Romanian tourist's experiment reveals cost of 'free' sunbeds in Thassos

A Romanian tourist in Thassos, Greece, explored the common practice of beach bars offering free sunbeds in exchange for a minimum spend, documenting his experience to help other travelers. He visited a bar in Potos on a busy day, where his group of six found ample sunbeds available, with options for both sunny and shaded spots.

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Today I wanted to do an experiment. But also offer some explanations to those who might need them - about the free sunbeds on the beaches of Thassos, in exchange for consumption. I came to one of my favorite bars in Potos around 10:30.

The group, comprising four adults and two children, ordered a variety of food and drinks, including two waters, two freddo cappuccinos, two beers, a cocktail, two coffees, two sodas, a pizza, a club sandwich, and a chicken tortilla. By just before 2 p.m., their total bill reached 81 euros.

"We far exceeded the minimum consumption," the tourist noted, adding that they planned to stay longer and potentially order more. He explained that it's not difficult to meet the spending requirement when ordering both food and drinks over several hours. He also observed that many beach bars in Thassos now offer food menus, diversifying their services beyond just beverages.

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Sunbeds of choice, more in the sun or more in the shade, on the busiest day of the year.

In return for their spending, the group enjoyed the use of sunbeds, shade, and the bar's facilities, including access to a toilet. The tourist described the experience positively, highlighting the good quality of the coffee, cold beer, and food, along with a pleasant atmosphere and easy access to the sandy beach. He views this arrangement as a fair and "natural" way for tourists to contribute to the businesses that maintain the beach areas, ensuring a comfortable experience for visitors.

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Before 2 p.m. we closed the bill: 81 euros for everything, 4 adults and 2 children.

However, the tourist cautioned that this experience doesn't guarantee the same conditions on all beaches in Thassos, as some may still charge separate fees for sunbeds.

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We far exceeded the minimum consumption and there's a high chance we'll get something else before we leave. It's not hard to spend money if you order drinks and something to eat in a few hours.