Are you thinking of starting a gap year abroad in Europe? We think that is a great idea. But, we’re not the only ones – taking a gap year is a generally respected practice that can help you find and develop yourself and your career in many great ways. If this is an option that you would like to consider more, read our 5 best gap year jobs and activities in Europe or 6 tips to plan your best gap year in Europe blog posts.

If you have felt stuck trying to make a decision about where to go, you have found the right page. In this post we will give you our two best country recommendations to make your gap year abroad in Europe the most fun, positive and unforgettable experience. Our most popular destinations for young people are sunny, charming, and historic Greece and Malta.

Reasons to take a gap year abroad in Malta

Malta is a tiny country situated on quite a remote island south of Sicily. But do not let its size fool you. It is rich in beautiful sights, fascinating people, and lots of amazing opportunities depending on your wishes and needs. Studying the language? Getting your foot in the door at a big, international company? Or maybe cashing up some savings while exploring the possibilities in the service industry? You can do all of the above here, while also being able to meet other international young people and locals. And after work, all the beaches, catamarans, and hiking trails are waiting for you to discover them with a smile on your face and sun on your skin.

Gap year in Malta: Statistics

If you don’t know much about Malta and are wondering about numbers that can encourage you to go there:

Malta has consistently low unemployment rates, often below 4%. This can be very good for finding casual work
The entire island is only about 316 square kilometers, making it easy to explore and get around
English is one of Malta’s official languages, making it easy for international visitors to integrate

Make new friends on your gap year abroad in europe

Malta is a hotspot for people doing a gap year abroad in Europe

If you’re wondering whether you would be the only one making this brave choice, worry no more. Malta is full of young, international people who come here for all kinds of reasons. Meeting new friends and growing your network can be as easy as stepping out the door, or checking your Facebook.

The people that come here are either participants of an English EF course, expats looking for work abroad, international students at one of Malta’s universities or fellow gap year adventurers. In our Live and work in Malta: Best experiences in your gap year blog post, we write much more about how and where to meet them if that’s something you want help with.

Beautiful beaches and day trips in Malta

Malta is an absolute gem for nature lovers. Anyone who ever had a chance to walk through the rocky shores and sandy beaches of Malta will tell you that they have seen paradise – and they won’t be wrong.

My time in Malta felt unreal at times. As beautiful as the main island is with the charm of Valletta, I fell in love with the quaintness and mysterious charm of Gozo. Me and my friends would spend sunset evenings just walking on foot from village to village. You could see something breathtaking at every corner – and we loved chatting with the farmers!”

Zuzanna, Job Squad

Here are some top recommended and must-see natural beauty locations that anyone can see during a gap year in Malta:

Blue Lagoon Beach: This is a big must-see, as some people call it a “paradise on earth” with its crystal blue water and bright sand. It is a perfect snorkeling destination and one of the best diving destinations in the world
Blue Grotto: It’s magical, but also a quick experience, so don’t expect to spend hours inside the cave and take as many pictures as you can!
Victoria Lines: A beautiful trek along Malta’s historic fortifications across the entire northern end of the island.

Malta is easy to navigate and travel around

Since Malta is so small, chances are everything that you need will be within a close, walking proximity, especially if you live in the city. But if anything is too far to hike up to, choose one of many safe buses that operate all over Malta. If you’re feeling more adventurous and want to travel to another island, the ferries between them are super handy and depart regularly. Driving is also possible, but remember, Maltese people drive on the left side of the road and are known to be a little bit reckless…

Everyone speaks English in Malta

Worried about not adjusting to the country during your gap year abroad because of the language barrier? That will not be a problem in Malta. Almost all Maltese people speak English fluently – even the elderly. English is stated as one of Malta’s official languages – doing any paperwork, getting to meet people or just feeling like you understand this place will come with ease.

Best jobs for your gap year in Malta

If you’re wondering about what you could be doing there to get some extra money in your pocket, Malta and Job Squad offer multiple options. As Malta is a touristic location, especially in the season, all the attractions and sectors related to service and tourism are actively hiring people. Finding a job as a waiter, tour guide, driver, or hotel service will be no hassle at all.

However, if you would like a job that requires a different skill set and will make your CV shine even brighter in the future, you should definitely consider one of the jobs abroad suggested by Job Squad. Our most recent, exciting offers include:

If you’re still struggling with the choice, maybe this article on 5 best gap year jobs and activities in Europe will help you get inspired and find a job that would be perfect just for you.

Hear about Malta from our experts!

“I love calling Malta my home – it is a very safe country and it’s so easy to meet people here. The island is full of history and many fun party areas! Poceville Is well known for its club scenes and has been increasingly glowing with foreign artists joining the scene. Golden Bay and Paradise Bay are some of my top beaches here in Malta. For the best views of the sea from Dingli.”

Nik – Maltese resident & hospitality worker

“It was always so easy to make new friends in Malta! I joined a number of Erasmus+ clubs and activities, EF initiatives and Facebook groups, and my time was filled with meaningful social hangouts. Everyone should spend some time of their life in Malta – it really is one of my favorite places on earth!”

Linda – Maltese resident for 5+ years

Beach days during your gap year abroad in europe

Why take a gap year in Greece

Greece is a country with a very long history, spread across many islands. But don’t let its ancient stories make you think it’s just old. It’s full of beautiful places, big city life, perfect island vibes, interesting people, and lots of good living opportunities. Want to learn what ‘filotimo’ is really about? Try fresh, real Greek food? Or save some money while working in one of the most beautiful areas in the world? You can do all this during your perfect gap year in Greece, and meet friendly locals and people from all over the world along the way.

Gap year in Greece: Statistics

First things first, for those who are focused on facts, here are some interesting statistics to get you hooked on why Greece is the best place to spend your gap year:

Greece has over 250 days of sunshine annually, perfect for those who want to get a lot of vitamin D
With over 18 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Greece offers a deep dive into ancient civilisation

Greece has a relatively low cost of living, especially outside of major tourist areas. Of course that means the wages there can be low, but quite often for expats they are still very attractive, and with the right budget, they can provide you with an amazing lifestyle. Don’t believe us? Check our blog post: Greek salary for expats: Best tips to live a fun life

The iconic Greek food

While you discover all the charms and fun of the islands and cities during your gap year in Greece, it will be important to keep your tummy full and your body healthy – and there is no place like Greece to help you with that. Greek cuisine is known worldwide for its variety, balance, and deliciousness. Some traditional dishes you must try at least once (and probably many more times after that) include:

Tzatziki: A refreshing dip made with yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and dill, perfect for dipping pita bread or vegetables.
Greek coffee: amazing and iconic – you must try the Freddo Espresso, Greek frappe, which is a cold coffee beverage with foam on the top.
Pita pie – a perfect and fast snack with different fillings available in the supermarkets and local authentic bakeries.
Magiritsa Soup: made from lamb, lettuce and spices.
Souvlaki: Skewered and grilled meat (pork, chicken, or lamb), often served with pita bread, tzatziki, and salad. It’s a classic street food.

The Greek culture and history

Greece is probably one of the most history and culture-rich countries in the world – no matter where you end up, most cities will be able to offer you ancient sights and remainders of the glorious past anywhere you look. We know that a year in Greece is all about working and having fun, but if your destination can at the same time be educational and enriching, it makes your experience even more perfect. Here are some must-see hidden gems that you will be sure to enjoy in two of our most popular cities in Greece:

Athens

Benaki Museum: several locations dedicated to history, art, and design that display the true Greek spirit. In their souvenir shops, you won’t find cheap mainstream items, but authentic, meaningful work
Anafiotika: a small neighbourhood with island energy, cute streets and some of the best views Athens has to offer. You’ll also make friends with a lot of cute stray cats there
Gazi: The party district is the heart of Friday nights in Athens. Make sure to visit some of their rooftop bars – that’s where you’ll get your cheap cocktails and priceless views over the town

Thessaloniki

Ano Poli: more quiet, historic district, with some of the best cafes and charming restaurants that embrace the “mezedes” which are small sharing plates
The hidden churches: make it a day-trip challenge to try and find small, but beautiful hidden churches among the streets of the city – not many tourists visit those and you’ll be sure to feel like a true local after visiting a few of them
Bezesteni: a historical Ottoman-era covered market, essentially a small, hidden bazaar. It was once a vital center for selling valuable textiles and jewelry, and it still houses some fascinating shops

Island hopping during gap year in greece

The Greek work-life balance

Greek people are hard-working, but they also have a great culture of separating their work from a private life. Usually, Greece has an average of 40 hours work week, 8 hours daily, 5 days a week. But after you clock out – it is time for you to forget all your work worries and enjoy what life has to offer. Additionally, the Greek law commands that you get two extra salaries every year – how neat is that?

As your year in Greece is a time for learning, you will also benefit from a Greek mindset of taking things slow and with peace – “siga-siga” is an often used saying that they use, which translates to “slowly-slowly”. Sometimes that will also mean that your days at work might end later – especially if you take a long lunch break, which the Greeks love celebrating – so that they can enjoy leisure with their friends or coworkers for a sufficient time.

Gap year in Greece adventures

Once your week of work is done, there are so many fascinating and adventurous things that you can do that will surely include, in a big part, seeing all the Greek idyllic islands and their people. Schedule a day or a weekend with your friends and get out of the city on a true adventure of seeing the best parts of the country.

Our expert recommendation is exploring smaller islands: Halki, Tilos, Nisyros and Lipsi are less developed, offering a more authentic experience. How to do it? Here’s a quick recommendation guide:

Travel during the slower seasons (April-May or September-October): you’ll encounter fewer crowds, lower prices, and more pleasant weather. No packed ferries and unbearable crowds
Book the ferries in advance: schedule your trips with a place for unexpected changes – ferries are often late or take longer
Consider focusing on one island group: the Cyclades are very popular, but the Dodecanese or the Ionian islands also have great island-hopping potential
Bring some cash: many smaller islands still prefer that form of payment, but you can easily pay with card too

Hear from people who found a job in Greece

“While working in Greece, I also got a chance to do sightseeing and I have done cruises to the nearby Greek islands as well. It’s absolutely amazing to see and experience another culture and meet international people.”

Annti from Finland

“My most memorable moments from my time in Athens were definitely all the times me and my friends down here went out for a drink, or those summer nights with bonfire parties and drinks on the beach during the day. One time my girlfriend and I met some Spanish guys when we were having wine in the center, and we just ended up talking all night!”

Rebbeka from Denmark

Ready for a gap year in Malta or a gap year in Greece?

Fallen in love with these beautiful places? Read more about working in Malta and Greece, take a look at our current job offers or contact us if you have any questions. If gap year sounds like your dream, learn more about gap year jobs abroad here on our website.

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Gap year abroad in Europe: Why Greece and Malta are the most popular