Montanejos

Montanejos in Castellón is a beautiful town located in the province of Valencia, known for its hot springs, turquoise river pools, and dramatic mountain scenery. 

The area is simply stunning, surrounded by forests, rivers, lakes, and mountains that create a landscape perfect for exploring and unwinding. I arrived in the early afternoon, which gave me plenty of time to explore both the town and its surroundings. After checking in at my hotel, I headed out for a leisurely walk through the streets, taking in the atmosphere and getting a first feel for Montanejos.

The historic centre of Montanejos is a small but atmospheric part of the town, perfect for a relaxed stroll before or after exploring its famous thermal springs. Narrow streets, traditional houses, and traces of centuries‑old architecture give this area a quiet charm that contrasts beautifully with the dramatic natural scenery surrounding the village.

What you'll see in Montanejos:

Santiago Apóstol Parish Church

Right in the centre of Montanejos, the Santiago Apóstol Parish Church stands as the town’s most significant architectural and cultural landmark. Its an essential stop for anyone exploring the village beyond its famous thermal springs. The current structure was built between the 17th and 18th centuries, but its story goes back even further. It rises on the foundations of a 16th‑century temple, reflecting the long religious and social history of the community.

Montanejos Tower:
Standing quietly in the heart of Montanejos, the Montanejos Tower is one of the town’s most intriguing historical remnants. This defensive tower, dating back to the Islamic period, once formed part of a wider network of watchtowers that monitored and protected the surrounding valleys.
In its time, the tower played a strategic role: keeping watch over the Mijares River corridor, signalling danger, and helping control movement through the rugged mountain terrain. Though only the outer structure survives today, its presence offers a fascinating window into the medieval origins of Montanejos and the layers of history that shaped the region.
​​
Of course, most businesses close for a well‑deserved siesta, so I was delighted to find one bar still open where I could enjoy a refreshing drink.

La Fuente de los Baños

Tucked away just outside the town between the rugged mountains of Castellón, Spain you will find the stunning La Fuente de los Baños.  The magic of La Fuente de los Baños comes from its natural thermal spring, which flows at a steady 25°C all year round. Legend says that the Moorish king Abu Zeit ordered the baths to be created so the women of his harem could preserve their beauty. Whether or not the story is true, the place certainly feels enchanted.The spring releases thousands of liters of crystal‑clear water every minute, feeding a series of natural pools along the Mijares River. The result is a refreshing, mineral‑rich oasis that invites you to float, swim, or simply sit on the rocks and let time slow down.

What makes La Fuente de los Baños truly special is its setting. The pools are nestled inside a narrow gorge, surrounded by steep cliffs and lush vegetation. Sunlight filters through the canyon at different angles throughout the day, turning the water shades of emerald and blue. In 2025, La Fuente de los Baños received the Blue Flag distinction — rare for an inland natural bathing area. The award recognizes the exceptional quality of the water, the preservation of the environment, and the visitor facilities that help protect this fragile ecosystem.​

Walks:
​Montanejos is one of those places where walking isn’t just an activity — it’s the best way to feel the landscape. With thermal rivers, dramatic gorges, pine‑covered mountains, and a peaceful historic centre, the town offers routes for every type of walker, from gentle strolls to adventurous hikes.

• Los Estrechos Route (The Narrows): This walk follwos the Mijares river through a spectacular canyon. Perfect to combine this with a swim in the river
• La Fuente de los Baños Walk: starts in the village and follwos the river towards the thermal pools. An easy walk along the edge oif the river.
• Sendero de la Bojera: A more difficult route that brings you up the surrounding hills providing you with stunning views
  
• The Cueva Negra Trail: The Cueva Negra Trail is one of Montanejos’ most enjoyable short routes — perfect if you want a gentle walk that still delivers beautiful scenery, river views, and a touch of archaeology. It’s ideal for families, casual walkers, or anyone looking to add a light adventure to their day without committing to a long hike.

​

If you love nature, wild swimming, or discovering places that feel a little bit magical, Montanejos is worth the journey. It’s one of those rare destinations where the landscape does all the talking — no filters needed.