Books
15 Classic Banned Books That Shaped Literature
In an era of control and curbs of freedom, banned books are are a hot topic, but then again, they
Amy Poulton
March 6, 2026
Madrid Literary Retreat, 21-24 Nov 2025
This retreat is no longer available. Check out our upcoming literary and reading retreats here.
Our Madrid Literary Retreat is designed for passionate readers who want to immerse themselves in the stories, history, and culture of Spain’s vibrant capital.
Whether you’re curling up with a novel during a sunlit siesta or joining guided tours through the city’s literary landmarks, this retreat offers the perfect balance of inspiration, exploration and connection with a community of like-minded book lovers…
Location
From the cobblestone streets of the Barrio de las Letras, where Cervantes, Lope de Vega, and Quevedo once walked, to the bustling cafés, bookstores, and libraries that continue to inspire, Madrid breathes literature.
Its grand plazas, hidden courtyards, and historic theatres offer the perfect backdrop for readers to discover both classic and contemporary Spanish writing.
Itinerary
Scheduled Experiences
These are the signature moments we’ll share together—curated to connect and inspire.
Meet & Greet: It all begins with introductions over drinks (sangria anyone?). Meet your community and get ready for a deliciously bookish weekend.
Welcome Dinner: Let’s enjoy Spanish cuisine together and get to know our fellow bookworms, with a few games and surprises thrown in the mix.
Literary City Tour: We’ll walk together through the streets, learning about the multi-layered literary history of the capital, popping into museums, libraries and other sites of interest along the way.
Bookshop Safari: Madrid has an absolute plethora of bookshops to choose from and we’ll do our best to peruse them all!
Book Siestas: Of course, we’ve factored in some downtime for reading. Curl up with coffee in a cosy bookshop/café, chill out at the accommodation, or continue exploring the city – the choice is up to you.
Book Discussion: Evenings filled with food, wine and discussion about what we’re currently reading.
Books
Books About Greece: From Novels to Ancient Mythology
Greece has inspired writers for centuries with its islands, ancient ruins, turbulent history and timeless myths. Whether you enjoy novels
Amy Poulton
March 4, 2026
Books
15 Children’s Banned Books Through History You Should Know
When I think of children’s literature, I think of innocence and imagination. Yet, many kids books, including some of my
Amy Poulton
February 27, 2026
What’s Included
We’ve planned this retreat to be as flexible as possible, so you can join what and when you want to. If you’d prefer to skip an activity or a group meal, that’s absolutely fine. Your time is yours.
- Cosy accommodation in the city centre
- Literary tour of Madrid
- Community of like-minded book lovers
- Your expert literary guide
- Goodie bag
- Snacks and coffee/tea at the accommodation
- Transport and transfers*
- Meals
- Entrance tickets to sites
- We also offer logistics support, including transport planning and booking, for an additional cost, so you don’t have to worry about a thing. If you would like this service, please let us know.
Accommodation
- We’re staying right in the heart of the city, next to the Plaza Mayor, a buzzing district surrounded by bars and restaurants, and walkable to literary areas of interest.
Rooms
- The property is comprised of five bedrooms and five bathrooms (one per room), and some rooms can be shared.
- SHARED ROOM
Room 1
Three single beds with an ensuite bathroom
Three single beds with an ensuite bathroom
- Private ROOM
Room 2
Double bed with ensuite bathroom
- shared ROOM
Room 3
Two single beds with a bathroom outside
- private ROOM
Room 4
One single bed with a bathroom outside
- private ROOM
Room 5
Double bed with ensuite bathroom
If you are already based in Madrid and don’t need the accommodation option, you are welcome to join the retreat program, including all activities and goodie bags, for a fixed price of EUR175.
Testimonials
“Fun and Welcoming”
I really enjoyed the Bansko Nomad Book Club with Amy! It was such a fun and welcoming space to connect with fellow nomads and book lovers from all over the world. The group felt comfortable and engaging, and I loved being able to share, connect, and hear different perspectives. It’s the perfect way to stay connected with other readers while traveling.
- Ashley, USA
“Cozy Vibe”
Amy’s book club is a great way to think deeper about the destinations you visit. I really enjoyed sharing my findings with others and seeing how certain themes played out in each place. The discussions are fun and insightful, and amy does great creating a cozy vibe for the group! Check it out if you can!
- Tej, USA
“Very Valuable”
I really enjoyed to see how passionate you’re about it and the fact you’ve acquired a lot of knowledge of different books that are specific to the place you’ve traveled and know we get to explore and discuss about these. I’d say is very valuable to connect with others and get first-head recommendations on books they’re reading and also benefited their lives.”
- Fernando, Costa Rica
