Spain 2026 - May 07 -> May 28, 2026
May 07 / 08, 2026 - Halifax to Montreal to Madrid to Granada
to Albolote (Cortijo del Marques)
With my worsening knees (I am having my left knee replaced June 17th) we decided not to take an early April trip this year. But once the timing of surgery was known we bit the bullet and booked three weeks to Spain in May.
The trip started well with a smooth flight to Montreal followed by an afternoon in the Air Canada Maple Leaf lounge where we met and chatted with Dina and Danny from Dundas. They were on their way to Spain and then Faro, Portugal for a wedding.
Things started to go wrong when the flight was delayed an hour due to a lavatory problem. Not a big deal - just less time in the lounge in Madrid. Upon arriving my hobbling and walking stick got us assistance with the new European Entry Exit System registration. A good thing as was the case when applying for Nexus the system had difficulties registering Gayle's finger prints. But finally success and we were through, got our boarding passes, dropped off our bags and headed to the Priority lounge that we enjoyed two years ago, now looking forward to fresh orange juice, tortilla and a wealth of other spanish goods.
However upon arriving we were denied entry as our boarding passes to Granada indicated we were 'Stand By'. News to us so off we went to the Iberia customer service. Although our booking stated a 'front Seat was Included' apparently that was not enough to guarantee us a seat. We were told the flight was sold out, with all seats assigned, i.e. there was nothing that could be done but cross our fingers and hope. The next flight was not until the evening, and it too was sold out. Our back up plan was to rent a vehicle and drive the 4 1/2 hours to Granada.
An hour before the flight we were told all but four passengers had checked in. We were quite worried but after all others boarded we (and one other fellow) did secure seats, albeit with a hand-written seat assignment. But we were on board, very relieved.
We landed in Granada a bit less than an hour later, picked up our rental vehicle and drove north of Granada and then towards Jaen to our 'home' for the first five nights - Cortijo del Marques.
This is our fourth time at the Cortijo, first in 2013 (actually 2 stays), 2017, 2024 and now again in 2026. It is kind off nice to be 'known' when emailing to inquire about returning.
We were wondering whether the wildflowers would still be in bloom in May. No worries as the red poppies, along with many other thistles and flowers coloured up the countryside.
Having been here a number of times we easily found our way to the Cortijo.
Tonight's meal started with Ajo blanco con tierra de almendra y uvas (a cold almond and garlic soup with ground almonds and grapes). Absolutely delicious. Next came Cogollo braseado con vinagreta de pimiento y praline de anchoa y parmesano (grilled lettuce heart, pepper vinaigrette and praline of anchovies and parmesan). Gayle's of course was without the anchovies. Norm's main course was Merluza de pincho con patata chafada y emulsion verde fresca (fillet of line-caught hake fish with smashed potato and green emulsion) with Gayle was served Glazed tofu on spiced aubergine with yoghurt and lemon sauce. While Norm prefers meat over fish the hake was good and beautifully presented. For dessert we had a Pera al vino, crema montada y chocolate blanco (Pear in red wine, Chantilly and white chocolate) - again outstanding. We accompanied our meal with a lovely Albarino wine from Galicia. If all meals will be as good as this we look forward to another four nights of dinners here at the Cortijo.
After dinner we moved over to the couch in front of the fireplace where we sipped our last glass of wine listening to some wonderful flamenco music. We ended up chatting with Michelle and Andrei, from Toronto who were doing the same. Other guests are quite engaging including Kim and Glenn from Caledon, Ontario who were at the adjacent table to us. They are spending a week here, having chosen del Marques based on its reputation for excellent meals.
A great start to our trip.
We started with some bread and olive oil from Granada.
Our wine choice tonight was Zarate, Albariño 2025.
Spain - May 07, 2026 to May 28, 2026
This year we decided not to go to Spain during the first two weeks of April as we had done the past two years.
Rather, after 'tax season' and before my knee replacement currently expected mid-June we booked a three-week trip in May.
This year's trip will start just north of Granada, then working west and north through Andalucia and Extremadura before swinging back to Madrid.
We are flying through Montreal, then to Madrid and finally on to Granada where we will pick up our rental car. We will be staying
- 5 nights at Cortijo del Marques north of Granada, where we have stayed three times before, then
- 3 nights at Molina La Nava, near Montero, after which
- 2 nights at Hotel Rural Las Tejuelas, between Valdecaballeros and Guadalupe in Extremadura, where we stayed in 2024, followed by
- 4 nights at Finca El Azahar, near Truillo, and then
- 3 nights at Finca El Cabezo, near San Martin de Trevejo, and finally
- 3 nights at Hotel El Nabia, near Candeleda in the province of Castilla y Leon a bit over two hours west of Madrid's airport