Just getting into my seasonal trip planning mode, come along if you please. We've been to Italy the last four years, and I could happily return, but hubby has expressed interest in a return to Spain. The last trip included San Sebastian, Deba, Elantxobe, Mundaka, and Bilbao, which we did by public transport (I know!). Now that DH is a seasoned overseas driver, we are thinking of returning to the Basque region next May.
We really loved San Sebastian, so we would almost certainly have to return--though I worry its increased popularity might be a disappointment. I would like to get to Getaria this time. We only spent a day or so in Bilbao, and its charms were lost on us, so we'd give it another chance, probably a requirement given flights.
Although it was a mistake to stay in Deba to reach it, one of the highlights was the coastal Camino trail from Zumaia.
So, I am seeking recommendations for places to read up on in the meantime--especially with any nature or hiking activities. No place is too small for me, though I'd be a little more cautious this time since some of the places we visited before were just too quiet in May. The trip will only be 10 days, but I'd like to find some kind of wild card--a park, a special accommodation--to make it different.
thanks in advance for sharing your ideas!

You can check out Travels With Maribel - https://travelswithmaribel.wordpress.com
And download www.maribelsguides.com/mg_pais_vasco.pdf
Also available at Amazon www.amazon.com/dp/B07G5K94RN

If driving, consider the Baztan-Bidasoa area of the Basque country which is a valley in Navarra opposite Sare and Ainhoa in France. It's low key but pleasant. The pictures in the first part of this album: https://flic.kr/s/aHsmophxJ6 were taken in that area.

I'm sure you'll enjoy your return!

I'm sorry that I have no great insights to share (other than to consult the Michelin Green Guide), but maybe you'll find something of value in my trip report:
Four Awesome Weeks in the North of Spain and Catalunya

Take a look at the area around Muxika, near Gernika in the Urdaibai Reserve. Nice rural hotels, beautiful landscape. We stayed at Hotel Urune, in a Basque farmhouse. Recommend.

Hotel Urune | Welcome


Excellent restaurant nearby:
Remenetxe.

Thanks everyone. I just got a new cookbook devoted to the region, so I'll use that and the resources here to entertain myself this winter.

You might find something of interest in my trip report and link to photos. I did five weeks in Northern Space summer of 2017.


Criss-crossing the Camino: 5 weeks in Northern Spain (and a bit of France)

If you haven't read The Basque History of the World, you might want to add it to your reading list.

Great book!

Another fan of The Basque History of the World. It made a big differece in our understanding of tne region a d it’s history.

Yes, great book!
Well, this was unexpected, but alas our Basque Country revisit will have to wait, as I just scored a great fare to Athens, and Greece has long been high on my list.
Thank you for pondering with me (I hope it will be inspiring to others, and we will definitely return one day)--see you on the Greek forum this winter!

I´d strongly recommend Rioja Alavesa wine region, with Laguardia as the center. Beautiful scenery, wonderful medieval towns, great wineries...

Also, caves at neighboring Cantabria region, with paintings 32000 years old...and you can actually see them in front of you!

Arantzazu, Oñati and Loiola, three magnificent places for history and monasteries, surrounded by beautiful countryside and mountains.

Elorrio, Lekeitio, Plentzia, Karrantza...

Y: Which cookbook?

Basque Country: A Culinary Journey Through a Food Lover's Paradise
Author blogged for years at Blank Palate. I have not cooked from it yet--cookbook collection is only outweighed by "itinerary collection," so now I've got the Diane Kochilas cookbooks out.

Michael, your pictures are beautiful!

Thanks.