ACTIVITIES
There's plenty to do at Hamlet's Friends and none of it is compulsory. Some days that's a hike up into the Sierra. Some days it's a padel tournament, or a hammock and whatever shade you can find. Photos don't carry much of that, which is why we'd rather you came and saw it.
There's plenty to do at Hamlet's Friends and none of it is compulsory.
Places to go and things to doBurn Some Energy
Hiking
You're already in the Sierra de San Vicente, so the walking starts at the door. Some of it is an easy hour before lunch. Some of it will make your FitBit dance with joy. Granite villages on the way, and plenty to look at from the top.
Cycling
Quiet roads, not much traffic, and a lot of hills you'll notice on the way back. Bikes are here for guests to use.
Play Padel
We run tournaments often enough that someone is always keeping score. Never played padel? It's what you'd get if tennis and squash had a baby in a cage, and it is horribly addictive. Rackets and balls here, ability optional.
BBQ & Outdoor Dining
Two BBQ spots on the premises. Dinner outside as the sun goes down, then people stay at the table long after dark and someone goes to fetch another chair.
Swimming
The village pool is big and public, open July and August, and every cabaña gets one free day pass. Swim lengths or just get in and cool off. The lifeguard takes no responsibility for cannonball technique.
Football
Games start when enough people wander onto the pitch. It's a rough field and nobody minds. Trainers are fine.
Take It Easy
Chilling
The hammocks are hung wherever the shade is. Side effects include falling asleep mid-afternoon and forming opinions about the meaning of life. There's the terrace too, if you'd rather have the sun.
Stargazing
Almost no light pollution over the Sierra de San Vicente. Sagittarius and Scorpius are easy to pick out, and the Milky Way runs right through them. On a clear night you'll see more stars than you have unread emails.
Nature At The Door
Gardening
We grow our own veg and fruit, and the best salad is still the one you grew yourself (or at least pretended to help with). Come and pull weeds, ask what everything is, learn how a garden works out here.
Watch Cows
Your new neighbors and colleagues are cows. They listen well and hardly ever interrupt a video call. Watching them graze is more absorbing than it has any right to be.
Working
A proper coworking space, plus every outdoor corner you'll end up working from instead. Video calls come with a background your colleagues will ask about. Fast internet, and chairs that won't wreck your back.
and much more...
There's more than this, and a lot of it gets invented on the day. A few of the things that come up...
Activity questions, answered
- What activities are available?
- Hiking, cycling, yoga, swimming, community cooking and more. Most of it happens outside, and the rest of the sierra is there when you want a longer day.
- Is there a swimming pool?
- Yes, the public pool in the village, open in July and August. Every cabaña gets one free day pass. There's also a free padel court, if you fancy a game after.
- How far is Hamlet's Friends from Madrid?
- Nuño Gómez is in Toledo province, about an hour (110 km) by car from Madrid and from Madrid-Barajas airport. Coming by car is much the easiest way to reach us.
- Do I need a car to get around?
- You don't need one to stay here. Most of what there is to do is a walk away, and the village itself is small. For anything further out a car helps, and we can help you arrange transport for longer trips.
- What's worth visiting nearby?
- Plenty. Toledo is about an hour away, a UNESCO World Heritage city of medieval streets and a lot of El Greco. Talavera de la Reina is around 30 minutes, known for its ceramics and worth a morning for the market and lunch. Closer in, the Sierra de San Vicente has marked trails and granite villages. Ask us and we'll pull out maps and routes.
- Where can I buy groceries or eat out nearby?
- Start with ours. El Molino is our own restaurant and the village bar, two minutes' walk away, open for lunch Tuesday to Sunday and dinner Wednesday to Saturday. For groceries, Nuño Gómez has a small supermarket for the basics, weekdays 08:30 to 13:30 and 18:00 to 20:00, plus a pharmacy. Taberna El Duende, also in the village, does traditional tapas and wine. Talavera de la Reina, about 30 minutes away, has plenty more restaurants and shops. Ask us for recommendations or help booking a table.
Ready to come see?
Book a stay, then work out how much of this list you can get through.
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