Paco, thanks very much for the information and your kind offer of assistance. I'm not sure where this adventure will lead me, but its a great feeling to know you and Jordi are there and willing to help! I checked out all your links and you are right, those are amazingly affordable rental rates for places so close to the ocean. I'm going to have to spend some serious time on Google Earth exploring the Altea area before I head over.
Mark, the food in your photos looks like it will do just fine
San Sebastian looks beautiful, too.