Teleférico de Fuente Dé

The Picos de Europa («Peaks of Europe») is a relatively small stretch of glass-​cut mountain peaks (the Steepest in Spain), just 20 km inland from the ocean. The Picos stretch over the Autonomous Communities of Asturias, Cantabria and Castile and León, forming part of the Cantabrian Mountains. The most widely accepted origin for the name is that they were the first sight of Europe for ships arriving from the Americas.
Gayle and I took a day trip out here from Santillana Del Mar and wished we could have stayed longer. In fact, our largest regret from our entire trip was not taking the full 4.5 hour walk down from the top of the Cable Care (Teleférico de Fuente Dé). However, we were just not prepared food– and water-​wise for such a trip in the Mountains.
We were also here during off season, so the crowds were low and we felt that we almost had an entire mountain range and National Park all to ourselves. The drive out and back also had some wonderfully scenic moments, including windy roads, the scenic La Hermida Gorge, having Lunch in the scenic town of Potes, old churches, various villages, and lots of hikers and bikers.
Our ride up the Teleférico de Fuente Dé Cable car was both thrilling and scary. It’s a long way down from the top! It also happens to be the largest single-​span cable car in Europe and zips you up a very steep 2600 feet in around 4 minutes. Once at the top (~6000 feet), the panoramic vistas are stunning, with a new one practically around every bend in the trail. We took part of the trail to the bottom, explored around a lot, and marveled at the hikers taking a trail that was available on the front side (under the Cable Car).
During our Trips together, Gayle and I learn some things about each other. One perspective that we gathered on this trip is how much we like being outside and walking/​hiking around. We found that to be true here in the Picos and later in the Pyrenees and on the Costa Brava. We also agreed that we would have gladly shortened our stay in the wonderful City of Barcelona to spend more time in glorious outdoor venues such as this. As such, both of us really hope that we’ll pass this way again.