For the little ones, it’s pure adventure; for adults, an unexpected break to really take in what usually goes unnoticed.

In a country like Spain, where the landscape changes every few kilometres, these aerial journeys become mini-experiences that blend excitement, a gentle sense of vertigo and surprise. Mountains unfolding beneath your feet, towns gradually shrinking in the distance, the sea peeking over the horizon…

It’s not your typical day out. It’s a different kind of outing, easy to organise, accessible and perfect for the whole family. The sort that ends with an inevitable cry as you reach terra firma: “Let’s do it again!”

On the island of Tenerife, the imposing Mount Teide rises as the highest peak in Spain. Taking the cable car up is almost like travelling to another planet. In just a few minutes, you’ll go from a volcanic landscape to skimming the clouds at an altitude of over 3,500 metres.

The children will be fascinated by the surroundings, whilst the adults will enjoy a panoramic view that, on clear days, allows you to see other islands in the archipelago.

To round off the experience, we recommend staying at the Parador de Las Cañadas del Teide, located just an 8-minute drive from the cable car. There, you’ll enjoy another wonderful experience as you relax facing Spain’s highest peak. By day, you can enjoy the natural surroundings and views of the volcano’s peak, and by night, get ready to be amazed by a heavenly host of stars above you.

If towering mountains are your thing, the Fuente Dé cable car will take you to the heart of the Picos de Europa in just a few minutes.

The ascent is breathtaking from the very first moment, with an almost vertical climb of 753 metres, taking you to an altitude of 1,823 metres in just four minutes. A brief but intense experience, in which the mountain seems to draw closer whilst the valley gradually recedes beneath your feet.

Upon reaching the top station, the landscape opens up in every direction with overwhelming beauty. To the south, a spectacular natural viewpoint from which you can gaze at the immensity of the Cantabrian Mountains. To the north, the imposing peaks of the central massif, also known as the Urrieles, which form a horizon of rock and sky that will leave you speechless.

The experience isn’t limited to the scenery; the cable car station has two cafés, one at the base—perfect for a drink before or after the ascent—and one at the top station, where you can take a break with stunning views of the mountains.

And if you want to round off the day, the Parador de Fuente Dé is just a stone’s throw away. Surrounded by unspoilt nature, it is the ideal starting point for easy family walks, many of which are accessible directly from the Parador itself. A place where the adventure continues even after you’ve got off the cable car.

In Barcelona, the Montjuïc cable car offers one of the most comprehensive and stunning views of the city. From its modern cabins, which can hold up to eight people, the family can have fun spotting landmarks as they ascend gently.

The journey is not just a ride, but an urban mini-adventure that invites you to discover the city from a different perspective. As the cable car gains height, there is that almost cinematic effect where Barcelona seems to slowly recede, allowing you to observe its rhythm, its shapes and its contrasts with unique clarity.

Access is easy and well connected, with three stops along the route. The first, Parc de Montjuïc, located next to Avinguda de Miramar, connects with the funicular that climbs up from Avenida Paral·lel and provides access to some of the area’s most notable cultural attractions, such as the Joan Miró Foundation, Poble Espanyol and the National Art Museum of Catalonia.

The second stop, Mirador, allows you to discover one of the most pleasant spots on the mountain: the Mirador del Alcalde, a landscaped terrace with spectacular views of the harbour. Also nearby are the Sardana Monument and the Joan Brossa Gardens, a particularly fun space for children, with games, green areas and even zip lines.

The route culminates at Montjuïc Castle, a 17th-century military fortress offering some of the best views of the city. Here, the experience combines history, scenery and that touch of adventure that makes the visit a perfect day out for the whole family.

To round off the getaway, you can stay at the Parador de Cardona, which adds a touch of medieval fantasy that’s hard to beat. Sleeping in a castle is the perfect finishing touch to a trip where the city, the sky and history come together in a single memory.

In the Girona Pyrenees, the Coma del Clot cable car opens the door to a high-mountain setting that’s perfect for family fun. Here, the experience begins even before you board the iconic rack railway that climbs up into the valley, winding its way through mountains, forests and rivers, building anticipation for the adventure ahead.

Once in the Vall de Núria, the landscape changes with every season. In summer, lush greens and gentle trails dominate, whilst in winter, the snow transforms the surroundings into an ideal setting for trying out mountain activities. It is a versatile destination, where every visit is experienced differently.

The cable car connects the heart of the valley with Pic de l’Àliga, at an altitude of over 2,100 metres. During the journey, it climbs more than 150 metres in altitude whilst offering a spectacular panoramic view of the Pyrenean landscape, with forests, paths and peaks stretching to the horizon.

Upon reaching the top, you are treated to a magnificent view of the entire valley, and it is not uncommon, if you look closely, to spot a chamois moving nimbly among the rocks, surprising both children and adults alike.

This experience is ideal both for those looking to start hiking trails and for those who prefer to enjoy the mountains without too much effort. The cable car brings the high mountains within easy, safe and accessible reach, making it a perfect outing for everyone.

To round off the getaway, the Parador de Vic-Sau is an excellent base from which to explore the area, combining nature, tranquillity and the charm of a superb setting.

On the Costa del Sol, the Benalmádena cable car is one of the most comprehensive and surprising activities to enjoy with the family. The ascent to Mount Calamorro combines excitement, nature and leisure in an experience designed for all ages.

The journey, which lasts around 15 minutes and covers nearly 3 kilometres, takes place in modern cable cars with a capacity for four people, which ascend gently from Benalmádena Costa to the mountain summit, at an altitude of almost 800 metres. As you gain height, the landscape transforms. The Malaga coastline unfolds beneath your feet and the Mediterranean stretches as far as the eye can see.

During the ascent, it is not only the views that catch the eye, but also the natural richness of the surroundings. The slopes of El Calamorro are home to a diverse range of Mediterranean flora and , with species such as rockrose, thyme and marjoram, which create a landscape full of nuances depending on the time of year.

Once at the summit, the experience continues. The area offers a wealth of options to enjoy, with easy, well-signposted trails, viewpoints offering spectacular panoramic views of the Costa del Sol, and even views that, on clear days, stretch as far as Gibraltar and the African coast.

One of the major attractions for families is the well-known Valle de las Águilas, where displays of birds of prey in the wild take place. Falcons, eagles, owls and vultures soar through the sky in a stunning natural setting, making the visit an unforgettable experience for young and old alike.

What’s more, during the summer, the cable car offers a unique experience with an open-air planetarium that transforms the summit of Calamorro into a unique spot for stargazing, adding a touch of magic to the day.

To round off your getaway, you can stay at the Parador de Málaga Gibralfaro which offers stunning views over the city and the Mediterranean, or the Parador de Málaga Golf a perfect choice nestled between the sea and the mountains.

There’s something special about cable cars; they turn a simple journey into an exciting, safe experience suitable for all ages. They’re the sort of outing that delights both children and adults alike, where laughter mingles with wonder. Next time you’re thinking of a family getaway, look up. Your best memory might just be suspended in mid-air.

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