Buses and Trains in Basque Country
 

Can anyone help insure I understand my options for day trips from San Sebastian? I found that I can get to and from Deba and Lekeitio from San Sebastian on Pesa bus. But for other coastal towns I want to visit--Getaria and Zumaia--it seems the bus operated by Euskotren is the option. So, I should be able to cobble together day trips that involve walking from Deba to Zumaia for example. (I may also stay in Hondarribia before San Sebastian since it is so close, so that is why I did not mention it as a day trip.) Does this all sounds doable--anything else I need to know?
One more coast question: to get to Elanxtobe, is coming from Bilbao the only option? (The bikzaibus website has me totally confused--does anyone know which company operates this route?)

After about 6 days on the coast, I want to visit somewhere inland but I am having a hard time finding the right town. Vitoria sounds pleasant and easy to get to, but I wanted to stay somewhere smaller with hikes or country walks readily accessible. Does anyone have any recommendations? For simplicity's sake, I am considering spending all 10 days along the coast, but it would be a shame to not spend some time in the mts. I am considering Gorbeia and Urkiola, but I just need to delve deeper into transportation and where to stay. I know a car would be better--just prefer to take a vacation from driving and all that entails. Any other recommendations for inland towns for a couple night's stay?
Thanks in advance for any advice!

topping -- surely some Fodorites drove through an inland town they wished they could have stayed overnight in...

Excellent bus service in the region. I recommend you to drop by the tourist office in San Sebastián just opposite of the Victoria Eugenia theater on Alameda del Boulevard. They will give you all the answers. Frequent buses to both Getaria and Zumaia (the same bus, I think) from the center of San Sebastián.

For inland towns, take a look at Tolosa with the Aralar mountains. A cradle of skiing in Spain, and famous for the Alubias de Tolosa (a fabulous bean stew) and some of the best steaks in all of Spain. Those at Casa Julián is to die for.

Thanks kimhe--Tolosa is one of the places I have been considering. I've also come across a great hotel in Gorbeia--near Zeanuri, where hiking would be convenient.

for excellent rural accommodation, www.nekatur.net