GREECE CRACKING DOWN ON WILD CAMPING WITH MOTORHOMES: Updated Fine and Enforcement Breakdown
Camping vehicle owners face stringent fines and penalties
In the sunny waters of the Mediterranean, vacationers have long sought the pleasure of touring Greece in their motorhomes. However, the lax regulations surrounding wild camping are now a thing of the past. Rather, the authorities have made it clear they're coming after those who overstay their welcome.
For many years, there has been a ban on wild camping with tents or motorhomes, yet both authorities and visitors largely disregarded it. However, the time for leniency has expired. The Greek authorities are taking a firm stance against wild camping, and here's the rundown of the new rules.
Starting now, it will be forbidden to leave a motorhome parked in residential areas for more than 24 hours, unless the vehicle is on a designated campsite or a municipality-assigned motorhome parking lot. This rule is reported by "Ekathimerini" and the German Automobile Club (ADAC).
More specifically, the Greek law number 5170/2025 prohibits setting up tents or parking caravans or motorhomes in the following locations:
- Archaeological sites
- Coastal strips
- Beaches
- Forest edges and forests
Putting an End to Lawlessness
Ignoring the regulations comes with a hefty price tag: fines of up to €3,000 can be imposed per violation, and the matter may be escalated to court if the camper disputes the ticket or simply skips town. If the case reaches court, further fines of up to €3,000, along with up to three months in prison, may apply. Additionally, the new rules apply to private property owners, meaning they can now accommodate only one motorhome unless their property is licensed to accommodate multiple vehicles, according to the ADAC.
The goal of these tougher regulations, as stated in the Ministry of Tourism, is to protect legally operated campsites, promote public health and safety, and prevent the misuse of public space to the detriment of the environment and historical sites. It's important to note that wild camping is also strictly prohibited in Germany, with fines ranging from €5 to €5,000 depending on where the violation takes place and any resulting damages.
These new measures in Greece are part of a broader trend of tightening regulations on motorhomes across the globe, joining countries such as the US, UK, Netherlands, Luxembourg, Switzerland, and Czech Republic in this stricter approach.
References:
- "Ekathimerini", accessed on [date], https://www.ekathimerini.com
- "ADAC", accessed on [date], https://www.adac.de
- "ntv.de", accessed on [date], https://www.ntv.de
- "awi", accessed on [date], https://www.awi.de
The new community policy in Greece severely penalizes wild camping with motorhomes, even on private property, as transgressors may face fines of up to €3,000 and potential imprisonment. This policy aims to protect the environment, historical sites, and promote a safer lifestyle for both visitors and locals. Meanwhile, advocates of outdoor-living and home-and-garden enthusiasts might find solace in vocational training programs available for various lifestyle choices such as travel, gardening, and sustainable living.