Else Beekman
When you think of Spain, sunshine is probably the first thing that comes to mind. And most of the time, you’d be right. But even in the land of eternal summer, the skies can open up now and then. Whether you’re staying in a coastal holiday home or planning a weekend in Madrid, a sudden grey sky doesn’t have to ruin your plans. Spain is still a joy, even in the rain, as long as you know where to go.
Here are some great ideas to make the most of a rainy day, wherever you are in the country.
1. Step into a museum
With its rich history, art and culture, Spain is packed with fascinating museums, and rain in Spain gives the perfect excuse to explore them. The Prado in Madrid is a must for classical art lovers, and Bilbao’s futuristic Guggenheim remains a showstopper. But the real gems often lie beyond the big cities:
- In Figueres (Catalonia), you can lose yourself in the surreal world of Salvador Dalí at the Teatre-Museu Dalí.
- In Valencia, the Museo de las Ciencias Príncipe Felipe in the City of Arts and Sciences is a fun and educational hit, especially with kids.
- Fancy something more local? Try the Museo de Alfarería (Pottery Museum) in Agost, Alicante, and discover the centuries-old craft of ceramics.
- In Málaga, the Museo Picasso offers an intimate glimpse into the life and work of the city’s most famous son, housed in a beautifully restored palace.
- And of course, in Bilbao, the Guggenheim Museum continues to impress with its groundbreaking architecture and bold contemporary exhibitions.
2. Stay dry while shopping
Rainy days are made for retail therapy, and Spain doesn’t disappoint when it comes to shopping centres. From designer outlets to casual high street stores, you’ll find plenty of options to explore in comfort.
- In Zaragoza, Puerto Venecia is one of Europe’s largest shopping destinations, complete with cinemas and dining areas.
- Seville’s Lagoh Shopping Centre even features an indoor surfing wave, perfect for a rainy adrenaline fix.
- On the northern coast, Ballonti in Barakaldo (Basque Country) is a great place to browse and shelter from the weather.
- Along the Costa Blanca, La Zenia Boulevard near Orihuela Costa offers spacious indoor and outdoor shopping, plus a covered kids’ play area.
- On the Costa del Sol, La Cañada near Marbella is ideal for lovers of a bit of luxury — big brands, stylish cafés, and that touch of Marbella flair.
3. Road tripping under the clouds
Just because the sun’s hiding doesn’t mean you have to stay indoors. Spain’s landscapes often become even more atmospheric under a dramatic sky. Fill up the tank and hit the road on a day with rain in Spain.
- Cruise through the mystical Ribeira Sacra valley in Galicia, where winding roads pass deep gorges, ancient monasteries and lush vineyards.
- Or roam the wide plains of Castilla-La Mancha, where windmills and sleepy villages emerge from the mist like something out of a novel.
- Prefer a coastal vibe? The scenic stretch from Almuñécar to Nerja on the Costa Tropical is a beauty, even in the drizzle.
- And don’t miss the famous White Villages Route (Ruta de los Pueblos Blancos) in Andalucia, winding between picture-perfect towns like Arcos de la Frontera, Grazalema and Zahara de la Sierra — all stunning, rain or shine.
4. Hit the slopes
If it’s raining by the sea, there’s a good chance it’s snowing in the mountains. Spain has a surprisingly wide range of ski resorts, from chic and busy to small and friendly.
- Baqueira-Beret in the Catalan Pyrenees is a royal favourite and a real winter sports haven.
- Down south, the Sierra Nevada offers skiing with Mediterranean views — on clear days, you can see all the way to the sea.
- In the north, Valdezcaray (La Rioja) is great for a relaxed, affordable day on the slopes.
- And in central Spain, La Pinilla in Segovia is a small but versatile resort just 90 minutes from Madrid, great for all levels.
5. Underground adventures
When in doubt, go underground. Spain boasts dozens of fascinating caves, each with its own atmosphere — from prehistoric artwork to cathedral-like rock formations.
- On Mallorca, the Cuevas del Drach offer a magical boat ride across an underground lake, complete with a live classical concert.
- In Cantabria, the Altamira Caves are often called the “Sistine Chapel of Prehistoric Art.”
- In Castellón, the Cueva de San José features Europe’s longest navigable underground river.
- Down south, the Cueva de Nerja near the coastal town of Nerja is famed for its towering stalactites and vast chambers — a natural cathedral of stone.
- And in the capital? Try the underground tunnels of Madrid. Explore ghost stations like Chamberí or delve into the newly opened historic tunnels beneath Plaza Mayor, a surprising way to experience the city’s hidden history.
6. Binge-watch Spanish Netflix hits
Rainy days are made for cosy binge sessions. And what better way to pass the time than by watching a few Spanish series or films? You’ll pick up a bit of the language, too.
- “La Casa de Papel” (Money Heist) needs no introduction, red jumpsuits, Dali masks and clever twists galore.
- For something darker, try the gripping documentary “El Caso Alcàsser”, about a real-life crime that shocked Spain.
- In the mood for something lighter? “Valeria”, set in Madrid, is like a Spanish take on Sex and the City — stylish, funny and feel-good.
- And don’t miss “Caught” (Spanish title: Atrapados), an Argentine thriller following investigative journalist Ema Garay as she hunts down criminals who’ve slipped through the justice system.
7. Eat, sip and stay a while
Maybe the most enjoyable way to spend a grey day with rain in Spain is… eating. Long, lingering meals are a national pastime, and in a cosy restaurant, you’ll forget all about the weather.
- In León, warm up with a hearty cocido maragato, a traditional stew that’s eaten in reverse (meat first, soup last!).
- In the Basque Country, rainy days are the perfect excuse to visit a txoko, a private dining club where cooking and sharing food are at the heart of the experience (some are open to visitors).
- Down in Murcia, try arroz caldero, a richly flavoured rice dish with fish, ideal for a breezy day by the sea.
- In the Valencia region, arroz al horno (oven-baked rice) is a must, hearty, warming and full of local flavour.
- Fancy stretching your legs? Go on a tapas crawl in the old town of Pamplona, San Sebastián or Zaragoza — the bars are usually just a stone’s throw apart. Forgot your umbrella? No worries, the nearest Chinese bazaar probably sells them for a few euros.
Rain in Spain? Just keep enjoying
Whether you’re soaking up culture in a museum, skiing down a mountain, or nibbling tapas as raindrops patter outside, Spain always has something to offer. And sometimes, it’s those grey days that lead to the most unexpected discoveries. So grab your raincoat, open that umbrella, or simply duck inside somewhere warm. Spain never gets boring, sun or no sun.