We're planning a summer honeymoon in Spain and looking for recommendations for the most romantic, interesting, charming cities, towns, mountain areas and/or beach areas.
We're thinking of splitting our time between a wine tasting region and beach (although we're hesitant with the latter due to crazy crowds in summer).
Any advice/ recommendations?

In the summer most of Spain, especially the south - is incredibly hot - often hitting 100 and as much as 120.

The only place I would consider is the Atlantic coast near San Sebastian - which is where the Spaniards that can afford go in the summer and have been for more than a hundred years.

As noted, the north is where you want to be, for food, wine, charming villages and towns and romance! The crowds are not as bad as they are along the Costa Brava or Costa del Sol, but it will still be rather busy in July and August. You will need to get your reservations in as soon as possible.

One romantic choice would be the Hotel Iturregi in Getaria (www.hoteliturregi.com), but if you are interested in the islands, then there is Torralbenc on Menorca, due to open next month and Cap Rocat on Mallorca.

From the web site of Iturregi it looks to be ideal for your needs..I would find out if there is an availability and cost.. 12KM from San Seb. just right..
SS will be crowded but still a lovely place to go. Near enough to wander in and out but to retreat to this hotel might be just what one needs to relax and start an exciting new life!!!

Thanks so much for the great advice and recommendations. Based on your comments, think we're going to head to the Northern Coast. Any thoughts about the Basque region? Hotels, towns, etc?

A million thoughts, but maybe you should start your research by taking a look at Maribel's Guide to the País Vasco, and consider making your reservations as soon as possible.

You can also check out http://tourism.euskadi.net/en/

Inside San Sebastián itself - the culinary capital of Spain and with some of the finest city beaches on the continent - both Villa Soro and Hotel María Cristina could be spot on for a honeymoon.

Villa Soro: http://www.booking.com/hotel/es/villasoro.en.html
María Cristina (they now have got 20-30% discounts for min stays of three nights before end of August): http://www.hotel-mariacristina.com/en

The world's most reknown chef the past ten years or so Ferran Adria (El Bulli) has suggsted that San Sebastián is the best place to eat in the world "in terms of what you can get at any place you happen to walk into". http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandsty...rink.shopping2

All about going for the famous pintxos in San Sebastián, suggested routes etc: http://www.todopintxos.com/home/home.php

Casa Urola, my favourite restaurant in town for decades and a true classic in San Sebastián, reopened its doors last August under the famous chef Pablo Loureiro after one year closing. Can't wait to go there again this fall.
http://www.casaurolajatetxea.es/es/portada/ http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restauran...e_Country.html

And if you decide for Hotel Iturregi in close by, small and tranquile fishing village Getaria, you must have a fish and seafood splurge in one of the several excellent and expensive restaurants down in the tiny harbour area. Had the meal of my life here several years ago, but the routine is still the same. Something like this: http://www.thepauperedchef.com/2007/...-in-getar.html

I suggest Hotel de Londres. situated directly overlooking the beach at la Concha. Beautifully appointed rooms opening nto the bay. Heaven we are returning there fr the secon time in autumn

As suefrombarking suggests, Hotel Londres is also very much in the honeymoon league: http://www.booking.com/hotel/es/lond...aterra.en.html

If you will be in northern Spain I would definitely recommend crossing over I to the French Pyrenees and checking out a few coastal cities and wandering up into the mountains a bit.

If you decide on the Londres, go for a superior sea view room on the upper floor.

I would definitely spend a week in San Sebastian. Spring for a view of the sea since it's your honey moon. While you're there do some daytrips to more romantic places like St. Jean, Hondarribia, Getaria or Lekitio. The North coast is the place to be in the summer. The rest of Spain is almost unbearably hot.

I love every one of these recommendations - towns, food, hotels - all of it. Thank you, thank you!
What is the best way to get there from NY? Fly into which city? I'm assuming a rental car is the best way to get around? How is parking?
lowcountrycarol, where in the French Pyrenees do you recommend? I would definitely like to go over to the French side while there.

Bilbao has got a big international airport, direct bus from the airport to San Sebastián in 80 minutes every hour at :45.

From New York, perhaps via Madrid or Barcelona and then a one hour flight to Bilbao (frequent departures).

Great public transportation in the area, buses all the time to places mentioned above such as St. Jean de Luz, Hondarribia/Fuenterrabia, Getaria, Lekeitio etc. etc. But if you want to go exploring the beautiful countryside and into the mountains, a car is a good idea. Plenty of expensive underground parking in San Sebastián. Free private parking at Villa Soro.

Fly into Madrid and take a quick flight to Bilbao or Hondarribia, whatever is cheaper. Then take an airport bus right into San Sebastian.

Perfect, thank you!!