnic area near the river if you prefer to bring your own sandwiches and avoid paying €3 for a can of Coke.
✅ Dave’s Personal Tips for Visiting Montanejos Hot Springs
✅ Go midweek if you value your sanity.
✅ Bring water shoes and a waterproof bag for your stuff.
✅ Park in the village and walk down to avoid the riverside parking chaos.
✅ Don’t expect a private Instagram photoshoot unless you arrive at 8am.
✅ If you’re into hiking, explore nearby routes like the “Sendero de los Estrechos” for canyon views.
✅ Remember: No changing rooms. Plan your clothing accordingly.
🚩 Quick Practical Info
- Entrance: Currently free, but the local council has discussed introducing paid access during peak times—check before visiting.
- Toilets: Basic facilities available nearby
- Pets: Allowed, but keep dogs under control and don’t let them swim where people are bathing
- Water depth: Shallow at edges, deeper in the middle—always check before diving in
✅ Useful Resources for Visiting Montanejos Hot Springs
Final Word:
“Montanejos Hot Springs is nature’s spa… just with a lot more people and a few more selfie sticks than the tourist board photos suggest. Go midweek, pack water shoes… and enjoy Spain’s slightly-warm, slightly-crowded natural Jacuzzi.”
