I am having a really hard time choosing between Basque Country and Cantabria (into Asturias). With these parameters, can you please offer suggestions?

airport: Bilbao (last night there a definite)
10 nights total
prefer to not rent a car, but it is an option
prefer small towns and hiking
I don't like to sightsee all day, I like to relax--a town with a few bars and restaurants is enough
Food is paramount, hence the appeal of San Sebastian, but in addition to liking small towns over cities, they are more affordable as well

Here is what I was thinking so far: either 1) Head east to San Sebastian from Bilbao and then make my way to small towns in a circuitous route back to Bilbao.
OR 2) Head west, visiting the following towns: Santillana del Mar, Llanes, Luarca, Cangas de Onis/Covadonga.
I am still researching bus and train connections between all of these towns. Thanks in advance--the many Fodorites who rave about San Sebastian and northern Spain in general helped me quickly pull the trigger when an affordable flight to Bilbao came about, but now that I have to narrow down the options I am struggling.

If you haven't already be sure to check out Maribels' guides for information about the various villages in the area
maribelsguides.com
I would stay a few nights in San Seb and then select among the many lovely villages around there and between SS and Bilbao including Lekeitio, Getaria, Hondarribia, St. Jean. I loved Bilbao and would stay there a day or two. While a medium sized city, its not terribly expensive and a fun town. Also u might think about looking into the towns in the hills. Not sure about bus service to them though.

Thanks! So that's one vote for Basque country--topping for some additional feedback.
(ps I have Maribel's guides bookmarked)

If Bilbao is your last stop, then I would head west to Ribadeo in Asturias and work your way back, spending the last four days in the Basque country, two nights in San Sebastian and two in Bilbao.

Train transportation is okay for local travel, but in order to see things and not waste time by taking the bus, I highly recommend renting a car.

you may want to take a look at my blog, from a local point of view www.blogseitb.us/basquetourism, about the Basque Country.

Thanks Mike, I found it when I searched past posts about BC--looks like it will be helpful if I ever decide!
Robert, if I went with that plan, what kind of breakdown would you recommend for my 6 remaining nights? I like to avoid fewer than 3 nights stays, but I realize I'm dealing with small towns.

Among the seaside towns west of Bilbao, we enjoyed Castro Urdiales, Santander (larger but not overcrowded), Ribadesella (loved this and highly recommend the Villa Rosario there) I was somewhat disappointed in Ribadeo and think Santillana del Mar is over-rated. If you're willing to stay in Basque Country but do it in France instead of Spain, I recommend St. Jean de Luz. Delightful. I think Leikitio is probably delightful, but we've never been able to park to explore it.

If I were trying to use 10 days in the areas you're considering I'd spend 3 in Ribadesella, 2 in Castro Urdiales, 3 in St. Jean de Luz, and 2 in Bilbao before flying home from there.

It's a little fast paced for me, but based on your itinerary, I'd do two nights at one of the Casonas (www.casonasasturianas.com/default_en.asp) in the west, say Torre de Villademoros, using it as a base, then two nights in or around Llanes, before heading for Cantabria, staying outside of Santander (Lierganes) on the rail line (FEVE) so that you can take the train into the city.

http://www.feve.es/es/

Thanks again--topping this once more for additional suggestions.

WE have been to almost every region in Spain now. Our dear friends have lived there for 10 years and we visit about every ohter year.

Basque country is our favorite! It is so green and lush with remarkable landscapes that captivate you around every turn.
We had a car and we enjoyed stopping in several villages.
But Cantabria is also scenic.

If food is paramount than San Sebastian it is!! Even the most simple pinxos bar you will find incredible food, and as you must know it has many Michelin rated restaurants.

The seaside villages also offer amazing fare!

Have fun!

It seems I cannot go wrong, and I am so excited to finally visit this region after two trips to Andalucia.

No - you can't go wrong! These areas are totally different from Andalucia. Yet Andalucia and the Basque Country are my 2 favorites.

tag