Costa del Sol places to visit

The Costa del Sol is one of Spain´s most popular tourist destinations, and with 320 average days of sunshine every year, the region attracts thousands of tourists every year from around the world.


More things to do Costa del Sol

For many, mention of the Costa del Sol conjures up visions of suntanned bodies on the beach, luxurious hotels set in tropical gardens, golfing and glitzy marinas lined with millionaires' yachts, lively restaurants and swinging discos in other words, the high life, where you might rub shoulders with celebrities. Indeed, the Costa del Sol can offer all of this though, since its popularity took off in the 1960s and it became the 'in place' for the jet set, it has had its ups and downs. However, in recent years it has regained its position as a top year-round destination.

The ambience is cosmopolitan and expatriates from all walks of life have settled here with a particularly high concentration around Torremolinos, Marbella and Fuengirola.Although the scene has changed with the times, the 'beautiful people' still come here. The tendency is now to seek more seclusion, however, with much of the entertaining and partying taking place in private But the Costa del Sol still exudes an aura of glamour, which serves as a continuing magnet to visitors. Its mild, sunny winter climate, unrivalled in Europe, is an additional attraction.

From the late 90s onwards there has been an effort to encourage visitors to look beyond the beach only holiday, and to sample the more rural pleasures of the hinterland. The Costa del Sol is an excellent gateway to the beautiful interior of Andalucía with its enchanting white towns and villages dotted about the countryside, peaceful landscapes and its real jewels, the historic cities of Seville, Cordoba and Granada.

Costa del Sol information

The Costa del Sol is now officially within the province of Malaga, but this book covers a more extended area, including the provinces of Granada and Cadiz, and the hinterland.
The Costa del Sol covers nearly 300km of the Mediterranean coast.

Average temperatures: spring 20°C, summer 28°C, autumn 18°C, winter 13°C.Average sea temperatures: 15°C in January, 24°C in August.A minimum 8 hours' sunshine is expected daily for 320 days a year.Most rainfall is likely to occur between December and March.The famous sweet Malaga wines are produced in Los Montes de Malaga Antequera, north of the city, and in La Axarquia, to the east.

Olive groves are a feature of the Andalucía landscape. Olive oil, which is refined in Malaga, rates among Spain's leading exports.Oranges, lemons, and acres of vegetables such as peppers, tomatoes and potatoes are cultivated along with wheat, sugar-cane, tobacco and cotton.

Cumin, coriander, cinnamon, marjoram, thyme and rosemary are among the herbs which flourish here.The uplands of the Guadalquivir are famous for black fighting bulls and thoroughbred horses.

Long sandy beaches stretch along the western Costa del Sol; east of Malaga you will come across smaller beaches and rocky coves. The Costa del Sol has over 500 golf courses. There are some 20 tennis clubs and most top grade hotels have tennis courts. This stretch of coast boasts over 10 marinas. Many resorts offer sailing, waterskiing, windsurfing (top spot Punta de Tarifa) and scuba diving.

Parasailing, hang gliding and delta winging are also widely available in resorts.Skiing in the Sierra Nevada, Europe's most southerly ski resort, is an increasingly popular winter sport.
Stables offer horse rides along and behind the coast.


Costa del Sol life


Life on the Costa del Sol is generally a relaxing affair with priorities leaning towards sunbathing, swimming (perhaps), drinking and eating, with a siesta occupying the greater part of the afternoon. The more energetic may want to go sailing or waterskiing, while others might opt for golf or tennis. In the evening, after a late dinner, the dedicated will enjoy dancing in a club or disco until the early hours.

10 Costa del Sol things to do

• Dance until dawn in Puerto Banus. Take your pick from dozens of discos, bars and clubs, admire the yachts and enjoy some of the finest restaurants in Spain.
• Visit Malaga and do an evening round of the wealth of tapas bars centered in the old town.
• Walk up to the Alcazaba and Gibralfaro for the panoramic views over Malaga and the bay.
• See a flamenco show in Malaga or inland in Sevilla.
• Have an evening drink on Marbella's promenade and watch the sunset, taking in a wide view of the Rock of Gibraltar and coastline of Africa.
• Take a trip to Ronda, which is one of the most fascinating towns in Andalucia. Stroll around the old town and enjoy the views over the gorge and surrounding countryside.
• Drive up to Mijas-Pueblo, which is just ten minutes inland from Fuengirola. Whitewashed houses cling to the hillside, and donkey taxis will transport you around this typically-Andalucian village.
• Book an excursion to the Alhambra Palace in Granada, which is said to be the 8th wonder of the world. This fascinating fortress has stood since the 1400s and is a magnificent monument from the times of Moorish rule in Spain.
• Take a trip to Gibraltar for the day. Only an hour´s drive by hire car or coach from Marbella, Gibraltar is a fascinating place to see. British shops, bars and restaurants mingle with casinos, waterside cafés and excellent hotels. Take a rock tour and visit the Barbary Apes who inhabit the upper regions of the rock.
• Take a trip to the Nerja Caves, which were uncovered in the 1950s by accident and are home to some of the world´s most incredible stalagmites and stalactites.

Inland Costa del Sol

For those who feel like taking a break from the hustle and bustle of the Costa del Sol, there are many possibilities. The inland areas offer a variety of landscapes, from olive groves in rolling hills, to dramatic mountain ranges with snowcapped peaks. In a very short time you can leave behind the heat of the coast and lose yourself in the tranquil surroundings of inland Andalucia.

Costa del Sol parks

Within reach of the coast are a number of protected areas and nature parks. With landscapes of wild natural beauty and a wealth of flora and fauna they make an ideal destination for the nature lover seeking peace and quiet. Among these are the Parque Natural Montes de Malaga, north of Malaga; and south of Antequera, the Parque Natural Torcal de Antequera, which features weird and wonderful rock formations. Further west, from the Marbella area, you can easily reach the National Game Reserve near Monda, or the Parque Natural Sierra de Las Nieves, south of Ronda, with its rugged cliffs and great ravines.
Further west are the nature parks of Grazalema and Los Alcornocales, both areas of natural, unspoilt landscape. South-east of Granada and easily accessible from the eastern section of the Costa del Sol is the Parque Natural Sierra Nevada, famed for its striking scenery and diversity of plant and animal life.

Hiking and Horse riding

The nature parks are wonderful areas for hikers and usually have marked trails for visitors to follow. Information on walking trails can be obtained from local tourist offices. The region of Las Alpujarras with its varied scenery also provides excellent walking terrain. With its long tradition of raising and riding horses, Andalucía provides an ideal backdrop for long distance trekking. Stables are plentiful and horses can be hired to explore the coast and its hinterland.

Accommodation inland Andalucia

Mountain refuges and country houses in traditional Andalucía style make it possible to stay in some of these remote areas. Often located in wild, mountainous terrain and offering magnificent views, they are usually located near access roads.

Bird watching Andalucia

Spring and autumn are good periods to watch the European bird migration, Using Spain's southern coast as a resting place, hundreds of species of birds stop here on their journey between Africa and northern Europe. Early morning is a good time to see new arrivals and vantage points are Punta Marroqui at Tarifa, Calahonda, east of Marbella, and Benalmadena.
The nature reserve at the mouth of the river Guadalhorce, located just east of Torremolinos, not far from Malaga airport, is another good place for bird watching. An area of exceptional beauty, however, is the Laguna de Fuente de Piedra. Located off the N334 west of Antequera, it is known as the Pink Lagoon, afte; the large colony of pink flamingos which comes here every year to breed. The best time to see these spectacular birds is from the end of January to June.

Costa del Sol history

In the 18th and 19th centuries a number of writers, romantics and intrepid travelers discovered for themselves the attractions of Malaga and wrote about it. Hans Christian Andersen, who stayed here towards the middle of the 19th century, wrote of the joyous way of life. Lord Byron, George Borrow and Richard Ford were among others who contributed to discovering Malaga as a winter holiday destination. Later, the interior of the region attracted writers and poets such as Rainer Maria Rilke, Gerald Brenan, Laurie Lee and Ernest Hemingway. Federico Garcia Lorca, poet and playwright, came from rural Granada.

Picasso and Malaga

One of Malaga's most famous sons is the celebrated painter Pablo Ruiz Picasso who was born here in 1881. He began to paint at the age of seven, later joining the School of Fine Arts in La Coruña and moving to Barcelona in 1895. A new Picasso museum is scheduled to open in Malaga in late 2002 or early 2003.

Marbella celebrities

By the 1960s the tourism industry had developed along the Costa del Sol and the Marbella Club, creation of Alfonso de Hohenlohe, began to attract the rich and famous. Marbella acquired a reputation as a playground for the jet set. Since then the area has seen a flood of personalities, adding their mark to the star-studded scene.

Costa del Sol golf

Given its emphasis on sport, especially golf, it is not surprising that the Costa del Sol continues to receive its fair share of sports personalities In the world of golf, Severiano Ballesteros and Jose Maria Olazable are frequent visitors. Tennis stars Bjorn Borg, Arantxa Sanchez Vicario, Conchita Martinez and Alberto Beresategui visit the area, and former champion Manolo Santana runs a tennis club near Marbella.

Aiport car rental Spain

You may be looking for car rental directly from a Spanish airport or, you may be looking for car hire at a Spanish aiport. Now anyone who spots the difference may be better at spelling than most. Google searches reveal that a vast amount of people search for airport car hire under the term aiport car hire, without the r. Whether this is something lost in translation is a matter of opinion but it is amazing how cheep aiport car hire is used time and time again to search for the best car rental options in Spain.


Whether you are searching for aiport car hire or airport car hire at cheap rates or cheep rates, www.carhire4airports.com can help you. Aiport car hire and aiport rental car prices need to be sourced from reputable car hire companies who offer fair prices for reliable vehicles. Aiport car hire throughout Spain and the world is big business. If you are thinking of hiring a car at Malaga Airport, Mallorca Airport, Menorca Airport, Madrid Airport, Barcelona, or renting a car at any airport in the world, look no further than www.carhire4airports.com.


Bye using our car search facility, we will match you up with the perfect car at the best possible prices, and compare prices from top car hire firms such as Avis, Hertz etc., The best way to enjoy your holiday in Spain is to hire a car at the aiport. Avoid the hassle and expense of hiring taxis, taking buses and relying on friends. Efficient and swift, car rental at airports in Spain is a smooth operation. To make it even smoother, book your car before you arrive at Malaga Aiport, Madrid Aiport, Majorca Aiport, Menorca Aiport or any aiport in the world which has car rental.
Malaga car hire and Alicante car rental at the airport can be arranged before you fly. The last thing you want after landing at Malaga Airport with your family in tow is to start looking for car hire at Malaga Aiport. Give yourself peace of mind, and know that you are paying less than most, by booking your car hire at the aiport in Spain well in advance.


You can then relax, hire your car at the aiport, enjoy the sights and take your time to drive leisurely round the Costa del Sol, the Costa Brava or Madrid, Barcelona or Majorca. Car hire in Spain made simple so you are free to enjoy your holiday. Aiports in Spain are notoriously busy during the easter and summer periods. Don´t wait until you get off

Distressed and repossessed properties for sale on the Costa del Sol

Distressed and repossessed properties for sale on the Costa del Sol

Owing to the steep decline of the property market in Southern Spain and the UK, many owners who have bought off plan properties in Andalucia find themselves in an impossible position.
The situation is confusing for buyers and sellers, and particularly for people looking to move to the Costa del Sol. Conflicting points include:

-People are still making lots of money from off-plan investments on the Costa del Sol.
-People buying off-plan properties are making little or no profit on the Costa del Sol.
-The market on the Costa del Sol is strong and is still increasing by over 10% per year.
-The market on the Costa del Sol is saturated with off-plan investors attempting to sell before completion.

The truth is that all of these statements are true – depending on the location and purchase price of the property.

Five or six years ago, many investors made fantastic profits from buying properties off-plan, before they had even started being built, and then flipping them (selling them on)before completion. This is not always the case and owners are increasingly having their properties repossessed by the developers when they cannot complete on the purchase, or selling on at well below their original purchase price to try and claw some money back.

With increased internet and television publicity, off-plan investment was easy to understand and became easily available to the general public who may have previously never considered buying property in this way.

The off-plan concept was to buy property with developers offering a discounted price if the investor exchanged at planning stage (before being built). Many investors bought with the sole intention of selling 2 years later at an increased price of approximately 20-30%. With investors only paying 30% before completion, returns were very profitable. The benefits of the investors selling before completion were that tax and completion costs, could be avoided.

However, with so many investors trying to sell properties in each development, at the same time, the market became saturated on that particular development. This results adversely on their selling price. Therefore, many investors have now decided to keep their properties and let them out, and gain some income to go towards the mortgage costs. The properties can then be put up for sale when the market picks up and the vendor will achieve a better price.
This means there are a wealth of distressed and repossessed properties for sale on the Costa del Sol.

In many cases, investor´s circumstances may have changed drastically and, in most cases if they cannot complete the payment on their properties, the developer will not only repossess the property but also keep the 30% deposit which the purchasers will have paid at the outset.


As always, there are two sides to every coin, and there are now many bargains to be had in and around Marbella and the Costa del Sol, which is quickly becoming a buyers dream. Often properties are selling for up to 30% less than their market value, and with 80-100% finance available, buyers are starting to flock back to the Costa del Sol.

A distressed sale does not mean there is a problem with the property, but simply that the vendors need to sell quickly for financial or personal reasons. English speaking lawyers are also on hand throughout Marbella and explain all of the ins and outs of buying property in Spain. Many of the distressed properties are now built with occupation licences and can be viewed immediately.

When a developer completes a project, he has no alternative but to foreclose on uncompleted sales. Occasionally, units which have been repossessed by the developer will come back on the market. As the developer will already have retained the original 30% deposit from the buyer who has been unable to complete, he will often let the repossessed units go at the same price as they were 2-3 years previously. These properties, particularly in Marbella, are an investors dream, and usually sell within weeks if not days.

This is the perfect time to invest in Marbella, and there are hundreds, if not thousands of bargains to be had.

things to do in spain

10 things to do in costa del sol

Here a list of 10 great family days out on the Costa del Sol .For more details and directions click here. We also have very cheap car hire from only €50.00 per week from Malaga airport …

1 , Parque Natura Aventura

This is a great adventure park situated close to Marbella on the Costa del Sol. Activities include rock climbing, kayaking, archery and paintball. You can also enjoy quad biking and younger kids are also catered for with safe play areas. Cabins are also available if you want to stay overnight, making Parque Natura Aventura the perfect place to visit for family fun on the Costa del Sol.

2 , Mijas Water Park

Mijas Water Park is one of the best water parks on the Costa del Sol. Mijas Water park provides the perfect family day out during your stay on the Costa del Sol, and all ages are catered for.
All the usual water slides, swimming pools and water adventures can be found at the Mijas Water Park, plus a host of new and exciting additions including a mini-golf course, an arcade room and a rock-climbing wall. Restaurant and bars also serving snacks, cold drinks and refreshments throughout the day. Mijas Water Park provides everything you need for perfect family fun on the Costa del Sol.

3,Marbella Football Club

The Marbella Football Club ground is situated close to the centre of town, on the road heading towards La Cañada Shopping Centre. Playing in the 2nd division B of the Spanish league, UD Marbella is run by British directors, Ian Radford and Wayne Elliott. Most home games are played on a Sunday afternoon, under-16s are admitted free and there is always a great fun family atmosphere. For more information check out www.marbellafc.com The season runs between May and August.

4,Crocodile Park

The famous Crocodile Park at Torremolinos has become a massive tourist attraction on Spain´s Costa del Sol. Resembling an African fortress, the building is home to over 300 crocodiles. Crocodile Lake is where most of the crocs live, and you can get as close as 2 metres to these dangerous reptiles. Also worth seeing is the African Museum, the Bird Reserve, the West African dwarf goats and the emus. There is no better place to take the kids while on holiday on the Costa del Sol. Family fun guaranteed.

.5,Wolf Park

this is one of the Costa del Sol´s most famous wildlife parks. Nestling in 40 acres of natural park land, Lobo Park is home to a wide range of rare plants and species of animals. A guided tour around Lobo Park will take you up close and not too personal to various species of wolves. Foxes, horses and farm animals also have a home at Lobo Park, and this is a great place to take the kids if you are on holiday on the Costa del Sol.

6, Sea Life Benalmadena

One of the best family attractions on the Costa del Sol is Sea Life, Benalmadena. Home to over 2,000 species of sea animals, including penguins, sea lions, seals, sharks and stingrays, this is the perfect place to bring children of all ages. Also educational, staff also teach visitors the importance of looking after the environment so that sea animals are protected from danger.

7,Tivoli World

this is situated in Arroyo de la Miel, Benalmadena, Costa del Sol. A fabulous theme park where kids can enjoy the music, the rides, the attractions and even a Sunday market. Several shows are hosted around the park, and children are encouraged to dress up for the event. Themed restaurants serve a wide range of drinks and snacks, and this is a fun day out for the whole family. Live entertainment and shows in summer.

8,Selwo Safari Park (Selwo Aventura)

this is one of the most amazing theme park of its kind in Europe. Offering visitors a range of safari adventures, walking routes and even overnight stays, this is the perfect place to talk to the animals. Situated in 100 hectares of open parkland, near Estepona, there are four walking routes for visitors to enjoy and over 2,000 species of animals, birds and reptiles can be seen here.

9, Aqualand Torremolinos, Costa del Sol,

this is situated just ten minutes away from the beaches of Torremolinos, and offers family fun for all ages. Boasting a wide range of aquatic attractions plus a mini-golf course, restaurants, bars and swimming pools for all the family. Rides include the kamikaze, the boomerang, the black hole and a wave pool and various wild water slides. Great holiday fun on the Costa del Sol.


10 , Senda el Retiro

this is a botanic theme park for lovers of flora and fauna. Offering a tranquil and peaceful environment, Senda el Retiro feels a million miles away from the madness of the Costa del Sol. Several bird species and some of Spain´s most beautiful flowers are situated at Senda El Retiro. This is one of the most stunning ornithological parks in Europe.

About us

Things2dospain.co.uk is a website about things you can do on holiday in Spain. If you are looking for places to go, places to eat, discos, nightclubs, beaches, music festivals, events, places of interest, family fun days out, local ferias or even boutique hotels, you will find the information on things2do. You can find places that tourists are yet to discover, and some of the most intriguing villages in Spain.

Most importantly, we want to hear from you. Users of things2do can contribute content by entering our forum board , and adding reviews and articles. That way, we keep our finger on the pulse by getting up-to-date reviews from the people who matter most. You can also contribute to our blog, and promote your own business by sending us your details on the ´submit form´ on the site. You get free classified advertising and a free listing, and we will encourage readers to review and rate your business.

The City of Crystal

A Coruña Spain “The City of Crystal”, is situated on the north west coast of Spain, easily accessible by road, sea or plane. Riazor is the beach in the centre of the city and surrounded by a stupendous promenade. A Coruña enjoys a great summer environment, offering popular festivals, nocturnal spectacles, sports competitions,

things to do in A coruna


What to do in A CoruñaThe Tower of Hercules is the symbol of this legendary city that is framed by a setting of incomparable beauty by the sea. A Coruña is a cosmopolitan city with a great ambience and rich in history. The city has the only Roman lighthouse of the world still in operation. The Old part of the city conserves the symbolic historic buildings, churches, plazas and baroque gardens which fuse harmoniously with a new modern city in continuous development.


A Coruña has one of the longest promenades in Europe, the two kilometres of beach can offer a variety of water sports from wind sailing to scuba diving. Close to the city centre the beach named Las Lapas offers golden sand, picnic area and parking. The harbour buildings with facades of glass reflect the sun in the water giving the name the City of Crystal.


A Coruña can boast on its never ending list of places of interest, including theatres, churches, Auditorium, Coliseum, Planetarium and the Municipal Palace and Opera House. The Museum of the House of Man is the first interactive museum of the world. Located on the promenade of Riazor. The museum entertains the visitor by stimulating curiosity and stirring up its reflection about the human characteristics. Staying in A Coruña you can enjoy the gastronomic feast of fresh fish and shellfish and excellent wines famous through out the world. There is abundance of night life and for those that enjoy a flutter there is also a casino.

The Donkey Sanctuary – a great family day out.

El Refugio del Burrito is not only a safe haven for maltreated donkeys, it is also gives the visitors the chance to experience one of Andalucia´s most beautiful inland areas.

things to do in spain

Having rescued donkeys from all over Europe, this fascinating sanctuary at Fuente de la Piedra, has been rescuing and caring for donkeys since 2001, and is situated just 40 minutes north of Malaga. This traditional cortijo, complete with olive groves and traditional Andalucian buildings is close to the famous Flamingo Lake, which is the largest natural lake in the Iberian Peninsula, and home to over 170 bird species.

Visitors to the donkey sanctuary cannot fail to be impressed by the wonderful facilities at the centre, and the obvious care that is given to the animals. Many of them are rescued from terrible conditions in both Spain and the rest of Europe, and cases of neglect and cruelty are also investigated.El Refugio is a registered Spanish Association, primarily concerned with the welfare of donkeys and mules, and is also known to lobby for improved legislation for these animals throughout Europe. It is also a subsidiary of the Donkey Sanctuary in southern England.
We visited the centre with my friends and their two children, and although we were all touched by the plight of the donkeys, it was good to know that they were now being looked after and cared for by such a bunch of dedicated people.

The ever growing family of donkeys are fed, treated and provided with refuge, and the centre depends entirely on donations. Although entrance to the sanctuary is free, the majority of visitors leave donations to support the upkeep and care of the animals.As animal lovers, we found this visit to be particularly humbling and the rescue stories of how the donkeys came to be at El Refugio were touching. The founders and workers at the sanctuary are also committed to stop donkeys and mules being mistreated and sold at market, and also details efforts to help improve the welfare of animals involved in the donkey taxi business.Villanueva de la Vera
Another main campaign is to stop the cruelty and distress to donkeys at the annual Villanueva de la Vera Festival.

The festival of Pero Palo takes place in Villanueva de la Vera (Cáceres- Extremadura-Spain) every Shrove Tuesday. In this popular festival a poor and helpless donkey is taken through the streets of the village to be ridden by the drunkest rider and to be subjected to degrading and cruel treatment for more than an hour. The parliament of Junta de Extremadura passed a law (Ley 5/2002) for the Protection of Animals in the region of Extremadura which forbids the utilisation of animals in festivals and public shows when the animal receives cruel mistreatment. El Refugio del Burrito and The Donkey Sanctuary have witnessed this festival since 1986. We thought that the passing of that law meant the end of the torture the donkey receives, but reality has proved that nothing has changed. Over 3,500 letters have been sent to the sanctuary to outlaw this cruel event.


Adopt a Donkey

Visitors to the sanctuary can adopt one of eight donkeys for as little as €10 a year, and will receive a certificate and photo of the animal, plus regular updates on their future progress. This money goes towards the care and upkeep of the donkeys, and helps them recover from their years of negligence they have usually endured. The adoption package is also explained on the website, and can be paid for online. A gift shop is also situated on site, where the kids can take buy some souvenirs to take home.Flamingo Lake

After a fascinating day out, we stopped off at the Flamingo Lake on the way home. After drinks and tapas in Fuente de la Piedra, we stopped off at this beautiful lake, and were amazed at the species of birds we saw. This salt lake is approximately 6.5km long and 2.5km wide, and is the most important breeding ground for flamingos in the Iberian Peninsula. This is unspoilt beauty at its best, and the nearby village has been generally untouched by tourism. Experience it soon before the visitor centres are built.Contact Details:- El Refugio del Burrito, Apartado 25, 29520, Fuente de Piedra (Malaga). Tel: (English speaking): 0034 952 735513. (Spanish speaking): 0034 952 735077.


Directions:-From Malaga take the road to Antequera. Follow the signs for Seville, taking the A-92 motorway. Take the junction marked 132 to Fuente de Piedra and head into the village, turning left next to the Hotel Fuente de Piedra. Follow the track and take the second turn on the left after passing a large house on your right. The sanctuary is situated at the end of this track.


more things to do in spain click here

Off to Arabia

I work Monday to Friday for a busy shipping, removals and storage company close to Mijas-Golf. I am amazed how many people are moving to Dubai, Oman and Kuwait now that Spain, is apparently, in recession. I understand that people need to earn money and those who have fallen on hard times here due to the downturn in the property market, probably see Dubai as an easy option. But I would never go. Imagine Las Vegas without the gambling - a huge plastic, tinseltown existence with no substance - that to me is what Dubai represents. Soulless and artificial. Yes I know the restaurants are fabulous, the apartments are luxurious and the hotels are among the best in the world. But I think it is pitiful to travel all the way to Dubai and not experience any Arabic culture, traditions or heritage - just a non-stop party town to keep the affluent ex-pats entertained. 85% of the population here is made up of ex-pats who contribute very little to the country but take a lot. Having worked in Bahrain and Kuwait, on a more serious note, I have seen at first hand the appalling conditions that the workers from the poorest nations on earth have to endure. The thousands of Bangladeshis, Indians and Filipinos are shipped in to these countries like cattle, and expected to work in sub-human conditions, often on building sites in temperatures of up to 50 degrees, for a pittance, with very little hope of ever having enough money to go home. Modern day slavery is very much alive and kicking in the Middle East and it´s time people´s eyes were opened to it. Scratch the surface of Dubai, and you will be disgusted at what you find. The Costa del Sol, in comparison, is a healthy piece of European paradise that I, for one would not swap for the world.