Oops! Wild camping enthusiasts in motorhomes beware: Strict new fines in Greece
Strict Penalties Imposed on Camper Vans
Switched up the vibe a tad, huh? Let's dive into the new rules that Greek authorities are enforcing to choke the wild camping freedom that motorhome aficionados once cherished.
You know, wild camping - whether with a tent or a motorhome - has been off-limits in Greece for quite some time. But who paid attention, right? The authorities or the vacationers? Certainly not!
But that's all in the past now. The Greek authorities are fed up with ignoring the rules and have decided to put their foot down, enforcing stricter regulations against wild camping. It's no longer a free-for-all. In the future, you can't park your motorhome in residential areas for more than 24 hours unless it's on a campsite or a parking lot allocated by the municipality specifically for motorhomes. The Greek newspaper "Ekathimerini" and the ADAC both reported this tidbit.
So, what's the lowdown on these new regulations? Well, according to the law number 5170/2025, it's generally forbidden to set up tents or park caravans or motorhomes at:
- Archaeological sites
- Coastal strips
- Beaches
- Forest edges and forests
Misbehavior can get costly
The consequences for violating these rules can be hefty: a fine of 300 euros per person can be imposed. If you dare to contest the fine or pull a (cough dishonest, cough) runner, you could end up in court facing fines of up to 3000 euros and even three months in the clink, as the ADAC suggests.
But don't forget, these new regulations also impact private property owners too - they can only accommodate one motorhome on their property now.
On the flipside
The purpose behind these new rules is multifaceted, as the Ministry of Tourism states. One objective is to support legitimately run campsites, ensuring they aren't put at a disadvantage. Another is to ensure public hygiene and safety for citizens and tourists, as well as to prevent misuse of public space that could harm the environment or historical sites.
It's worth mentioning that wild camping is also strictly prohibited and rigorously enforced in Germany, with fines ranging from 5 to 5000 euros, depending on where the violation occurs and whether damage is caused, especially in nature reserves and national parks.
The Bottom Line
In essence, Greece's new law imposes severe penalties for wild camping and parking motorhomes outside official campsites, ensuring the protection of public and sensitive areas, regulating the impact of motorhome travel on the country's environment, and curbing issues related to nomadic motorhome lifestyles, much like various other countries have done recently. So, motorhome travelers, be prepared to plan your stays at designated campsites to avoid hefty fines and potential jail time!
- The new community policy in Greece, as outlined in law number 5170/2025, generally prohibits wild camping and parking motorhomes at archaeological sites, coastal strips, beaches, and forest edges and forests.
- Violating these rules can result in a fine of 300 euros per person, with the possibility of fines up to 3000 euros and three months in prison if the offense is contested or escalated.
- Private property owners can only accommodate one motorhome on their property under these new regulations.
- The purpose of these new rules is to support legitimately run campsites, ensure public hygiene and safety, prevent misuse of public space, and protect sensitive areas from damage caused by nomadic motorhome lifestyles.
- Similar regulations have been implemented in Germany, where motorhome wild camping is also strictly prohibited, with fines ranging from 5 to 5000 euros depending on the location and any damage caused.
