It is so easy to just think of Spain as a stereotypical spread of sun and sea. Well, it is. But it’s not just a brochure beauty – those who look beyond the glossy photos will discover a country with so many layers and with the kind of beauty that takes your breath away.

For the past years, Spain has been struggling to recover from its financial woes and get its economy back on its feet. And that, for savvy travellers, can only mean one thing – plenty of bargains to be had. Hotels have slashed their prices while restaurants and bars are offering increasingly affordable menus.

Combine that with the Spaniards’ zest for life and you have the perfect destination. Because while others would have locked themselves up and chained themselves to their piggy bank, the Spaniards have acknowledged their economic downturn and decided that the only way to try and recover is by going out and giving their morale a tasty, late night boost.

There are plenty of things that Spaniards know how to do better than any other nation – one of them is having fun. In the early morning hours, the Plaza Mayor in Madrid is still teeming with life – people eat, drink and make merry while propping up the jerez bar and enjoying an eyeful of flamenco. The same goes for Valencia, Barcelona, Valladolid and Seville.

But Spain isn’t just beautiful at night. Use the daylight hours to admire the richness of Spain’s cultural heritage. From Gaudi’s fairytale masterpieces in Barcelona and charming houses hugging the Asturian coastline to Madrid’s grandiose monuments and the modern masterpiece that is Valencia’s City of Arts and Sciences, Spain is the prettiest girl in Europe.

And the great thing about Spain is that every town and city has its own identity, which is translated into various aesthetics, architecture, dialects and, more importantly, food. Spanish food is one of the greatest cuisines in the world – invest your waistline inches in the rugged homely fare of the Basque country, the beautifully prepared seafood in Valencia, and Seville’s tasty tapas.

Spain is also a great shopping destination. The Spanish brands that we get in the rest of Europe are obviously cheaper in their home country, which means that your budget will experience a healthy stretch. Not only that, but you can also invest in designer items, arts and crafts. And if you’ve spent beyond your luggage, never you worry because Maltese freight companies offer affordable shipping services from Spain.

Buen viaje.