Time's Up for 'Wild Camping' in Motorhomes: Greece Introduces Strict New Rules and Fines
Strict penalties loom over camper van owners.
Get ready to pack up your motorhome and pitch a tent on an authorized campground, vacationers. The Greek government has cracked down on wild camping with a new law, Law 5170/2025. Here's the lowdown.
Bid Adieu to Wild Camping
Think Greece's dreamy landscapes and relaxed regulations make it the perfect spot for motorhome vacations? Think again. Greece has long banned wild camping whether you're pitching a tent or parking your motorhome. But, maybe let's be honest, who cared? Now, the Greek authorities are tightening the screws, cracking down on those not obeying the rules.
From now on, it's a big N-O to parking your motorhome in residential areas for more than 24 hours, unless it's at a campsite or a designated parking lot for motorhomes by the municipality. The Greek newspaper "Ekathimerini" and ADAC have reported this updates.
Archaeological Sites, Beaches, and Forests, Oh My!
But wait, where can you legally park your motorhome now? Under the new law, you can't park or pitch a tent or park your caravan or motorhome at:
- Archaeological sites
- Coastal strips
- Beaches
- Forest edges and forests
Feeling the Heat of the Fine
Violate these new rules, and you'll be hit with a hefty fine. Euros 300 per person, to be exact. And if you contest the fine or scram before it's resolved, you could end up paying up to €3,000 or facing up to three months in prison. Plus, private property owners, take note: you can now only accommodate one motorhome on your property.
According to the Ministry of Tourism, the goal of these new regulations is to protect officially operated campsites, ensure public hygiene and safety, and prevent the misuse of public spaces at the expense of the environment and historical sites.
Germany: Following in Greece's Steps?
Wild camping is also strictly prohibited in Germany, and violations are consistently enforced. If you get caught, expect fines ranging from €5 to €5,000, even higher fines lurking in nature reserves and national parks.
Sources: ntv.de, awi
- Motorhomes
- Tourists
- Vacation
- Used cars
- Consumer organization
Enrichment Data:
- Law 5170/2025 aims to protect Greece's natural and cultural heritage by enforcing stricter regulations on motorhome usage in public spaces.
- The law encourages the use of officially organized campsites that meet specific health, safety, and environmental standards.
- In addition to the 24-hour limitation in urban areas, temporary parking is only allowed at designated municipal areas with a ban on camping activities.
- The law also puts limitations on private property owners, allowing only one motorhome on property unless it is licensed to host more.
- To abide by Greece's community policy, motorhome vacationers should pack up and relocate to authorized campgrounds, as wild camping is now strictly prohibited due to Law 5170/2025 in residential areas, archaeological sites, coastal strips, beaches, forest edges, and forests, with violators facing fines of up to €3,000 or imprisonment for up to three months.
- Aslove for exploration and sightseeing, lifestyle enthusiasts might have to adjust their travel plans to comply with new vocational training programs and vocational training certifications while adhering to strict rules for motorhome usage in Greece and other countries, fostering a responsible, environmentally friendly, and culturally sensitive approach to tourism.
