Country Profile Part 3

1.  Spain is a popular destination for summer holidays.  People from places like the British Isles, France, Central Europe, and Scandinavia come to spain.  In 2007 Spain became the second most visited country in the world. According to the World Tourism Organization 60 million foreigners came to Spain that year. However, in 2010 Spain dropped to the number four most visited country with 53 million visiters that year.

2.  There are many attractions in Spain. The Palacio Real is located in Madrid and is the official residence of the King of Spain.  The running of the bulls is another popular event that takes place each year from July 6th - 14th. La Concha is said to be one of the best beaches in Europe. Other major tourist attractions include Aqueduct of Segovia, El Escorial, and the Sagrada Familia.

3.  There are 14 national parks in Spain and 1 proposed national park.  The most popular is Garajonay National Park in La Gomera, Canary Islands. It has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and contains some of the most ancient and best preserved forests in Europe.  The park is said to be the best place to observe the Laurel pigeon and the Bolle's pigeon. It is also home to tree frogs and many other types of reptiles. Other popular national parks include Picos de Europa National Park, La Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park, and the Sierra Nevada National and Natural Parks.

4.  Spain is full of many art museums.  Museo Nacional del Prado is the most popular.  The museum is said to hold over 8600 paintings that range between the 12th and 19th centuries. The most important painting in the museums collection is "Las Meninas" by Velazquez. Others artists include Goya, El Greco, Bosch, and Rembrandt.  Other popular museums are Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza, Museo de Arte Abstracto Español, and The National Museum "Centro de Arte Reina Sofia."