Great Pond of El Retiro — Attraction in Madrid

You know, in my life, not that I’m that old … Geeez. My fondest memories are with an old school pal and my girlfriend, and both of those memories were on boating lakes. Funny eh? One in Battersea Park in London and the second, here in Madrid.

There is a third memory, in Casa de Campo, but that was when they emptied the lake and I had a long distance boomerang, with small weights embedded at the tips. In the wet air of London it travelled for about 40 seconds before returning to me. In Madrid, it went up & out over the trees, out of sight and I lost it forever, or so I thought. It did return on its flight plan, some three and half minutes later. I kid you not. I didn’t throw it again, just in case.

The memory of my school mate was quite different. We were larking about in separate boats, throwing water balloons at each other, then there was this one that was thrown at me. It was to hit me squarely in the face and I could nothing to prevent it. What was strange, was that I saw it coming in slow motion. It was the oddest thing I ever saw in my young life. After the hit and we were talking, my friend also has witnessed the slo-mo. I have only encountered this kind of event twice in my life. The second was a car crash. I don’t want a third event, please!

The memory of my girlfriend and I, in Retiro, is...

El Retiro Pond is truly one of Madrid's hidden gems. Nestled within the famous Retiro Park, the pond offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. The iconic rowboats for hire provide a unique way to experience the calm waters, surrounded by lush greenery and beautiful views of the park. Whether you're looking to relax and enjoy the scenery, have a peaceful boat ride, or simply take in the architecture of the grand Palacio de Cristal in the distance, this spot is perfect for unwinding.

The area is well-maintained, and it's a great place for both locals and tourists to enjoy. It’s especially enchanting during sunset, when the golden light casts a magical glow across the water. Whether you're visiting for a leisurely stroll, a family outing, or a romantic moment, El Retiro Pond never fails to impress.

Highly recommended for anyone...

While exploring El Retiro Park, we came across the Great Pond (Estanque Grande de El Retiro), and it instantly became one of our favorite spots in Madrid. 🌳✨ The shimmering water, surrounded by beautiful trees and historic sculptures, created such a peaceful and picturesque setting.

It was wonderful to just sit by the edge of the pond, take in the views, and watch the rowboats glide gracefully across the water. 🚣‍♀️ The whole atmosphere felt lively yet calm — locals and tourists enjoying the sunshine, laughter echoing from the boats, and the backdrop of the grand monument made it feel like a postcard moment.

Whether you choose to go for a boat ride or simply relax by the shore, this spot is perfect for unwinding and soaking in the beauty of Madrid. A must-visit within El...