Summer Jobs Abroad – A guide to Ayia Napa / Ibiza / Magaluf / Zante / Malia / Marbella
Working a season abroad is one of the most exciting and enriching things any young person can do in their life. With most young adults unsure what they want to do in their early-life, a summer away can provide some much-needed perspective and confidence.
Sure, there are parties, boat parties, club parties, villa parties, after parties – but doing a season abroad is much more than that.
Each year, thousands of young (and older) people will embark on a first dip into summer seasonal life. For some, meeting people in a new place comes easy. At Summer Tribe, we know not everyone who joins us is the same.
There are a lot of people who will try to take on their first summer abroad alone. Sometimes it works out, but for the most part, it’s a struggle.
Summer Tribe will help make that first summer a success.
Whether it’s Ibiza, Marbella, Magaluf or across the Mediterranean in Malia, Zante or Ayia Napa: Summer Tribe knows seasonal party destinations better than anyone.
To help you make a decision on where you’re going this year, here’s Summer Tribe’s complete guide to doing a summer season.
Ibiza
Ibiza is the holy grail of summer clubbing seasons.
With its world-beating super clubs, rich underground music scene and high-end luxury day resorts: Ibiza has everything.
This little party island in the Balearics is one of the most popular summer destinations for seasonal workers and tourists alike.
Ibiza has something for everyone. Here’s a look at why this party capital could be your new home this summer.
Ibiza Nightlife
Ibiza at night doesn’t need much of an introduction.
Every summer, world famous party brands and superstar DJs will set-up residencies at the likes of Pacha, Amnesia, Privilege, Hï and more.
Away from the super clubs, the White Isle is famed for its bustling late-night bar scene and sunset cocktail evenings at places like Café Mambo and Café Del Mar.
Then there’s always the infamous West End, still packed in peak season, providing those cheap drinks, long-hangovers and regretful decisions. The West End is a summer workers’ paradise.
Daytime in Ibiza
Imagine just finishing-off an early-morning shift, gathering your new summer friends, putting on your best outfit and then taking over the O Beach dancefloor until sunset in San Antonio.
Ibiza has its fair share of party daytime delights. In San An’ – where most workers tend to stay – you have massive in the sun sessions at Ibiza Rocks and, of course, O Beach further down the bay.
Across the island, Destino and Ushuaïa host some of the world’s biggest music acts, with the likes of Marco Carola’s Music On and every summer worker’s favourite day-event: Ants.
Away from partying, Ibiza is also home to some of the finest beaches in Europe. Its sister island Formentera is a day-trip worth taking, with its white sand and crystal waters.
There’s also Es Vedra rock at sunset, which you’ll enjoy more than once if you decide to work in Ibiza this summer.
Ibiza Lifestyle
In terms of living, Ibiza can be a more expensive option. Accommodation, for instance, is where most of your earnings will go – but don’t expect high-end. The important thing to remember is how much time will you really be spending in your room? Really not much when the island has so much to offer!
If super-clubs are your thing, Ibiza is unrivalled. Fancy a drink in them though? Be prepared to spend. Fortunately, workers tend to get looked after with reduced ticket prices and free guest-lists. If in doubt, always ask.
But although Ibiza is pricey, it can reflect in better earnings and more opportunities to make money during your summer. It’s always good to have a bit to fall back on in your early weeks, though.
In the end: Ibiza is always worth it.
Magaluf
Just a ferry away, another famous Balearic party island is waiting for a new round of summer workers.
Magaluf is one of the world’s wildest party destinations.
Located on the Spanish holiday island of Majorca, Magaluf has earned its summer hotspot reputation with young party goers from all parts of Europe.
Magaluf caters to a different kind of seasonal worker. Here’s a look at why Magaluf is one of the most popular working holiday resorts.
Magaluf Nightlife
Magaluf is one of the more established party destinations for young people and first-time holidaymakers.
The nightlife reflects that. Its famous strip is Majorca’s answer to Las Vegas, with endless neon signs and late nights.
Maga’ revellers can enjoy some of the most liveliest bars and clubs on this side of the Mediterranean. Hot spots like Lineker’s, Alex’s and Mambo’s, to name a few, are some favourite pre-party spots for workers.
Just like its White Isle neighbour across the Balearic’s, Magaluf has its own huge club scene. BCM is one of Europe’s biggest nightclubs. There are also worker favourites such as Tokio Joes and Boomerang’s.
In Magaluf, nightlife is king.
Daytime in Magaluf
For a lot of workers, night-time is usually work time, until they can have a few hours towards the end to enjoy usually at one of the famous workers afterparties.
Fortunately, Magaluf’s daytime party scene is just as superb.
The Majorca resort hosts some of the best boat parties you can find. These mid-day summer sun expeditions take no-holds-barred to a whole new meaning. Imagine all-inclusive alcohol, banging tunes and some seriously notorious drinking games, all in the middle of the deep blue.
Despite what your parents might believe, Maga’ isn’t just about partying. Sure, there are probably more pool parties in this resort than there are actual pools, but that’s not to say there isn’t plenty of sober fun to be had.
Magaluf’s Katmandu theme park has become an iconic fixture in the resort’s entertainment offerings. There’s also plenty of water parks and sports to enjoy in the day, too.
Magaluf Lifestyle
Compared to other resorts, Magaluf is a lot more night-time focused.
More jobs are at night, which may mean more late get-ups. A lot of workers will spend a few hours at work in the night, before heading to a club in the early-morning hours, then resting-up the next day by the pool before the next shift. Not a bad lifestyle, really?
The workers spirit is a lot more concentrated here. You will get to know everybody and anybody who’s out there to work. That means plenty of friendships and plenty of Maga’ memories.
Just stay away from the tattoo shop – or at least keep it tasteful, for your parent’s sake.
Marbella
Marbella has built a reputation of luxury and lavishness over the years.
Each summer, you’ll see yacht-after-yacht docked in the Puerto Banús marina. It’s a place of wealth and entertainment – but these don’t always have to go hand-in-hand.
Dotted on southern Spain’s Costa del Sol, Marbella is a Mediterranean haven like no other.
Sure, it’s more upmarket than most summer party resorts, but away from the glitzy nights, sparkling table service and shining yachts: Marbella has a bit of everything for everyone.
Will you choose Marbella this year? Here’s a look why you might.
Marbella Nightlife
Marbella’s club scene is as sparkling as its yacht scene.
Table service is a big thing out here, meaning there are plenty of well-paid hosting jobs with the opportunity to make some serious money.
In peak season, Marbella’s nightlife runs 7-days-a-week, so if you are working at a club, don’t expect any time off during busy months, but do expect some big tips.
The Costa del Sol hotspot is famed for its luxury open-air venues – as well as late night clubs. Places like Olivia Valere and Pangea have been servicing VIP and celebrity night-time needs for years now.
But if you’re worried about cost, Marbella’s ‘backline’ streets are filled with plenty of clubbing options on more of a budget, but still with that luxury feel.
Daytime in Marbella
Marbella’s beach club scene is world-famous.
Nikki Beach and Ocean Club are two of those special open-air hotspots that have become a relaxed and indulgent place to practise all kinds of hedonism.
Away from the club scene, Marbella has plenty of free and fun things that seasonal workers can enjoy.
True to its Costa del Sol location, this coastal Spanish tourist favourite has plenty to explore. Whether it’s a day at the secluded Cabopino Beach, or shopping in the city: Marbella caters to all.
Marbella Lifestyle
Marbella is a playground to the rich and famous – but that doesn’t mean it can’t be enjoyed by everyone.
Similarly to Ibiza, there are places where wealth goes a lot further, but there are also plenty of day and night activities to enjoy on a worker’s budget.
Fortunately, though, with wealthy tourists comes an opportunity for seasonal workers to earn more throughout the summer.
Marbella is a different kind of working holiday – and this reflects in the lifestyle. Just imagine what your Instagram feed will be looking at after five-months in Marbs’?
Zante
The Greek islands have been welcoming summer workers since holiday seasons began. Zante is one of the biggest.
As one of Europe’s most popular party islands, Zante (also known as Zakynthos) has become a rite of passage for thousands of first-time seasonal workers for decades now.
Its mile-long Laganas strip is a neon night haven, with streets lined bar-after-bar, as well as some of the best clubs you’ll find on this part of the planet.
But it’s also much more than clubbing.
Zante is one of the most picturesque holiday destinations in the world. Just take a look at Shipwreck Navagio Beach.
Here’s why Zante could be your place to live this summer.
Zante Nightlife
Laganas is where the action is happening.
As well as lively bars and the more general club nights, Zante has a host of ticketed events featuring world-famous artists. In 2019, Aitch and Nathan Dawe took over Plus Club for a very special night. That’s just one example.
In Zante, the mile-long Laganas strip satisfies all clubbing needs.
Rescue and Cocktails and Dreams are two favourites of holidaymakers and tourists alike – but with Zante everywhere tends to be busy.
Daytime in Zante
The Greek islands are renowned for their stunning natural beauty. Zante more than delivers on expectation.
Gather your new Tribe friends and take in the beauty of the Blue Caves, or even hire your own boat for the day and head to Turtle Island. Yeah. Turtles!
But if you still have some appetite for a daytime session, then Zante has you covered on all bases.
Pool parties, boat parties, beach parties and, of course, the famous White Party at Republic Beach Club. All this is the gorgeous Greek summer sun. You also have the brand new renovated Infinity Beach Club which was a customer and workers favourite in 2020!
Zante is a real slice of daytime paradise.
Zante Lifestyle
Zante offers a summer lifestyle dream on a budget.
As a Greek island, accommodation and living costs are a little cheaper in comparison to the popular Spanish resorts.
You’ll also find a bit more of a relaxed culture. That’s just how the Greeks do it.
Throw in some amazingly fresh Mediterranean cuisine and you can start to see why Zante is one of the most popular holiday and season workers locations.
Malia
Malia is another resort full of madness.
Nestled in towards the north east side of Crete, Malia is another Greek island resort full of night-time fun and excitement.
As the largest Greek island, Crete offers a bit extra in terms of space. The land itself stretches over 160-miles from point-to-point.
Even so, from most family resorts, the night-time lights of Malia can be spotted in the far distance.
Malia is Crete’s party capital.
Malia Nightlife
Malia’s mile-long strip is a colourful as it is energy-inducing.
Starting from the top and meandering down towards the beach, Malia’s bar and club scene is one of the best you’ll find in this part of Europe.
Working in Malia means plenty of club opportunities. Here, you’ll find PRs, shot sellers, ticket reps and so much more.
A lot of seasonal workers will work a shift at some of the resorts more chilled pre-party spots, before heading to the likes of Zig Zag Club, Candy and Apollo and dancing until sunrise.
In Malia, the strip is filled with pure, unrelenting, infectious party energy.
Daytime in Malia
Like Zante, Malia is blessed with crystal Greek clear water and stunning natural beauty spots.
Located at the bottom of the strip, Malia’s main beach opens up into a wide, open and charming piece of scenery, blessed with golden sand and dotted trees.
There’s also plenty of water-sport fun to be had, too, as well as a nearby water park just a stone’s throw away from the sand.
Under the sun, the strip transforms into a bustling hive of activity. There are bar games, open-air restaurants and hotel pool parties and chill-out spots.
Malia Lifestyle
Again, being a Greek resort, prices tend to be a little lower. You’ll get more for your pound, but that doesn’t mean wages are all bad.
There’s plenty of commission focussed opportunities on the strip, as well as daytime work in the popular British restaurants and bars.
You’ll find a real worker’s spirit here, with a lot of Brits escaping the rain and clouds for five-months of Malia madness.
For anyone who loves late nights, sunny days and strong drinks: Malia is the one.
Ayia Napa
Ayia Napa is the last to feature, but by no means the least.
This slice of Cypriot clubbing paradise is one of the most popular choices for sun-seeking, party holidaymakers and seasonal workers.
Located on the east side of Cyprus, ‘Napa’ is blessed with all-round summer sun and calm crystal Mediterranean waters.
Ayia Napa has established itself as a clubbing getaway over the last few decades. There’s a reason why thousands of party goers choose this destination for their summer working away.
Here’s a look at our final Summer Tribe resort.
Ayia Napa Nightlife
Ayias Mavris is Ayia Napa’s main square and party strip. This is where all the fun is happening, straight from dusk until dawn and into the night.
The bars around here are packed throughout the summer months, with crowds of people spilling-out onto the roads during peak season.
Ayia Napa’s party area is a bit more concentrated than other resorts. You’ll find the bars around Ayia Mavris to be competing with one of other, so expect loud music, strong drinks and loads of energy.
It also has its fair share of nightclubs. Castle Club spreads out over five dancing arenas. There’s also Shuffle Club, Club Sin and late-night Club Aqua, which stays open way beyond sunrise – and that’s just naming a few.
Daytime in Ayia Napa
As mentioned before, Ayia Napa rarely has a rainy day.
Aside from the pool parties, beach parties and massive daytime events, there are so many activities to enjoy in and around this Cypriot party destination in the sunshine.
Quad biking is one of the most popular ways workers and tourists can explore parts of this blue skied paradise.
There’s also the mega Waterworld waterpark; one of Ayia Napa’s main attractions.
You could even gather your new worker friends and spend a day shopping and exploring the ancient capital Nicosia, which is only a one-hour journey away.
Ayia Napa Lifestyle
The Cypriot lifestyle is full of sun, fun and amazing food.
Just like its Greek sister resorts, Ayia Napa’s living costs are a bit smaller compared to other places.
Also, being part of a bigger island, workers out here have more potential to find other daytime work, thanks to the hundreds of family excursions on offer around nearby resorts.
The Ayia Napa party square and strip is still one of the biggest party destinations in Europe, though. In Cyprus, you really do get the best of both worlds.
Quick tips on choosing a destination
- Do your research. Summer Tribe guides are good place to start
- Summer Tribe know all these resorts inside out. Whichever you choose will be amazing, otherwise we wouldn’t offer it
- Don’t be swayed by other people’s opinions. They’re probably bias towards where they’ve stayed (but we guess this kind of proves wherever you go will be incredible!)
- Join the Summer Tribe Facebook Group to meet your tribe members and ask any questions about each resort
- Make sure you book as early as you can to avoid disappointment. Come summer, you don’t want to be asking ‘what if?’
- Feel free to contact us at any point to ask about all the different Jobs that are available in resorts.
Start your Summer Tribe Journey. Apply here
