British tourists visiting the popular Greek island of Santorini are reportedly being overcharged and subjected to hidden fees by some restaurants and bars. An undercover investigation by the Daily Mail documented instances of British holidaymakers being presented with significantly inflated bills for food and drinks.
During the investigation, visitors were allegedly charged steep prices for items such as a whole chicken with potatoes for £59, three prawns for £40, and fish and chips for £30. Other examples included £24 for an instant coffee and cake, £18 for two scoops of ice cream, and £10 for a single instant coffee. Some tourists also reported being pressured to pay tips despite receiving poor service.
One establishment, Katrin restaurant, located on the caldera cliffs, was identified as a hotspot for these alleged practices. An undercover journalist reported being charged approximately £39 for three prawns with vegetables and over £7 for a café Freddo, a traditional cold coffee, which was described as weak and not tasting of coffee. The prawns were priced at over £13 each and were reportedly not fresh. Additionally, a plate of fava bean puree and pitta bread, initially offered as complimentary by a waiter named Evangelos, was later added to the bill for £17.
When questioned about the charges, Evangelos reportedly stated the prices were listed on the menu and highlighted the restaurant's view. He also insisted on a cash-only payment and hinted at a €20 tip, offering to escort the journalists to an ATM. Greek businesses are legally required to accept electronic payments, with regulations tightened to combat tax evasion.
Another tourist, Lisa, recounted being charged £24 for an instant coffee and cake and being asked for a €10 tip, which she refused, calling the experience a "rip off." The restaurant owner's response was reportedly dismissive, suggesting she read the menu.
Online reviews for Katrin on Tripadvisor echo these complaints, with the restaurant holding a rating of 1.2 out of 5. Many reviews describe experiences of feeling misled and overcharged, with some labeling it the "worst restaurant experience of my life."
Similar allegations were made against the Caldera Sunset View Bar, which has since reportedly rebranded as the 360 bar due to negative reviews. Here, two scoops of ice cream and stale baklava cost £18, and a small bottle of water was priced at £5. A kebab was listed at £25 and fish and chips at £30. The establishment's owner reportedly responded to a complaint about food quality and price by stating, "Everybody wants to drive a Bugatti but don’t want to pay Bugatti prices."
Online reviews for this establishment on Tripadvisor are also critical, with ratings as low as 1.1, describing the food as "horrible" and cocktails as "overpriced."
Santorini, known for its scenic beauty and celebrity visitors, attracts approximately 3.4 million tourists annually. The investigation suggests that behind its glamorous facade, some businesses may be exploiting visitors.
This situation mirrors similar questionable practices previously reported by the Daily Mail in Corfu.