Mykonos is one of the main islands of the Cyclades, has an area of about 90 km² and a population of just over 9,000 inhabitants. It is one of the most important tourist destinations in the whole of Greece and is visited by more than a million tourists during the summer. However, few foreigners have chosen to live permanently on Mykonos.
Among the Greek islands, Mykonos is best known for its discos and nightlife, and is visited by all those who are looking for fun and want to dance until they drop in one of the numerous clubs. Mykonos is visited by both ordinary people and celebrities.
Besides the nightlife, the island offers the typical image of the Greek islands: the characteristic white and blue buildings, the windmills, the narrow streets of the city center and the beautiful golden beaches and emerald waters.
Although Mykonos does not lack crystal clear waters, beautiful beaches and excellent diving sites, most tourists come to the island to have fun. People from all parts of the world and of all ages gather here with a single purpose: to party.
Mykonos is known all over the world for its parties, world famous DJs come here to make people dance to the latest music trends. On almost all beaches the party starts in the late afternoon and goes on until dawn. Paradise Beach and Super Paradise, for example, are among the most famous. During the day people fall asleep, but after 4 pm people go crazy to the rhythm of the music.
The best time to visit the island is probably spring and early fall, unless you are looking for parties and fun. In that case, you should visit the island in summer. In summer, the island is full of life, crowds throng the alleys and beautiful beaches, and tourists are everywhere.
In winter, on the other hand, the island hibernates, most stores and commercial activities are closed, and there is little to do except rest after seven long months of hectic work and wait quietly for the next summer. People garden and fish, there is peace and quiet, and the few tourists find accommodations at very reasonable prices.
Many people are beginning to complain about over-tourism and its effects:
- Parties, entertainment, noise, excessive nightlife
- Excessive development with more and more tourist buildings that spoil the landscape
- Increase in the cost of living and prices
They want Mykonos to be known not only for excesses and parties but also for its culture and landscapes, but the image of the island is so much related to fun that it will be a difficult challenge.
As for work, it goes without saying that virtually all employment opportunities on the island are seasonal and related to tourism. Considering that the employed (i.e. able to work) population on the island is about 3,000 people and the number of temporary workers on Mykonos is more than 35,000, this means that almost all workers come from mainland Greece or from abroad.
For those who want to know more about labor, I recommend reading the article: Working in Greece
Living and working in Mykonos, pros and cons
Living in Miykons, pros
- Beautiful beaches and landscapes
- Parties and fun
- LGBT friendly, (Mykonos has been named the capital of tolerance)
Living in Mykonos, cons
- Hectic and crowded in summer
- Boring in winter
- One of the most expensive Greek islands
Living and working in Mykonos, Conclusion
Although Mykonos is mostly known for its parties, the island has a landscape of undeniable beauty. There are many famous people who own homes or vacation on the island.
I would say that Mykonos has something for everyone: beaches and sea for those who want to relax, and dances and parties for those who want to have fun.
Those who ask me which is better between Mykonos and Ibiza. I choose Mykonos because of the hospitality of the Greeks, because of the beauty of the island and also because the parties and entertainment are not to envy those in Ibiza.
If you want all the information on how to work in Greece I suggest you read the article: Working in Greece
If you want all the information on how to move to Greece you can read the article: Moving to Greece
