Imagine arriving at a beautiful beach on Thassos, ready to soak up the sun and sea, only to be hit with a bill of 50 euros for two sunbeds and an umbrella! Yes, you read that right! Miloš from Serbia, who has been vacationing in Greece and around the world for over 20 years, experienced this unpleasant surprise at Aliki beach. After waiting 45 minutes for a waiter, he was told that sitting there costs 50 euros. When he refused to pay, the waiter dropped the price to 20 euros for just 45 minutes of sitting!
This is not an isolated incident. Tourists on social media are sharing similar stories of scams on Thassos and other Greek destinations. One person described how they were asked for 20 euros for parking at Kalogria beach, even though they spent 50 euros at the bar. When they refused to pay, they were told to call the police!
This is part of a bigger problem of beach commercialization in Greece, where finding reasonably priced sunbeds and umbrellas is becoming nearly impossible. Tourists are outraged, with comments ranging from “disgusting” to “shame on them.” Some advise bringing your own beach gear to avoid these traps.
This practice casts a shadow over Greece’s reputation as a favorite holiday spot. Is this the beginning of the end of carefree vacations? Or just another sign that tourism is becoming more business and less pleasure? If you’ve had similar experiences, you know what we mean. If not, maybe it’s time to prepare for unexpected costs.
While tourists struggle with this issue, local restaurateurs and beach owners continue their tactics. Is this fair to those who come to relax? Or just another way to squeeze money out of tourists? Share your thoughts — maybe together we’ll find a solution or at least get a good laugh at these ridiculous prices!
