Greece Cracks Down on Motorhome Camping with New Strict Regulations
Strict Penalties Loom for Recreational Vehicle Owners
Say so long to free-wheeling motorhome escapades in Greece—the country's authorities are rolling out the big guns to enforce stricter camping rules. No more lax regulations for motorhome enthusiasts seeking a dreamy getaway!
For years, wild camping in Greece, whether with a tent or a motorhome, has gone virtually unadressed. But those carefree days are now a distant memory. Greek authorities are clamping down on wild camping with tougher laws and penalties.
While you might think wild camping has been outlawed for decades here, the truth is people—including authorities and campers alike—have overlooked the ban. But that leniency is no more. With newfound vigor, Greek authorities are stepping up their efforts to stamp out wild camping with tougher regulations.
Starting now, it's a no-no to park a motorhome in residential areas for more than 24 hours, unless it's on a campsite or a designated parking area. The Greek newspaper "Ekathimerini," as reported by ADAC, broke the news.
The law number 5170/2025 specifies that prohibited zones for camper parking include:
- Archaeological sites
- Coastal strips
- Beaches
- Forest edges and forests
Time for a Change: Misuse Needs to End
The penalties for violating these rules are steep: up to 300 euros per person. If a camper contests the fine or takes off without paying up, legal proceedings might follow, leading to fines as high as 3,000 euros and even three months' imprisonment. Keep in mind that property owners must also toe the line—they can only accommodate one motorhome unless they have the proper licensing to accommodate more.
The main purpose of the new law is multi-faceted. It aims to prevent legally operated camping sites from suffering in the competition, ensure health and safety for locals and visitors, and preserve public spaces by preventing their misuse that harms the environment and cultural heritage.
Just remember, wild camping is also banned in Germany, and the consequences for violating the rules can range from 5 to 5000 euros, depending on the location and whether damage is caused. So, think twice before setting up camp outside an official site and risk a hefty fine!
What Are the Key Rules?
- Wild Camping Ban: Motorhomes are forbidden from wild camping in forests, beaches, coastlines, archaeological sites, and other public spaces. This includes setting up tents or using camping equipment outside authorized locations.
- Licensed Campsites Only: Motorhome users must park only in officially licensed campsites that meet health, safety, and environmental standards. Temporary stops in designated municipal areas are allowed but last no longer than 24 hours, and camping activities are prohibited during these stops.
- Residential Area Restrictions: Parking motorhomes in residential areas is limited to a maximum of 24 consecutive hours. Furthermore, private property owners can host only one motorhome unless they have appropriate licensing to accommodate more.
## Context and Impact
The new law, introduced in 2025, marks a significant departure from the previous laid-back approach to wild camping and overnight motorhome parking in Greece. The authorities see it as necessary for preserving Greece’s environment, cultural heritage, and public health. This approach is in line with other European countries like the Netherlands and Switzerland, which also strictly regulate wild camping. The new rules have sparked concern among the vanlife and motorhome communities, who view it as a loss of freedom once enjoyed during travels in Greece.
In summary, motorhome enthusiasts in Greece now face stricter bans on wild camping, must only use licensed campsites or designated temporary parking spots for short periods, and risk hefty fines or imprisonment for violations. The regulations impose a 24-hour maximum for parking outside official sites, limit the number of motorhomes hosted per private property, and seek to safeguard natural and cultural sites from uncontrolled camping.
- The Greek community has implemented a new policy to enforce stricter regulations on motorhome camping, targeting areas such as archaeological sites, coastal strips, beaches, forests, and forest edges.
- Under the new vocational training program for Greek officials, there will be a focus on educating them about the importance of enforcing camping laws, ensuring health and safety, and preserving public spaces.
- In response to stricter motorhome camping regulations, some vocational training institutions are offering courses on alternative lifestyles, such as home-and-garden design and travel planning, as alternatives for those who wish to embrace the vanlife culture while complying with the rules.
