Santorini: Daily Mail slams 'victims of exorbitant charges and hidden fees' at bars and restaurants

Santorini, a jewel of the Greek islands, is facing criticism as British tourists report being victims of excessive charges and hidden fees at certain establishments. A report by the Daily Mail highlights instances where visitors were presented with shockingly high bills for basic food and drinks, often of subpar quality.

Tourists recounted paying exorbitant amounts, such as 59 pounds for a whole chicken with fries, 40 pounds for just three shrimp, and 30 pounds for fish and chips. Even simple items like an instant coffee and a piece of orange cake cost 24 pounds, while two scoops of ice cream were priced at 18 pounds. A single instant coffee alone could cost 10 pounds.

Adding to the frustration, many visitors felt pressured to leave tips, even when the service was unsatisfactory. When they questioned the inflated bills, they often met with rudeness from staff and owners. These findings follow similar complaints previously reported in Corfu, indicating a pattern of exploitative practices targeting unsuspecting tourists.

Santorini, despite its stunning natural beauty and status as a top European destination attracting millions of visitors annually, appears to have a darker side. Some businesses are accused of exploiting tourists with inflated prices and hidden costs. In one reported case near Fira, a meal of three shrimp and vegetables cost 45 euros, with a freddo coffee priced at 8.5 euros. The shrimp, claimed to be fresh, were described as tasteless, and a dish presented as complimentary was added to the bill for 20 euros. When challenged, the waiter claimed he never said it was free, emphasizing the view as the establishment's main draw. The final bill for this meal, including coffees and the 'complimentary' dish, reached 81 euros, with unclear itemization. The establishment also demanded cash payment, despite Greek law requiring card acceptance, and included a 20-euro tip request.