Madrid City Council Plans to Turn El Retiro Pond into a Saltwater Squid Farm

Madrid is preparing for one of its most surreal urban transformations yet. In 2026, the City Council will drain the iconic pond in El Retiro Park for structural repairs—but instead of refilling it with fresh water, the plan is to convert it into a saltwater lagoon populated by thousands of squid.

The initiative, dubbed Retiro Marino, aims to completely change the pond’s ecosystem, replacing carp and ducks with marine life. According to municipal officials, the goal is to cultivate locally produced squid and support an ambitious proposal: securing Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status for Madrid’s iconic squid sandwich.

As part of the project, food stalls would be installed around the pond, allowing visitors to cook freshly caught squid on the spot. The traditional rental boats would also be adapted with fishing gear, giving locals and tourists the chance to catch their own squid before enjoying it immediately.

The plan goes even further. City sources say the project is a first step toward a long-held dream within parts of the council—to bring the sea to Madrid. Future phases could include replacing some green areas of El Retiro with sand, slowly transforming the park into what officials half-jokingly describe as the capital’s first urban beach.

“El Retiro has been many things throughout its history,” said municipal spokesperson Marcelino Cente. “Now it’s time for it to become a port.”

While experts in marine biology and urban planning have expressed skepticism, the proposal has been warmly welcomed by city-center restaurateurs, who see it as a bold boost for one of Madrid’s most beloved culinary symbols.

Source: Madrid Secreto, January 2026