Only 30% of the surface of each beach can now be occupied by sunbeds; the rest must remain free and available for tourists who want to sunbathe on their own towels. The Greek authorities hope that this measure will result in less crowded beaches.

The appearance of the Greek coastline will be much different this summer from what you see in pictures - or at least that's what Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis aims for.

According to a new law, at least 70% of beaches must be free of sunbeds. And in protected natural areas, the percentage is 85%. This measure was taken after complaints last year from several locals that they couldn't find space on the seashore.

Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Prime Minister of Greece: "A distance of at least 4 meters from the sea to the first sunbed will be ensured to remove the image of sunbeds literally entering the water. For wild beaches, the space used will be 15% of the total beach space. We will thus protect beaches that should not be used at all, thereby protecting nature".

The news delights tourists who aren't typically demanding.

Reli Giurcă, tourist: "We even bring beach chairs, umbrellas, umbrella stands, sheets and everything needed. Of course, I would like to find as many places as possible where I can lay down my towel and umbrella undisturbed, without bothering anyone".

Those who value comfort might be surprised to pay more. Last year, a set of two sunbeds with an umbrella cost between 10 and 15 euros, but Greek entrepreneurs estimate that this summer the price will increase by at least 10 percent.

Dan Drăgan, representative of the Greece forum: "I believe beach bars will slightly increase the prices of products, by 50 cents, one euro, because they will have fewer sunbeds, and so they will need to recover some of the investment they made in setting up a bar on that beach".

Those who lease beaches will have stricter obligations - for example, to maintain cleanliness, hire a lifeguard and ensure access for people with disabilities. Marian Luca, owner of a tavern with a bar in Thassos, agrees with all these provisions.

Marian Luca, tavern owner: "There will be stricter inspections, but this can only be good so that the tourist has all the conditions".

Others, who have leased beaches for several years, are puzzled by the changing conditions.

Otilia Badiu, administrator of Taverna Thasos: "There are contracts signed for several years for a long period, paying 100%, but only using 30%, this is a matter that needs to be discussed".

The Greek authorities issued the new regulations after more and more voices complained that those with businesses were monopolizing the beaches.

The Greek Constitution stipulates that no one can prohibit a citizen from accessing the country's beaches, considered public property.