Hello, I am attempting to put together a vacation, starting in Barcelona and then going to Basque region. From, what, I’ve read, it sounds like driving is the easiest option, since we would rent a car, once we got there anyway. It’s an approximate 6 hr. drive ? So, would it be a good idea to stop somewhere midway and if so, where ? Thank you very much for any opinions and advice. We plan on staying 5-6 days roaming around. Have no agenda, but relax and walk and see what is to be seen and of course hopefully eat and drink well 😀 Then we are going to get to Madrid and recheck out their wonderful museums and then, go home.

WHICH Basque region? It's not as though there is only one, and they are in two countries, so your question cannot be answered as asked.

Span.

How about Zaragoza? it's about half-way and friends of mine liked it. However, if it's just a matter of transport there are a couple of direct trains from Barcelona to San Sebastian, and you won't need a car until you leave San Sebastian.

Span?
6-hour drive to WHERE? You're going to have to spill your mysteries if you want any usable suggestions.

Places you can´t miss in the Spanish side...east to west: Hondarribia, Donostia-San Sebastian, Getaria, Zumaia, Lekeitio, Bilbao (and all the beatiful coastal towns) and then south to Rioja Alavesa, the Basque Rioja wine region, where Laguardia is a must too, and all the medieval towns and family wineries around it. Inland, Tolosa, Oñati, Elorrio, Arantzazu...

This week you have the San Fermines in Pamplona! Just saying...

I enjoyed Pamplona a lot more than I expected, but I wouldn't go anywhere near during a festival. Plus, It's not roughly half way.

Thank you all, so very much ! I’ve done my homework more and feel more in control now. Mikelg, thx u for all the towns. I shall look at them all. At this moment, we are just going to do Barcelona, go to Haro, hang around La Rojas area for 3 days and then to coast. Then back to Barcelona. We will drive. Pick up cr at airport ( I know more $) and bring it back there and then home. Sooo excited, but trip will be 9 mo. from now ...

If you're planning on taking the main highway, then Zaragoza is about the half-way point, but the drive is boring. If you head up to Huesca and over to Pamplona, you'll find the drive more interesting. The drive takes about an hour and a half longer, without stops.

You don't mention when our traveling, but remember that you will need reservations at most wineries if you want a tour. If not, some now have wine bars, but even those often require reservations, esecially duing the harvest time when they are too busy to deal with visitors.