«Condè Nast Traveler» magazine selects the ten best towns in the Basque Country

The prestigious travel magazine Condè Nast Traveler has published its selection of the "top ten" towns in the Basque Country. The magazine notes that the Basque Country¿s "culture, essence and grace" resides in "the small towns which line its valleys, hillsides and coasts". It adds that many of the towns "have managed to preserve their beauty and their monuments" and that these constitute "a gift for visitors". The list includes two towns from the Rioja Alavesa: Elciego ¿ which the magazine claims is "much more than just the Marqués del Riscal hotel" ¿ and Laguardia, which is praised for its rich heritage as well as the wineries which have made the region so famous. The Basque Coast is represented by Elantxobe, Getaria (recommended by The New York Times, and home to the Balenciaga Museum); Lekeitio (with a special mention for its spectacular beaches); Hondarribia, which boasts both a sea port and medieval sights of interest; and Mundaka, which the magazine claims "will win the hearts of everyone who visits it". The Basque Country¿s areas of natural beauty are also featured on the list, including Azpeitia (in particular the Loiola Sanctuary); Oñati (specifically "its succession of monuments and palatial homes" as well as the University of Sancti Spiritus and the Arantzazu Sanctuary); and Elorrio, whose heritage is defined as "astonishing and original".