Greece has heavily regulated the use of motorhomes and caravans in public spaces with Law 5170/2025 and the supplementary Highway Code 5209/2025. The new rules initially led to great uncertainty and fierce criticism in the camper scene, but have since brought more clarity and legal certainty.
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Strict rules and high penalties
The Greek Ministry of Tourism explains in a statement to Kathimerini (May 2025):
“The aim is to put a stop to the misuse of public spaces – especially on beaches, archaeological sites, forest areas and generally in sensitive zones.” Parking and parking motorhomes for more than 24 hours in such places is prohibited. Violations are punishable by fines starting at 300 euros; repeated violations can result in fines of up to 3,000 euros or prison sentences of up to three months (source: Kathimerini, 9.5.2025).
Criticism from the camping industry and petition
A broad coalition of camping dealers, landlords and camper communities published a petition criticizing the new law as a de facto parking ban for motorhomes. The initiators warn that “the use of motorhomes will be made de facto impossible – even for Greek citizens” and that “local industries such as tavernas and alternative tourism providers will be massively affected” (source: petition on Change.org).
The Hellenic Motorhome Club (ELAT) reported on its website in May 2025 that it had spoken to the General Directorate of Security and Police Work. It was made clear that the law is subject to the Road Traffic Code (RCO) and that the stopping and parking of motorhomes is permitted where the RCO provides for it. In addition, the word “stores” was removed from the law so that parking at private businesses is once again possible. ELAT assesses the meeting as a “positive atmosphere” and informs that the police have been instructed to no longer sanction legally parked vehicles (source: motorhomeclub.gr, 25.5.2025).
New law with more legal certainty for motorhome owners
On June 11, 2025, the Greek parliament passed the new law 5209/2025, which revises the road traffic regulations. According to this law, motorized campers up to 7.5 meters in length may park within built-up areas without a time limit. Longer vehicles and caravans are limited to 24 hours. Outside built-up areas, parking is only permitted in designated spaces or on the right-hand side of the road, provided it is not prohibited (source: Law 5209/2025, Official Gazette of Greece).
S.E.A.R.T.E., the Greek trade association for motorized motorhomes, welcomes this regulation as “important progress for the mobile tourism community” and emphasizes the importance of environmental protection and the quality of the travel experience (S.E.A.R.T.E. press release, June 2025).
What does this mean for campers?
- Wild camping remains prohibited.
- Parking is permitted within built-up areas for motorhomes up to 7.5 meters in length with no time limit.
- Longer vehicles and caravans may park there for up to 24 hours.
- Outside built-up areas, parking is only permitted in official spaces or on the right-hand side of the road, unless prohibited.
- Fines for violations are high and can result in up to 3,000 euros or imprisonment.
Conclusion
The new laws in Greece set clear limits for the protection of the environment and cultural assets, but restrict the freedom of mobile camping. At the same time, they create legal certainty and clear rules that help campers and the industry to better orient themselves. Associations such as ELAT and S.E.A.R.T.E. continue to campaign for the expansion of official campsites and a balance between environmental protection and tourist freedom.
Sources:
- Press release S.E.A.R.T.E., June 2025
- Law 5209/2025, Official Gazette of Greece, June 2025
- Kathimerini, May 9, 2025: Ministry of Tourism on motorhome regulation
- Hellenic Motorhome Club ELAT, May 25, 2025: Official statement
- Petition on Change.org: Petition against the new law
- ADAC: Stricter rules for motorhomes
- Protothema: Truths and lies about camping with caravans: What is forbidden, what is allowed
- Elxis: Uncovering the Controversial Greek Law on Campervan Parking
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