Think Spain Is Always Sunny? These 7 Rainy Places Will Change Your Mind (And Steal Your Heart)
When you think of Spain, you probably picture sunshine, beaches, and sangria — but surprise: parts of Spain are among the rainiest places in Europe. And they’re stunning.
Forget the dry south for a minute. Head north, where lush green landscapes meet dramatic coastlines, misty forests, and moody skies. The rain doesn’t ruin the vibe — it makes it.
Here are 7 of Spain’s rainiest places that are worth every drop.
1. Santiago de Compostela (Galicia)
The spiritual heart of Spain and the final stop of the famous Camino de Santiago pilgrimage, Santiago is also one of the wettest cities in the country — with rain falling roughly 180 days a year.
But that’s part of its charm. The city’s cobblestone streets glisten under drizzle, and its medieval squares feel straight out of a storybook. Locals even have a saying: “En Santiago, llueve encanto” — in Santiago, it rains charm.
Why visit: The cathedral alone is worth the trip, but the city’s food scene — from Galician octopus (pulpo a la gallega) to Albariño wine — makes rainy days delicious.
2. Vigo (Galicia)
One of the rainiest cities in Spain, Vigo gets over 1,700 mm of rainfall per year. The rain is what keeps its landscapes so green and alive. This Atlantic port city blends wild coastline, seafood culture, and misty mountain views — a perfect mix of drama and authenticity.
Why visit: Explore the old town, eat freshly caught oysters at the Mercado da Pedra, and take a boat to the Cíes Islands, a national park that’s stunning rain or shine.
3. Pontevedra (Galicia)
A small, walkable city that shines (even in the rain). Pontevedra’s historic center is one of the most charming in Galicia — full of arcaded squares, stone buildings, and cafés that glow in the drizzle. It’s also famous for its pedestrian-friendly streets and laid-back pace.
Why visit: It’s the perfect rainy-day city — cozy, beautiful, and authentic. Grab a coffee, wander through the old quarter, and enjoy the rhythm of life moving slowly under umbrellas.
4. Oviedo (Asturias)
Asturias might just be Spain’s greenest region, and its capital, Oviedo, owes its beauty to the sky. Rain feeds the rolling hills, apple orchards, and misty forests that define this northern gem.
Oviedo’s old town feels cozy even on gray days — cafés serving hot cider (sidra natural) and buttery pastries like carbayones make sure of it. And if you head just outside the city, you’ll find hiking trails and viewpoints that look even more magical with fog.
Why visit: It’s Spain’s fairytale side — dramatic, romantic, and real. Bring an umbrella and a camera.
5. Bilbao (Basque Country)
Bilbao might be famous for the Guggenheim Museum, but locals know it for something else too — its lluvia. The Basque Country sees a lot of rain, and Bilbao wears it beautifully.
The city has reinvented itself from an industrial port into one of Spain’s most stylish urban escapes. Rain slicks the pavement, neon reflects on puddles, and the mix of old and new architecture feels cinematic.
Why visit: Between art galleries, pintxo bars, and riverfront walks, Bilbao is proof that gray days can be gorgeous.
6. San Sebastián (Basque Country)
Even the rain can’t dampen San Sebastián’s elegance. This seaside city, known for its world-class cuisine and golden bay, gets frequent drizzle — but locals just keep strolling the La Concha promenade with umbrellas in hand.
Rain adds atmosphere to the city’s Belle Époque architecture and cozy pintxo bars. And honestly, it’s the perfect excuse to spend hours hopping from bar to bar, tasting everything from grilled prawns to jamón croquettes.
Why visit: The combination of rain, sea mist, and Michelin stars makes San Sebastián one of Europe’s most romantic rainy cities.
7. A Coruña (Galicia)
Perched on the wild Atlantic coast, A Coruña is known for its rugged beauty — and its weather. This is the kind of place where storms roll dramatically over the ocean, waves crash against the Tower of Hercules, and cafés glow with warm light.
It’s moody, dramatic, and deeply authentic. You come here not in spite of the rain, but because of it.
Why visit: It’s Galicia in its rawest form — where sea, sky, and city blur together beautifully.
The Beauty of Rainy Spain
Rain is what keeps northern Spain lush, wild, and refreshingly real. It’s what gives Galicia its forests, Asturias its cider, and the Basque Country its rolling green hills.
So don’t avoid the rain — pack a good jacket and go find it. Because in Spain, the gray skies don’t ruin the trip. They just make it more beautiful.
