Popular Greek tourist resort labelled 'ultimate rip off'
The first sundowner of the evening is always a holiday highlight - but not if you're paying through the nose for it. One of Greece's prettiest spots, the ancient Old Town of Rhodes, has been red flagged as a major hotspot for overcharging tourists, according to reviews on Google and TripAdvisor . The area's narrow network of streets are filled with places to imbibe everything from local Dodecanese beer to shots of ouzo, but according to some disgruntled tourists, a visit to Rhodes' Old Town also leaves visitors vulnerable to inflated prices - with a string of bars accused of 'scamming' tourists.
One of the most common tricks, say drinkers, comes via the 'Rhodes Boot', a boot-shaped glass vessel that can hold up to two litres of beer. Customers at bars in the Old Town say when they've asked for a small or medium beer, they're frequently been presented with the 'Boot', and then charged handsomely for it, whether they drank it or not - with prices starting at around 10 euros (£8.40) for the sizeable drink. Reviews of the Chevalier Shisha & Cocktail Lounge Bar, which is in the main square of Rhodes' Old Town and enjoys the attention of tourist crowds all summer long thanks to its atmospheric setting, has been on the receiving end of some particularly scathing reviews.
One person, who visited in April, criticised the 'very poor service' and 'shocking attitude', as well as claiming they were given a second menu when they paid their bill at the bar - with very different prices. While there are plenty of positive reviews for the shisha bar, which has a three-and-a-half star rating on TripAdvisor, another unhappy customer claimed the establishment charged them 32 euros (£26) for two small cocktails, despite advertising the price at 20 euros (£16). A similar post from last summer also flagged the lack of clear pricing, saying: 'There are no menus and they don't tell you prices of drinks until you're paying the bill.
'They don't tell you that if you order a large cocktail you will get a fish bowl, which is £35 and a large beer is a 2 litre boot, which cost £18.' It seems to be a similar story at The Gate, another bustling venue in Rhodes' Old Town, where drinkers also reported being unhappy at the lack of transparency when it comes to prices. Just two weeks ago, four tourists said they paid 60 euros (£50) for a medium beer, cider, and two medium frozen daiquiris, with the reviewer calling the cocktails 'the worst I have ever come across', and claiming they 'didn't taste any alcohol'.
Another declared the venue a 'tourist trap', writing: 'There is a reason why the drinks menu has no prices. I thought it was safe enough to order a sparkling water. It cost €5 (£4.20).' The bar earned just two stars out of five from 154 reviews on Google - with the food described as 'standard' but the drink prices never clear according to those who've visited it. A short walk away, a bar named Rendez Vous currently has just 1.9 stars on TripAdvisor, with ambiguous prices again behind the low score.
One holidaymaker on the sun-drenched island last month said Rendez Vous had 'horrible prices' and urged people to 'ask or check them before ordering anything'. Another revealed they'd paid 15 euros for two soft drinks, writing: 'A shame. The staff were cold and unpleasant, and the prices are a real scam. Two cokes charged at 15 euros? (£12.60)' Meanwhile at the Panorama Cafe & Bar, there was more bad news, with those who'd enjoyed a drink there in recent months split on their experiences.
'We go in, ask for 'one small, and one medium size beer'. Server repeats. But a little later two 'boots' arrive, one of about 2 litres, one of at least one litre.' When it comes to paying, the customer was told 'we don't do small beers', and served up a 20 euro (£16.80) bill. And it seems it's been going on a while; back in 2022, one person penned: You'll be provided a menu with no featured prices.
'After you're finished with your watered down cocktail, served with low quality alcohol, you'll be presented with an outrageous bill. Ours was 70 euros (£58) for 2 cocktails. If I could give zero rating I would.' Another visitor said the view was sublime, but the service not quite the same standard, writing: 'Overall: unacceptable shop, service, drink and boss', although they said the cocktails served were reasonably priced. Over in Italy, tourists were warned this week about a potential scam involving one of the country's most famous foods - gelato.
Tourists have been urged to take care when ordering ice cream in Italian destinations this summer as they could be being duped. Italian gelato is world famous for its creamy texture with tourists often flocking to purchase iconic flavours such as pistachio and stracciatella . But they might not be getting the real thing. The Express reports that many tourists are actually buying a cheap copy of gelato with the cheeky scam particularly prevalent in Rome.
Foodies at TheKitchn.com explain that classic gelato is 'churned at a much slower rate, incorporating less air and leaving the gelato denser than ice cream'. And there's also an easier way for tourists to spot inauthentic gelato. If the ice cream colours are particularly bright, it's generally a sign that you're not buying a real gelato. Classic gelato is usually pale in colour as makers don't use artificial food colouring during the process. Tourists can also check reviews on Google and Tripadvisor to find gelato cafes with particularly high ratings.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Herald Scotland
32 minutes ago
- The Herald Scotland
Bournemouth beach compared to French Riviera hotspot
It comes as has explored some of the world's most popular beach destinations and suggested ideal UK alternatives. This way, you can soak up the seaside atmosphere and unwind without having to even board a plane (and skip any airport chaos). Shannon Keary, digital PR manager at said: 'For many people, summer brings the temptation of a beach holiday; however, travel enthusiasts don't have to travel internationally to experience crystal-clear waters and beautiful sandy beaches hidden between towering cliffs as there are many comparable spots in the UK.' Why has Bournemouth beach been compared to the French Riviera? Bournemouth beach was compared to Juan-les-Pins as a UK alternative to a luxurious European holiday destination. said: "Bournemouth Beach mirrors the golden sands and buzzing vibe of Juan-les-Pins. "With lively seafronts, palm-lined promenades, and buzzing beach-town energy, Bournemouth Beach is ideal for anyone looking for that French Riviera feel without leaving the UK." Overall, Bournemouth has seven miles of "award-winning" beaches for residents and visitors to enjoy, according to the town's tourism website. They added: "Nestled beneath a magnificent cliff line, the bay enjoys its own micro-climate, some of the warmest sea temperatures in the UK, and stunning views of the Isle of Wight and the Purbecks. Best Beaches in the UK "Whatever you want from a day at the beach, you'll find it all here." What do people think of Bournemouth beach? Overall, Bournemouth beach has been well-received, earning a 4.5/5 score on Tripadvisor from 9,013 reviews. One person wrote: "Beautiful sandy beach, probably the best in the UK! With the sunny weather we are having at the moment it is nicer than Spain! "The kids had a swim and the water was not too cold :). All together Bournemouth is a perfect family seaside escape destination, we plan to return this summer." Recommended reading: Another said: "Great beach to visit. Loads to do including; aquarium, shops, pier and food venues. "Lifeguards available on the beach. Clean and tidy layout, nothing negative that we found. Great facilities close by, would highly recommend." A third posted: "Visit regularly in high and low seasons. Its a wonderful beach, shops close by and life guards in high season to keep everyone safe! We love visiting Bournemouth."
BBC News
5 hours ago
- BBC News
Kashmir: Tourists begin to trickle in months after April killings in Pahalgam
Two months after a deadly attack in Indian-administered Kashmir scared away tourists and brought India and Pakistan to the brink of war, the picturesque valley nestled in the Himalayan mountains is beginning to see the first signs of a tourism Awwal is making videos of her children as they take turns to get on a water bike for a ride on the Dal Lake, Srinagar city's most iconic tourist Awwal has travelled from the western state of Rajasthan with her husband and children in a group of 15 - all members of their extended family."I've visited Kashmir many times and seen all the major attractions such as Gulmarg, Sonmarg and Pahalgam and wanted to show all these places to my relatives," she tells the Awwals had planned their 10-day trip in March. "Summer in Rajasthan is unbearably hot so we'd planned to escape to Kashmir during the children's school vacation," she since she planned the trip, the circumstances here have drastically changed. On 22 April, militants attacked tourists visiting a beauty spot near Pahalgam town, killing 26 is the mainstay of the economy of Jammu and Kashmir, a federally-administered territory, and this unprecedented targeting of tourists sent shockwaves through India. The authorities closed down 48 tourist destinations in the valley and two-thirds of them still remain Minister Omar Abdullah, who's been lobbying hard to reopen these spots to attract visitors to the region, says "the impact of the attack was immediate and very widely felt"."There was a mass exodus of those tourists who were already here, and a mass cancellation of those who were proposing to come. Then India and Pakistan, for all intents and purposes, were almost at war for a couple of days in May," Abdullah told the BBC."So the lasting impact has been felt both in the deterioration of relations between the two neighbouring countries and our tourism season for the year is going to be, what word do I use for it? I guess you can call it a disaster." Kashmir, claimed by both India and Pakistan, has been a flashpoint for decades. The nuclear-armed South Asian neighbours have fought two wars and a limited conflict over Kashmir. For more than a quarter of a century, the region has seen an armed insurgency against Indian rule, but even at its peak, tourists were rarely Awwal said her family decided to continue with their holiday because "we weren't really afraid" and "we thought we'll deal with whatever came our way"."We are happy that we went ahead with our plans. The situation here is normal," she says and blames the "media hype" for the impression that it's unsafe to travel to Awwals are not alone in their optimism. Deepti and Anuj Gandhi of Jammu who made their plans just last week say "there's no summer holiday destination better than Kashmir"."The children love to ride water bikes and then we'll go boating in the lake. We come here every year, so why break the tradition now?" she says. Earlier this week, news agency ANI reported that a group of Polish tourists had arrived in the arrivals merely weeks after the Pahalgam attack are a cause of optimism for hoteliers, taxi drivers, tour guides, shopkeepers and owners of shikaras – the Venetian gondola-like narrow colourful wooden boats that ferry tourists on the Dal April, president of the shikara owners' association Haji Wali Mohammad Bhat says, the Dal Lake boulevard was packed with thousands of tourists, there were daily traffic jams and many complained they were finding it hard to get accommodation."The attack on tourists was unfortunate and tragic," he says."It has affected all of us and our livelihoods. Tourists are our life, tourism is our lifeline. God knows what sin we're paying for," he adds, Gosain, president of Indian Association of Tour Operators, who recently led a three-day "fact-finding trip" of tour operators - as "they are the ones who send travellers to Kashmir" says "for the past few years tourism was flourishing in Kashmir, lots of new hotels had been built, new vehicles were bought and new shops had opened".Last year, the government said 23.6 million tourists visited Jammu and Kashmir, with 3.49 million visiting the year, Mr Gosain says, the peak season has been lost in the valley, but tourism can still pick up. "Locals are very welcoming, hoteliers, tour guides and shopkeepers are very friendly and people are coming back. You can see it – all flights are coming in full, tourism is bouncing back quickly."I think the national sentiment is that if the purpose of the attack was to derail tourism, then it won't succeed. But I hope no untoward incident happens again," he to reports, some of the credit for the revival of tourism in Kashmir also goes to a new train link that has for the first time connected Srinagar with the rest of twice-daily train from Srinagar to Katra station, in Jammu region – which recently made headlines for passing over "the world's highest single-arch railway bridge" – has been running packed and tickets have been sold out for the next two which is the starting point for those visiting the popular Hindu shrine of Vaishno Devi, attracted 9.48 million pilgrims last many of those arriving there since 7 June, when the spanking new air-conditioned train was commissioned, have been hopping on it to go to Kashmir. Among the pilgrims taking advantage of the easy connectivity is Ghanshyam Bharadwaj and his wife Mamata Sharma and their children. For the Delhi-based couple enjoying hot sugary tea near the Dal Lake, coming to Srinagar was "a spur of the moment decision"."It took us just three hours from Katra. We'll spend the night here and take the train back to Katra tomorrow and travel on to Delhi," Mr Bharadwaj said."I ask him if he was worried travelling to the valley so soon after the Pahalgam attack?"There's nothing to be afraid of. This is my country," he Minister Abdullah says the fact that the pilgrims are choosing to come to the valley is a good start."Now those who are coming for a few hours, I'd like to see them come for a few days. Those who are coming for a few days, I'd like to see them having the confidence to stay for a week."But at least it's a beginning, and that's what helps."Follow BBC News India on Instagram, YouTube, Twitter and Facebook.
The Independent
6 hours ago
- The Independent
Calls for change to motorhome rules after Brexit sparks ‘clear demand'
A lobby group is calling for a significant increase in overnight parking options for campervans and motorhomes across the UK, citing a surge in demand driven by post-Brexit travel restrictions. The Campaign for Real Aires (Campra) argues that boosting provision for these vehicles would not only generate more revenue for local businesses but also extend the tourist season beyond peak summer months. The term "Aires," a French word, refers to designated stopping places for motorcaravans – the collective term encompassing both motorhomes and campervans. Such facilities are a common sight across continental Europe, offering dedicated spaces for travellers, but remain far less prevalent in the UK. The push for more domestic facilities comes as new post-Brexit rules limit UK passport holders to a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period in the Schengen area, which covers most of the European Union and several other European nations. This restriction is believed to be encouraging more UK residents to explore their own country in their recreational vehicles, increasing the need for suitable overnight parking infrastructure. That means many UK-based motorcaravan users are seeking domestic destinations for overnight trips. But a survey of 6,731 users suggested 88% are dissatisfied with the UK's availability of overnight parking in desirable locations. The poll also indicated that motorcaravaners spend an average of £51 per day in local businesses and £23 per night on overnight parking or campsite fees. Many respondents commented on the UK's lack of infrastructure and welcoming attitude compared with continental Europe, Campra said. Last month, Hampshire County Council approved plans to ban campervans and motorhomes from staying overnight at the south coast beauty spot of Keyhaven, near Lymington. It claimed the move would 'bring order' to the area. Campra managing director Steve Haywood said welcoming motorcaravans to an area 'can be a hugely positive move'. He went on: 'There is a clear demand – emphasised by post-Brexit travel restrictions – for more overnight stay options in UK towns and cities, and those towns and cities could benefit hugely by embracing motorcaravans. 'More councils are seeing the benefits of providing facilities, instead of suffering the cost of enforcement and bans, not to mention the loss of potential revenue to businesses. 'In Fleetwood, Lancashire, for example, the introduction of overnight parking in the seafront car park for £5 per night has seen a huge boost in revenue for local shops, and has been so successful that additional facilities are now being planned for motorcaravanners. 'Every council that has operated a 12-month trial aire has been successful and made the overnight parking permanent.' Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency figures show more than 416,000 motorcaravans are registered in the UK. A spokesperson for the Local Government Association said: 'Policies around overnight motorcaravan parking and the provision of facilities are a matter for local councils.'
