After living in Madrid for a few years, I initially had no idea where to buy seafood. After all, Madrid isn’t by the sea, yet Spanish people absolutely love seafood. Gradually, I figured out some good spots, and today I’m sharing them with you.
Traditional Markets
Mercado de Maravillas is my go-to place, located in the Tetuán district. This market is quite large with several seafood stalls inside. Tuesday through Saturday mornings are the busiest times, but that’s when everything is freshest. I usually buy shrimp, squid, and similar items—prices are considerably cheaper than supermarkets. Remember to bring an insulated bag, otherwise things won’t stay fresh on the way home in summer. Additionally, Mercado de Chamberí is also excellent, with a cleaner environment and consistently good seafood quality, though prices are slightly higher.
Specialized Seafood Shops
If you want to buy premium seafood, check out the street near La Trainera, where there are several shops specializing in wholesale and retail seafood. They have king crab, lobster, and more—though prices aren’t cheap either. There’s also a shop called Mariscos Apolo on Calle de Ayala. The owner is from Galicia and supposedly ships products directly from the coast daily. Some people said their seafood wasn’t fresh before, but I’ve checked it out a few times and it seems fine.
Price Reference Table
| Seafood Type | Market Price | Supermarket Price |
|---|
| Large Shrimp | 18-25€ | 25-30€ |
| Squid | 8-12€ | 12-15€ |
| Mussels | 3-5€ | 6-8€ |
| Sea Bass | 12-15€ | 15-20€ |
Going to the Mercamadrid wholesale market on weekends is another option, though they mainly do wholesale business and aren’t too keen on small quantities. I suggest arriving before 7 AM on Saturday—parking is easier to find then. Note that they mainly speak Spanish there with virtually no English, so it’s best to bring a Spanish-speaking friend along.
Practical Tips
Avoid buying seafood on Mondays since markets are closed on Sundays, meaning Monday’s stock might be leftover from Friday or Saturday. Also, in summer, always ask whether the seafood is frozen or fresh—some stalls mix both. When paying, chat a bit with the vendors; once they know you, they’ll help pick the best items for you and sometimes even give you a discount.
Madrid offers plenty of seafood options; the key is to explore and find shops you trust. Remember one thing: don’t buy seafood that’s too cheap—there’s definitely something wrong with it. Hope this information helps, and if you know other good places, feel free to share!
