Working a Season in Mykonos
Everything you need to know about doing a summer season on Greece's most glamorous island: beach clubs, fine dining, yacht work, pay and where to live.
Why Mykonos?
Mykonos has transformed from a quiet Cycladic island into one of the Mediterranean's most exclusive summer destinations. The island attracts a high-spending clientele, and the hospitality industry here operates at an intense pace from late May through September. That means higher wages than most Greek islands and excellent tips, especially in the luxury beach club and fine dining sector.
Venues like Scorpios, Nammos, SantAnna and Principote have put Mykonos on the global beach club map. The island also has a significant yacht charter presence, with superyachts anchoring off Ornos and Psarou throughout the summer. For seasonal workers, this means a huge range of opportunities in a compact, beautiful setting with guaranteed sunshine.
Roles available
Mykonos has strong demand for experienced hospitality workers. The most common positions include:
💰 Typical Pay
Restaurant and bar staff earn €1,000–€1,500/month base plus tips. In top-tier beach clubs, tips can be exceptional, sometimes adding€1,000+/month. Chefs earn €1,500–€3,000+ depending on the venue. Most employers provide accommodation and at least one meal per shift, which makes a big difference given the island's high living costs. Yacht crew rates follow standard industry scales.
What you'll need
Requirements vary by role, but here are the common ones for Mykonos:
📋 Common Requirements
Right to work: EU/EEA citizenship or a Greek work permit. Post-Brexit UK nationals need a work visa. Greece issues seasonal work permits, but your employer usually needs to sponsor these.
AFM (tax number): You'll need a Greek tax number to work legally. Apply at the local tax office (DOY) with your passport.
Experience: Mykonos venues are high-end and most expect previous hospitality experience. Fine dining and beach club roles typically require at least one prior season.
Languages: English is essential. Greek is a bonus but not required for most tourist-facing roles. Italian, French or Arabic can be useful given the clientele.
Yacht qualifications: STCW and ENG1 for crew roles. Powerboat Level 2 helpful for tender driving.
Living in Mykonos
Accommodation is expensive and scarce during the summer months. A shared room in a worker apartment costs €400–€700/month, but availability is extremely limited. Most employers provide staff housing, and this should be a key factor when choosing where to work. Without employer-provided accommodation, finding somewhere to live can be very difficult.
The island is small enough to get around by scooter, which most seasonaires rent for €150–€250/month. Mykonos Town (Chora) is the main hub, but many workers live closer to their venue in areas like Ornos, Platis Gialos or Ano Mera. Groceries and dining out are noticeably more expensive than mainland Greece.
🏖️ Days off & island life
Days off on Mykonos are spent at the beach, island-hopping to nearby Delos, Tinos or Naxos, or exploring the iconic windmills and Little Venice in Chora. The crystal-clear waters are incredible, and beaches like Elia, Super Paradise and Agios Sostis each have their own character. The expat and seasonal worker community is sociable and international.
Nightlife & social scene
Mykonos nightlife is legendary. The bars along Little Venice and Matoyianni Street fill up from sunset, with Scarpa, Semeli and Astra being popular late-night spots. Cavo Paradiso, perched on cliffs above Paradise Beach, hosts world-class DJs. The scene is upscale but welcoming, and the seasonal worker community has its own social circuit with industry nights and beach gatherings on days off.
When to start looking
The best time to start applying is March–April for a late May or June start. Major beach clubs and hotel groups recruit from February, while smaller restaurants and bars often hire in April and May. Some mid-season turnover creates openings in July. Having your profile on PeakWave early means employers can find you as soon as they start hiring for the summer.
Ready for a season in Mykonos?
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