Hotel and activity recommendations in Basque Region??
 

I'm planning part of my honeymoon in the Basque Region at the end of July and would love some hotel/Inn suggestions as well as activities.
We would like a hotel/Inn on the smaller side, charming, and luxury without being too too expensive.
In terms of activities, we'd like to spend some time on the coast and some time in the wine region possibly doing some wine tasting. Any recommendations or places we shouldn't miss?
many thanks!

At the end of July, budget isn't that much of an issue as is availability. This is not a big tourist area with dozens of hotel to choose from. One has to be on top of everything and move early. Outside of the larger cities, Bilbao and Donostia, you may be better of doing a search in the Pays Basque-Béarn region. One place that is excellent for honeymoons would be the Chateau de Lamothe (www.chateau-de-lamothe.eu/fr/).

RE Hotles: You know exactly what details you are looking for so why not go to booking.com and find it. Filter by price, facilities, location reviews etc. It is very easy.
Wine areas: Take your pick.
http://www.getariakotxakolina.com/?lang=en
http://www.txakolidealava.com/index....w=article&id=2
I suppose where you visit will come down to method of transport you are going to use.

Thanks Robert, this looks lovely!
Ribeira, Thank you for your wine area recommendations. I will look on booking.com but have always had great success with personal recommendations from fellow Fodorites - one of the great benefits of this forum!
Would love to hear more :)

You cannot get more personal then reviews on Booking. Only those who have stayed at the accommodation can comment, no links to the business either.

Laguardia is a lovely spot...I have two guests next week and he´s going to propose her in a winery...really romantic place and full of charm. From there, I would not miss Bilbao, Mundaka, Lekeitio, Getaria and San Sebastian, and I´d also cross to the French Basque Country, St Jean de Luz, Biarritz, Bayonne, Espelette and Ainhoa.

Hondarribia is a great location in Spain , on the border with France and the Pays Basque region.

I suggest a couple of days in tiny Getaria on the coast. Charming fishing village, two fine beaches, fantastic restaurants.

Take a look at these three hotels in Getaria:
- Itxas Gain: http://www.booking.com/hotel/es/itxa...ria.en-gb.html
- Gaintza Rural: http://www.booking.com/hotel/es/gain...ral.en-gb.html
- Iturregi: http://www.booking.com/hotel/es/iturregi.en-gb.html

Had one of the best meals of my life here in one of the several excellent restaurants down in the tiny harbour. Was something like this: http://www.thepauperedchef.com/2007/...-in-getar.html

About Getaria, just some 15 miles from Belle Epoque San Sebastian . http://www.euskoguide.com/places-bas...taria-tourism/
San Sebastian: http://www.euskoguide.com/places-bas...stian-tourism/

The hike along the coast between Deba and Zumaia is stellar.
I skipped Getaria, which still haunts me.
We stopped in tiny Elantxobe, which was really interesting. It was too quiet for us in May, but I bet in July it is great. There was a gorgeous beach on the other side of the peninsula that we could spot from high above, when we walked to an old whaling lookout point.
I researched exploring the interior but ended up sticking to the coast. I saved the bookmark for this hotel (somewhat near Bilbao):
http://www.ellaurihotela.com/
I love txakoli--I could do a return trip just to drink it in such beautiful surroundings.

shh do not tell everyone one about Getaria. I want to keep it a secret...please.
http://www.virtualgeosim.com/getaria3d/cas/index.html#

Thanks SO much for the great recommendations!
I will check ALL of these out! :)

Look at the Parador in Hondarribia as well Hotel Obispo.