When one thinks of holidays in Spain, the first thing that springs to mind is excellent beaches, hot weather and fabulous food.

However, the country also has a rich and fascinating history, as well as plenty of art, theatre and cultural traditions that are just begging to be explored further. With this in mind, why not give the usual beach holiday a miss this year, and spend summer 2012 exploring Spanish culture a little more?

Over the years Spain has been home to some of the greatest artists that have ever lived, a trip here offers the perfect chance to get better acquainted with their work. There are plenty of art galleries to choose from, but one of the biggest is the Museu Nacional in Barcelona. This huge building houses everything from Gothic to Renaissance pieces, offering a fascinating glimpse into the art that shaped the country. Given its hilltop setting, it also has some fabulous views and is close to a whole host of other museums to satiate your appetite for art. The Picasso, Miro and Contemporary Art museums are all located in Barcelona, so a break here offers the perfect chance to visit all four and see some of Spain's greatest artwork for yourself.

A great holiday wouldn't be complete without some fabulous food and drink, and across the country there are plenty of farms, vineyards and countryside restaurants to try out. La Rioja is doubtless the most famous wine region, so no visit to Spain would be complete without a trip to one of the many vineyards dotted across the area.

Haro is the main hub of wine production, true wine devotees should make it their first port of call: the annual 'Battle of the Wine' is a booze-soaked event not to be missed! There are many beautiful hotels in Spain to choose from, just make sure yours is within walking distance of the festival.

Even if you're not a fan of the red stuff, La Rioja offers plenty of other countryside pursuits to try, including fishing, climbing and hiking. You should also try out some of the region's food specialities, including the local marzipan, Pimientos del Piquillo (a kind of sweet red pepper dish), and slow-cooked braised lamb.

For those with young children, holidays to Tenerife are perfect for a family-friendly atmosphere and plenty to see and do. Or if you're looking for somewhere with plenty of history that'll still appeal to youngsters, La Laguna should be your first port of call for a holiday town with a twist. This beautiful old city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is full of stunning palaces, buildings and cathedrals to explore and enjoy. Those with younger children will probably want to try out the interactive science museum (complete with sections on the human body, the Universe and planet Earth).

And if you're worried about budgeting for the holiday, don't as there are plenty of cheap holidays to Spain available, especially if you're prepared to shop around or travel in the off-season. You can also save money by choosing a hotel or villa slightly out of town: these tend to be cheaper, and you're likely to have a more authentically 'Spanish' experience.

Wherever you travel to in Spain, learning more about its culture and history is a great way of gaining knowledge about the country itself, as well as enjoying a break that's a little bit different to the norm. Whether it's art museums, ancient ruins or an indulgent food and wine tour, there's something for everyone, and best of all, with a bit of research you should be able to find cheap holidays across the country. Pack a camera and a guidebook, and get ready to see a totally different side to Spain this summer.