Thanks all for the input. Still welcoming more :) I still have a year to plan but also have the worst travel FOMO. The hardest part will be being at peace with not being able to see it all this time! I think we could see Salamanca, Valladolid, Burgos, and Bilbao or San Sebastián in 2 weeks...but I’m trying really hard to resist and only pick 2-3. And I’m still toying with León, Oviedo, Picos de Europa, wine country, Valencia...! So hard to choose! But I also want a minimum of 3 days in Granada, and we’ll spend a day in Madrid if we fly in there (and I’ll want more in Barcelona if we fly in there), so until we win the lottery and I can spend all my time traveling, looks like I have some soul searching to do :)

Madrid has some pluses - first two nights there would be neat.

You have, I think, finally realized that you aren't planning a trip involving "deeper cuts" -- you are barely scratching the surface of a huge and diverse country with much to offer. You can not see it all, not even just the highlights. You need to make some difficult decisions. The good news is that you are facing a wide array of delightful options. :)

yes, very true @kja - I definitely approached it the wrong way. What I wanted to post originally was something broad like "tell me what cities in Spain I should visit" but it always seems like the cities people recommend most frequently are the cities I've already visited. I realize now how obnoxious and pompous my original title sounds - wish I could change it now :) but am thankful for the feedback I've received so far from you and others. Hopefully I'll be able to frame future questions better!

And - I feel compelled to add - those cities are all recommended with good reason. I’m so thankful for all I have been able to see in this amazing country so far! But I’m looking forward to discovering what else it has to offer :)

I didn't think you sounded either obnoxious or pompous -- just not well informed of your options. But you're learning -- and not everyone who posts here is willing to do that. :)

What about this route for foodies. Obviously you need a car to do it. Check a map
Route: Madrid - Burgos - Vitoria - Bilbao - San Sebastian - Pamplona - Logroño - Zaragoza - Madrid OR Barcelona.

I don't think the title sounds obnoxious and pompous at all, because I had no idea what you meant. I thought you were referring to Spain's economic and budget problems, but obviously not, I guess. Their economy has improved from the worst, though. I think it's been growing 2-3 pct in the last couple years and the unemployment rate has dropped down to "only" about 15 pct, it was 20 pct a couple years ago.