Crackdown on Wild Camping: Greece Imposes Strict Penalties for Motorhome Travel
"Strict Penalties Imposed on Campers"
Wild camping in Greece, a popular spot for vacationers traveling with motorhomes, is now under the spotlight. The Greek authorities are rolling out stricter rules to discourage wild camping. As reported by the Greek newspaper "Ekathimerini" and the ADAC, camping in residential areas for more than 24 hours is now forbidden, unless you're at a campsite or a designated motorhome parking lot by the municipality.
Indeed, wild camping—whether with a tent or motorhome—has been prohibited in Greece for many years. However, authorities and visitors seldom paid heed to this ban. The new era calls for a change as tolerance ends, and penalties grow stringent.
Key Restrictions and Penalties
The law number 5170/2025 enforces the rule, preventing motorhomes and tents from being parked or pitched at prohibited locations such as:
- Archaeological sites
- Coastal strips
- Beaches
- Forest edges and forests
Violators may be fined €300 per person, but the monetary penalty can escalate up to €3,000 or even lead to a three-month prison sentence if the initial fine isn't paid or if further violations occur1. Interestingly, the new regulation also applies to private property owners, who may now only accommodate one motorhome on their property3.
The right to park remains in specially approved campsites or designated parking areas for motorhomes1.
Behind the Strict Measures
The primary motive behind these regulations is environmental and cultural protection. The new law aims to prevent environmental degradation and safeguard cultural assets, while also curbing the unauthorized camping practices that might harm these values1. Furthermore, Greece's decision aligns with similar measures in other EU countries, reinforcing the focus on effective management of public spaces3.
Potential Economic Impact in Rural Areas
Some concerns have emerged regarding the impact of the new regulation on rural areas that heavily rely on camper tourism during the peak tourist season3.
Overall, the new Greek regulations state a broader effort to protect the environment and manage public spaces by curbing wild camping, ensuring public hygiene and safety, and promoting a cleaner, greener country.
- The Greek community has introduced a strict policy to regulate wild camping, particularly for motorhome travelers, banning camping in residential areas for more than 24 hours unless at designated campsites or motorhome parking lots.
- As per law number 5170/2025, motorhome travelers and tent campers are not allowed to park or pitch their vehicles at prohibited locations such as archaeological sites, coastal strips, beaches, forest edges, and forests.
- Violators of the regulation may face penalties of up to €3,000 or even a three-month prison sentence, and the law applies to private property owners who now can only accommodate one motorhome on their property.
- The stricter measures aim to protect the environment and cultural assets by preventing environmental degradation, safeguarding cultural assets, and curbing unauthorized camping practices, while promoting a cleaner, greener lifestyle in line with similar measures implemented in other EU countries.
