JES28

We would be going at end of July/ beginning of August. Does anyone feel strongly about one vs the other? (I know they're totally different). Thanks!

yorkshire

Having been to the Basque region once and Croatia four times, I say flip a coin. Maybe you could tell us what appeals to you about both places as well as other details about your travel style, so we could make a more informed suggestion--but all things being equal, you really cannot go wrong. Both have friendly people, fantastic food (both emphasize seafood, but with options available), gorgeous scenery, quaint towns.

JES28

Thanks for responding Yorkshire...you hit the nail on the head with exactly what I'm looking for.
Is there a reason you have gone to Croatia so many times as opposed to going back to Basque? Have you been to Alsace? That was the other spot we were considering (which I may post a separate question to)

danon

We loved San Sebastian and Bilbao, but Dubrovnik and the rest of Dalmatia are also inviting.
Croatia might be less expensive ...Spain has better roads, wine and food ( IMO)

JES28

Wine & Food are definitely important to us, thank you for your insight

yorkshire

Croatia was where we spent our honeymoon, and we fell in love with it, but I would return to the Basque country in a heartbeat--too many places, too little time! Also, we really hate driving, thus we often choose places with excellent public transport. I found the Basque coast a snap to get around via train and bus, but for the interior a car rental would be best. Croatia has a fabulous network of buses and ferries/catamarans.
I did not mention time of year, but I think you will face the same pressures in either place in terms of summer crowds.
I know this does not sound romantic, but most of us have a budget and a preference when it comes to flights--that is the case for me, so flight results often dictate where I go. Bilbao is easy to get to via one transfer in Madrid, but many folks find Croatia a bit more challenging to get to easily/inexpensively. You do make that up a bit once there with the bargain accommodations (apartment rentals primarily).
Food much more varied in Spain of course, but you will eat well in Croatia.

JES28

Thanks Yorkshire...so true that there are too many places and not enough time! Ease of getting there is definitely a consideration for us - we'd prefer to spend most of our time at our destination rather than getting to/from there especially if we only have 10 days or less.