EU rules are set to force change on those charging to access Italy’s beaches.

Currently the country’s beach concessions are in the main family-controlled - passed downs through generations.

For two decades the European Commission has been locked in a battle with Italy over its a so-called monopoly in the sector - claiming it lacks transparency and breach competition rules.

Italian governments have resisted EU directives which insist on competitive tendering and has simply renewed existing beach concessions which prevents new competitors from entering the market.

But despite an extension approved by the Government of Giorgia Meloni until the end of the year the country will be forced to comply with EU rules from early 2025.

Susanna Barbadoro, who represents the third generation of owners of a beach concession in Ostia near Rome said: "We are in a phase of total uncertainty and we want our rights to be preserved,” reports euronews.

The beach operators say they have made massive investments into their businesses and say if they aren’t awarded a new concession then they deserve compensation.

Ms Barbadoro added: "We ask that operators who have been in this business for years maintain a pre-emption right (in the tenders) or receive some sort of compensation if they fail to obtain the concession.”

Others, however, say beach concession owners are exploiting their privileged position.

Costs for tourists vary hugely. Renting two chaise lounges and an umbrella for the day at the most basic establishments cost €25 (£21) but fancy resorts can charge several hundred euros.

Economist Pietro Paganini said: "Competition would advantage everybody, particularly in this area where we're not talking about private properties, but about public domain that these businesses are getting almost for free," reports euronews. 

Meanwhile British holidaymakers enjoying the sun-kissed shores of the Italian island of Sardinia could be slapped with £3,000 fines for what might appear an ordinary act.

Authorities on the Italian Mediterranean island have warned visitors taking sand, rocks and shells from beaches could be met with severe fines.

It's after several tourists were caught smuggling archaeological remains from the island which was occupied by many ancient civilisations.

Authorities captured a French holidaymaker trying to take home rare stalagmite rock formations and a German family who had more than a kilogram of stones with them from the seabed.