Discover Rubielos de Mora and Montanejos
The Thermal Interior
High-altitude springs, wild river swims, one of Spain's Cittaslow towns and wine-slick detours — tracing a wellness route from Valencia into the mountains of Aragón.
Why Rubielos de Mora and Montanejos?
Rubielos de Mora is a medieval village personified — all cloistered courtyards, cobbled calm, and carved stone doorways draped in geraniums. Set high in the sierra, its mountain air is pine-fresh and dry, the kind that clears the head before you’ve even unpacked. One of Spain's CittaSlow movement towns, it has a natural altitude and attitude cure with centuries folded into every lane.
Drop just 40 minutes downhill and Montanejos offers its thermal reply. Here, the Mijares River winds through steep, forested gorges before forming a
spectacular lake behind a dam, a favourite for swimmers and paddlers. Closer to the town, the fuente de los baños spills warm, mineral-rich water into a dreamy river pool flanked by cliffs. Above it, the indoor balneario offers circuit rituals and hydrotherapy with a mountain backdrop.
Together, they thread mountain stillness with thermal flow — a restorative arc from quiet heritage to wild-water renewal.
WHY WE LOVE THIS REGION
Snapshot of Rubielos de Mora and Montanejos?
Altitude Ambiance
Rubielos de Mora sits at over 900 metres, offering crisp air, quiet streets, and preserved medieval architecture that feels untouched by time.
Thermal Duality
Montanejos blends classic spa infrastructure (Balneario de Montanejos) with its famous river spring — the fuente de los baños — at a constant 25°C.
Local Indulgence
From Repsol Sols Restaurants to family-run eateries serving hearty mountain cuisine with spectacular views, with the Bobal-rich Requena region close enough for a day trip.
Refined Rural Stays
From the storied Castel de la Villa in Rubielos to rustic fincas and pet-friendly casas rurales, accommodation balances character with calm.
Rubielos de Mora & Motanejos Sample Itinerary
Day 1 : Flights & Arrival in Valencia
Day 1 : Flights & Arrival in Murcia
Touch down in Valencia and collect your hire car before easing into coastal calm at Las Arenas Balneario Resort. This belle-époque hotel fronts the Mediterranean with stately pools, airy terraces, and a thalassotherapy spa perfect for shaking off jet lag.
Arrival at Valencia International Airport (VAL).
Pick up your rental car
Check-in at Las Arenas Balneario Resort
Dinner at Augusta www.augustavalencia.com - a 15 minute walk along the marina to this Milano gem - thank us later!
Day 2 : Into the Mountains: Rubielos de Mora
Day 2 : Thermal Wellness at Balneario de Archena
Start your day with a thermal circuit at Las Arenas Balneario
— seawater jets, hot-and-cold plunges, and a quiet hammam to ease you into travel mode.
After a light terrace almuerso, set off north-west through a landscape that shifts from citrus groves to pine-studded peaks.
By early afternoon, arrive in Rubielos de Mora — a UNESCO-calibre village of flowered balconies and timeworn towers.
Check in at the Castel de la Villa, then wander its cloistered lanes or visit the Salvador Victoria Museum for a touch of post-war abstraction.
Dinner: Los Leones : Aragonese fare is served with quiet sophistication in a vaulted stone dining room. 1 Sol, tasting menu available, truffles in season. Dinner starts at 9pm.
Day 3 : Wine Detour: Utiel-Requena Day Trip
Day 3 : Cultural Discovery in Murcia City
Morning : Take a gentle loop west to Utiel-Requena, a Denominación de Origen region known for the Bobal grape and subterranean cellars carved into limestone.
Winery 1: Vera de Estenas
Begin your day at Vera de Estenas, a historic family-run estate renowned for its Bobal wines. As one of the few wineries with the prestigious Vino de Pago designation, it offers a unique insight into the region's winemaking heritage. Stroll through century-old vineyards and enjoy a guided tasting in their charming cellar.
Lunch: La Posada de Águeda
For lunch, head to La Posada de Águeda in Requena. This Bib Gourmand-awarded restaurant serves traditional Valencian cuisine with a modern twist. Set in a cozy chalet-style building, it's the perfect spot to savor local dishes paired with regional wines.
Winery 2: Tour at Pago de Tharsys
In the afternoon, visit Pago de Tharsys, a pioneering winery known for its exceptional Cava and innovative winemaking techniques. Explore their vineyards, learn about their unique production methods, and indulge in a tasting session that showcases their diverse wine portfolio.
Drive back to Rubielos through the shifting light of the Sierra — golden hour in the highlands is something special.
Dinner: Stay home at Castel de la Villa’s dining room for a quiet, unhurried meal. Ukrainian influenced for a cuisine change up!
Day 4 : Montanejos Waters + Departure
Day 4 : Wine & Gastronomy in The Ricote Valley
Pack up from Castel de la Villa and descend from the highlands into the gorge country of Montanejos, where thermal springs have flowed since Moorish kings soaked here.
Morning : Vineyard Visits & Tastings
Lunch : at The Ricote Valley for a scenic dining experience.
(Mesón La Almazara)
Afternoon : Scenic Drives & Historic Towns
Optional Detour: For the Roman Enthusiast in Your Life
How many times has someone in your travel party thought about the Romans this week? Probably more than you've soaked. So why not indulge that curiosity with a detour to Sagunto, just 30 minutes north of Valencia — a town where layers of history are etched into every stone.
In 219 BCE, Hannibal's siege of Sagunto sparked the Second Punic War, marking the town's first dramatic entry into the annals of history. But the story doesn't end there. The Sagunto Castle has witnessed a succession of civilizations: fortified by the Romans, expanded during the Islamic period, and later reinforced by Christian rulers.
In the early 19th century, during the Peninsular War, French forces under Marshal Suchet laid siege to the castle in 1811, eventually capturing it after intense fighting. The castle's strategic importance continued into the 20th century, with parts repurposed for military use during the Spanish Civil War.
Today, visitors can explore the sprawling fortress, divided into seven plazas, each revealing a different chapter of its storied past. The Roman theatre, partially reconstructed, still hosts performances, allowing you to experience culture as the ancients did. Nearby, the well-preserved Jewish quarter offers a glimpse into the diverse communities that once thrived here.
Sagunto isn't just a stop for history buffs; it's a journey through time, offering panoramic views of the Mediterranean and a tangible connection to the past. It's not a spa, but it might just rejuvenate a different part of your soul.
SIT BACK AND HEAR THE PIGEONS COO AND THE CHURCH BELLS TOLL
Cittaslow Living
Rubielos de Mora is part of the Cittaslow movement — an international network of towns committed to a slower, more intentional pace of life.
While the label might feel modern, here it’s simply a formalisation of what Rubielos has always been: a place where the bells ring gently, where artisans still shape wood and iron by hand, and where every corner invites lingering.
The absence of rush isn’t performative — it’s structural. Streets are for walking, not racing. Meals stretch longer, and conversations echo through shaded cloisters. In a region where tourism can often feel extractive or hurried, Rubielos offers something rare: restoration not through consumption, but through recalibration. It is, in the truest sense, a place to arrive.
Bobal of Utiel-Requena
Bobal isn’t flashy — it’s grounded. Native to Utiel-Requena, this thick-skinned red grape thrives in high, sunburnt soils and produces wines that are juicy, rustic, and increasingly refined.
For decades, Bobal flew under the radar, but a new generation of winemakers has embraced its potential, crafting elegant, food-friendly wines that speak of place and patience. Requena itself holds secrets underground — cool caves and ancient fermentation vats that tell of a wine culture older than many in Spain. Tastings here are earthy, personal, and often come with a tapa or two from someone’s grandmother’s recipe book.
Bobal of Utiel-Requena
Bobal isn’t flashy — it’s grounded. Native to Utiel-Requena, this thick-skinned red grape thrives in high, sunburnt soils and produces wines that are juicy, rustic, and increasingly refined.
For decades, Bobal flew under the radar, but a new generation of winemakers has embraced its potential, crafting elegant, food-friendly wines that speak of place and patience. Requena itself holds secrets underground — cool caves and ancient fermentation vats that tell of a wine culture older than many in Spain. Tastings here are earthy, personal, and often come with a tapa or two from someone’s grandmother’s recipe book.
FAQs ABOUT THERMAL TOURISM
What is thermal tourism?
Thermal tourism refers to travel centred around natural hot springs, thermal baths, and spa facilities that utilise geothermal or mineral-rich waters for relaxation, healing, and wellness.
Why is Europe a popular destination for thermal tourism?
Europe has a rich history of thermal bathing, from ancient Roman baths to medieval and modern spa resorts. Countries like Hungary, Spain, France, and Italy are home to natural hot springs and world-class spa facilities, making the continent a global leader in wellness tourism.
What are the benefits of thermal tourism?
Thermal waters are believed to :
1. Relieve muscle and joint pain
2. Improve skin conditions.
3. Boost circulation.
4. Promote relaxation and mental well-being.
What is the difference between a balneario and a thermal spa?
A balneario is a Spanish term for a health resort offering therapeutic treatments using thermal waters. A thermal spa is a broader term for facilities offering wellness services using geothermal or mineral waters.
How does thermal tourism fit into the wellness tourism industry?
Thermal tourism is a key segment of wellness tourism, which focuses on health and well-being. It combines relaxation with scientifically backed therapeutic benefits, appealing to health-conscious travellers.
Which countries in Europe are best for thermal tourism?
The top countries include:
Hungary: Famous for Budapest’s thermal baths like Széchenyi and Gellért.
Spain: Home to historic balnearios like Archena and Caldes de Montbui.
France: Renowned for Vichy and Les Thermes de Saint-Malo.
Italy: Known for ancient Roman baths and luxury thermal spas like Bagni di Lucca.
Iceland: Famous for geothermal spas like the Blue Lagoon.
Are there thermal towns in Europe with a long history?
Yes, towns like Baden-Baden (Germany), Bath (England), Vichy (France), and Archena (Spain) have histories stretching back to Roman or medieval times.
What are some unique thermal destinations in Europe?
Blue Lagoon, Iceland: A geothermal spa with iconic milky-blue waters.
Caldea, Andorra: A futuristic thermal complex in the Pyrenees.
Budapest, Hungary: The "City of Spas" with over 120 thermal springs.
What should I bring to a thermal spa?
A swimsuit.
A towel (some spas provide rentals).
Waterproof sandals or flip-flops.
A bathing cap (required at some facilities).
A reusable water bottle to stay hydrated.
Are children allowed in thermal baths?
It depends on the facility. Some spas are family-friendly, while others cater exclusively to adults.
Can I visit thermal spas year-round?
Yes, thermal spas operate year-round. In fact, winter is a particularly popular season for thermal bathing in outdoor pools.
Do I need a medical prescription to visit a balneario?
Most thermal spas are open to all visitors, but certain balnearios with medical-grade treatments may require a prescription or consultation.
What role did the Romans play in thermal tourism?
The Romans established bathhouses across their empire, including in Spain, France, and England. These baths served as social hubs and promoted the use of thermal waters for health.
How has thermal tourism evolved in Europe?
Ancient Times: Romans built elaborate bathhouses.
Medieval Era: Thermal towns maintained local traditions despite the decline of public baths.
19th Century: Thermal tourism flourished with the advent of railroads, making spas accessible to the middle class.
Modern Era: Luxury and wellness spas integrate traditional practices with cutting-edge technology.
What are some famous historical thermal towns in Europe?
Bath, England: A UNESCO World Heritage site with Roman baths.
Vichy, France: Known for its royal patrons and mineral-rich waters.
Baden-Baden, Germany: A luxurious spa town since Roman times.
What are the health benefits of thermal waters?
Thermal waters are believed to:
-Relieve arthritis and joint pain.
-Improve respiratory conditions.
-Detoxify the skin.
-Enhance circulation and reduce stress.
What is the science behind thermal waters?
Thermal waters often contain minerals like sulfur, magnesium, and calcium, which can have anti-inflammatory, detoxifying, and circulation-boosting properties. Studies suggest that regular thermal therapy may support musculoskeletal and dermatological health.
What is Spain's Imserso program?
The Imserso program is a Spanish initiative that subsidises access to thermal spas for seniors, promoting health benefits and social engagement.
What is a thermal circuit?
A thermal circuit involves moving through a series of pools, saunas, steam rooms, and cold baths to stimulate circulation and detoxify the body.
What is the difference between a sauna and a steam room?
Sauna: Dry heat with low humidity, typically hotter (70°C–100°C).
Steam Room: Humid heat with high moisture levels, lower temperatures (40°C–50°C).
Are there luxury thermal spas in Europe?
Yes, many spas combine luxury with wellness. Examples include Baden-Baden (Germany), Vichy Célestins (France), and Blue Lagoon (Iceland).
What are the best thermal baths in Europe?
Széchenyi Baths (Hungary).
Archena (Spain).
Blue Lagoon (Iceland).
Vichy Thermal Spa (France).
Baden-Baden (Germany).
What are the largest thermal facilities in Europe?
Széchenyi Baths (18,000 sqm, Hungary).
Therme Erding (16,000 sqm, Germany).
Blue Lagoon (12,000 sqm, Iceland).
What are the oldest thermal baths still in operation?
Bath (England, Roman Era).
Archena (Spain, Roman Era).
Baden-Baden (Germany, Roman Era).
How much does it cost to visit a thermal spa in Europe?
Prices vary widely. Entry fees typically range from €10–€40, with luxury facilities charging more for premium services.
Do thermal spas require reservations?
While walk-ins are welcome at many facilities, it’s advisable to book in advance, especially at popular or luxury spas.
Can I stay overnight at a thermal spa?
Many thermal spas offer accommodation, from basic lodgings to luxury resorts.
Are thermal spas environmentally sustainable?
Many thermal spas incorporate eco-friendly practices, such as renewable energy, water recycling, and sustainable architecture.
What is the future of thermal tourism in Europe?
With growing interest in wellness and sustainable travel, thermal tourism is expected to expand, incorporating advanced therapies and eco-conscious practices.
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