We spent just shy of eight weeks exploring Spain in our trusty campervan, Frank, during October and November of 2024. Our route hugged the sun-drenched east coast, where our toddler lived his best barefoot life and we perfected the art of beachside coffee. But as ferry-day loomed near in Bilbao, we found ourselves creeping north – and into chillier, cosier, mountain-craving territory.
Cue Picos de Europa: dramatic peaks, misty mornings, and the kind of crisp air that makes you forget you once whined about autumn. We weren’t originally planning to head inland, but after several weeks of dodging the severe floods on the coast, we were craving some different drama – the kind with jaw-dropping views, mountain air and surprise cable cars. Which is exactly how we found ourselves eyeing up the Teleférico de Fuente Dé.
The details: what you need to know
- Return ticket: €17 per adult
- One-way: €11 (though I wouldn’t recommend the hike down unless you’re feeling very energetic)
- Children aged 0–3: Free!
- Children aged 4–12: €8
Parking is free, with a 2.9m height restriction in the main car park as you drive in. Frank is 2.6m, so we were fine, but we noticed some larger campers parked up on the roadside a little further along.
You’ll find cafés at both the top and the bottom. We didn’t go in (our snack game was strong that day), but they looked inviting if you’re in need of a warm-me-up hot chocolate.
The ride up
The cable car takes you from the base at Fuente Dé to a height of over 1,800 metres in under four minutes. It’s the kind of ascent that makes your ears pop and your jaw drop – especially when you peek out over the jagged cliffs and spot the snow.
Little Rick was completely unfazed, clearly respecting my silent prayers that he wouldn’t decide this was the moment to leap into full chaos mode. He loved it. Pointing at peaks, giggling at the movement, and generally acting like he’d been riding cable cars since birth. Which, to be fair, isn’t too far off!
At the top
Once you’re up there, it’s like entering a different world – peaceful, otherworldly, and almost surreal. There are walking trails if you’re geared up (we weren’t), or you can just wander near the viewing platform and soak in the sheer epic-ness of the mountains.
We didn’t stay long (about 1.5 hours, I’d say) – it was chilly, and the small human decided he needed a nap – but it was absolutely worth the trip. That brief moment of standing above the clouds, toddler in arms, Frank waiting loyally in the valley below – it was magical.
Where we stayed
We stayed about 30 minutes away (26, if we’re being precise) in Potes, a ridiculously pretty little town with mountain charm, red-roofed buildings, and an excellent pizza place called Casa Cabo. It’s all cobbled streets and cosy bars – like a Spanish version of a ski village, minus the snow.
There were three free park-ups in town and also a couple of red aires if you need to water fill/empty – all found via the trusty Park4Night app, which is our holy grail when we’re living the van life.
Final thoughts: is it worth it?
Yes. Wholeheartedly. It was an impromptu mountain detour that ended up being a highlight of our trip. The cable car is affordable, family-friendly, and delivers jaw-dropping views without needing hiking boots or a sherpa. Win-win.
If you’re anywhere near northern Spain and you’ve got a soft spot for soaring views and spontaneous adventures, this one’s a no-brainer. Plus, it makes a great story – “Remember that time we were suddenly 1,800 metres up in the clouds?” Sure do.
Need to know
- Location: Fuente Dé, Cantabria, Spain (in the heart of Picos de Europa National Park)
- Ticket Prices (as of late 2024):
- Adults: €17 return / €11 one way
- Children (4–12): €8 return
- Children (0–3): Free
- Duration: ~4 minutes each way
- Parking: Free; height restriction of 2.9m in main car park
- Food & drink: Cafés at both the top and bottom
- Best for: View-chasers, mountain lovers, families, lazy hikers
- Booking: You can book tickets in advance on the official site here – but we just bought ours on arrival without a hitch
Have you done the Teleférico de Fuente Dé? Planning to add it to your Spanish road trip? I’d love to hear what you think – especially if your toddler gave it a five-star review like ours did. Drop a comment below and let’s chat all things mountain magic!
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