Tough New Rules for Motorhome Campers in Greece: Say Goodbye to Wild Camping
Strict Penalties Imposed on Camper Vans
Greece has ramped up its game against wild camping by motorhomes with stringent new regulations. Motorhome travelers, who previously enjoyed relatively relaxed rules, are set to feel the brunt of these changes.
The new regulations, as laid out in law number 5170/2025, have clear restrictions on where motorhomes can park or camp:
Key No-Go Zones:
- Culture and History Protected Sites: Archaeological sites, beaches, and coastal strips are off-limits for motorhome camping and parking[4][5].
- Natural Beauty Hotspots: Forest edges and forests are included in the no-go list[4].
- Standard Car Parks: Overnight stays in regular car parks are barred, unless the parking period is less than 24 hours[4].
Landowners are also facing changes, as they are now restricted to accommodating just one motorhome on their properties[2][5].
The Tab:
- Base Fines: A fine of €300 per person is a potential penalty for violations[2][5].
- Legal Showdown: If the camper contests the fine or the case goes to court, fines could escalate up to €3,000 and imprisonment for up to three months[5].
These new rules aim to tackle concerns about environmental preservation, traffic congestion, and burdening public services[2]. Rural communities that depend on camper tourism for their economy have expressed concerns about the impact these regulations might have on their livelihood[2].
It's important to note that wild camping is also ill-advised in Germany, where fines range from €5 to €5,000, depending on the location and damage caused. Hefty fines, particularly in nature reserves and national parks, are common[5].
References:
- ntv.de
- awi
- "Ekathimerini"
- ADAC
- Stiftung Warentest
- The new community policy in Greece, outlined in law number 5170/2025, prohibits wild camping and parking of motorhomes at cultural and historical protected sites, natural beauty hotspots, and standard car parks, unless the parking period is under 24 hours.
- Under the revised regulations, landowners are limited to accommodating only one motorhome on their properties.
- Violations of these new rules can result in a base fine of €300 per person, which could escalate to €3,000 and imprisonment for up to three months if the camper contests the fine or the case goes to court.
- The aim of these stringent new measures is to address environmental preservation, traffic congestion, and the burden on public services in the country.
- Rural communities that depend on camper tourism are expressing concerns about the potential impact of these regulations on their livelihoods.
- Similarly, wild camping is strongly discouraged in Germany, with fines ranging from €5 to €5,000, depending on the location and damage caused, particularly in nature reserves and national parks.
