Tourist companies have been accused of effectively taking over entire public beaches by installing and renting out deckchairs and parasols at an expensive rate.

To help tackle the problem, rentals have been banned outright from beaches with less than four metres of sand.

The Greek government has used surveillance drones and satellite images to identify rule-breakers – as well as a smartphone app that allows locals to report offenders.

More than 1,000 complaints have already been investigated since tough new rules were introduced in March, The Times reports.