When visiting Greece, there are a number of options that one may consider.  Greece is divided in what is the mainland, in which the most popular city is Athens - the Greek capital, as well as the world famous Greek Islands. 

Now the mainland does have numerous attractions that one may visit including the Parthenon and other archeological sights.  However my intention for these blogs is to give information re beach homestays for students and travelers who may be running on a lower budget.

Let's face it, with this world economic turmoil most students are giving up their dreams of a summer holiday.  This should not be the case since one has the option to combine work and fun in Greece.  How? Well easy - Here in Greece life moves at a slower pace then it's other European counterparts... You can take your day at work quite easy here and you will have energy and the money to have some fun afterwards.

The Islands

The main islands that are most popular with visitors from all around the year are the Cyclades.  The islands of Paros and Mykonos especially attract the younger crowd that is looking for long days sunbathing on a white sandy beach, and dancing until dawn breaks.  Santorini on the other hand is more of a laid back island, as is Naxos.  All the islands feature a breath taking view of sunset and little white washed houses with blue painted rooftops.   The view from the top of the hills overlooking the deep blue Mediterranean sea is one you will remember a whole lifetime, and what kept me here on the first place J 

If the above agrees with your description of a dream beach homestay/summer work destination, then read on...

Summer Jobs available

The Greek islands are little more than dead during the winter, however at the start of May through to October they spring into life.  Thousands of tourists mostly young people from North Europe and America flock to the islands yearly - the opportunity of making new friends is endless. 

As you might guess, it's tourism that turns the economy of these islands and most jobs are related to this sector of the industry.  So if you want to work to pay for your holiday here, baby sitting or teaching English is not the path you should take. 

First thing to note is that the Greek language is not required to find a job in the islands.  English is normally asked for and another European language such as Italian or Spanish would be considered a plus on your side.  Speaking from experience, I would familiarize myself a little with the alphabet and learn basic words to get around.  The road signs in the most touristic places are written in both English and Greek alphabet, when you move out of the centre of the islands, you'll only see Greek signs.

The islands are full of hotels, resorts and taveras that take on new staff every summer, just for the summer season.  Job opportunity as waiters, chamber maids and receptionists are quite easy to find. Experience in this field is not normally required.  The hotels might also offer you free or discounted accommodation and food might also be included if you're lucky.  Hours of work in a hotel could however be long and the pay not too good, so it's good to keep this in mind.  Greece has unfortunately become quite an expensive place to live in lately.

Other options are also available.  Since water sports like wind surfing and kite surfing are very popular in Greece due to the perfect weather for this kind of sports, opportunities for jobs as instructors in these sports are frequently available.  Diving instructors are also required in resorts.  In the above cases however, previous experience and for diving instructors a certificate would be asked for.  This kind of job would be perfect since you would be working on the beach all day, and have your evenings off to enjoy the bustling nightlife that is not to be missed!

In Greece it's also popular to have bars directly on the beach, so you'll also get a nice tan while working the bar.  However something is to note here...  In this country it seems that it's not politically incorrect to ask for women in job adverts, they also request for them to be good looking, so maybe this job opportunity is somewhat limited  :P

Some clubs may offer a free room to the girls working with them.  I must say that the Greeks are very warm and generous people, however needless to say beware who you trust especially if you're a young female travelling on your own. You do hear a story or two of rooms being broken into during the night because they're not well locked. 

Job opportunities can also be found for the summer months in souvenir shops, jewelry shops  or shops selling beachwear.  The island of Santorini is littered with such shops so finding a job would be relatively easy.  Obviously the accommodation in this case would not be provided and you would have to cater for it yourself. 

Regarding home swaps, since young people mostly live with their families until they are married, swapping is unlikely.  As for host families in the islands, it's important to understand that Athenians normally move to the islands only for their summer holidays and will stay there for a few weeks.  This makes finding a host family also slightly difficult.

Getting Around

The islands are all quite small, and easy to get around.  Bus service is obviously available however you will realize that the Greek's notion of time can be irritatingly vague.  This does not only go for bus service, but also for appointments and meetings.  A fun way to get around is by renting a motorcycle, still quite fast and easy to park anywhere. A bike I wouldn't consider given the heat of the summer months and the hilly terrain unless you want to take a good cardio exercise!

Island hopping is very popular. The available modes of transport are the ferry or else a short plane ride.  If you're planning on taking the ferry, please note that this takes a couple of hours to get from point A to point B, so plan your day well and allow yourself for some time of rest when you get back, cause you'll need it.  The plane ride on the other hand will only take a few minutes however it's the more expensive way to travel.

Yummy Food

Something else that makes Greece an ideal beach homestay, is the delicious and healthy food offered by the local tavernas. The Greeks boast of a very healthy Mediterranean diet and their rich and fertile land and sea provides them with the most tasty ingredients.  So don't miss and evening out eating fish or mezedes like dolmades which are vine leaves stuffed with rice and veg, or keftedes - the greek meatballs.