Free camping in Greece – wild camping prohibited!

Free camping – New regulations for motorhomes have been in effect in Greece since January 2025. These regulations severely restrict wild camping.

Violations of the new Law 5170/2025 can result in fines of €300 to €3,000 or even imprisonment.

Does this mean that free camping with a motorhome in Greece is no longer permitted?

Free camping – Stricter laws to protect nature and campsites

According to the Greek Ministry of Tourism, the purpose of these new laws, 5170/2025, is to more effectively protect nature, cultural heritage, and public order from wild camping and/or free camping. A key component of this is the prohibition of so-called "free camping" with motorhomes outside of official campsites, which clearly also sends a signal in favour of the campsite industry.

However, we have already reported several times that the short season in terms of campsite opening hours has significantly contributed to wild camping.

For whatever reason, most campsites in Greece are closed from October onwards, especially when guests arrive in the country for the winter.

Private landowners are also affected by the new regulations on free camping, as the law aims to promote and strengthen the development and use of local campsites in Greece. A maximum of one campervan may be parked on private property; even a second one requires a special permit.

Free camping - What the new law includes:

• Overnight stays, camping, and free camping outside of campsites – especially on beaches, forests, coasts, and archaeological sites
• Only one campervan is permitted on private property; additional vehicles require a permit.
• Parking in public parking lots is only permitted for up to 24 hours.
• Outside of campsites, awnings may not be extended, chairs may not be set up, or food may not be prepared.
• Failure to comply can result in a fine starting at €300, and in serious cases, up to €3,000 and one month's imprisonment.

Fortunately, there are also people in Greece who are strongly committed to the "freedom" of campers and have thus been able to at least mitigate certain harsh legal restrictions. One such family is the Zampetas family from Thessaloniki, who operate a campsite on their company premises, are campers with motorhomes themselves, and are therefore also affected. The current regulation states against free camping that motorhomes over 7.5 meters in length may park for a maximum of 24 hours within built-up areas, while smaller motorhomes may park without restrictions. They have published a multi-page letter on this topic, which, moreover, is available in many languages, outlining the new regulations to protect campers and is intended as a recommendation for those who wish to camp in the wild. The letter can be downloaded here.

Controversial discussion about Greece's new camping laws

The introduction of Law 5170/2025 has understandably sparked a lively debate about wild camping in the camping community. While many campers can certainly understand the need to protect unhindered access to beaches, historical sites, and natural landscapes from potentially excessive use by camper vans, the strict interpretation and enforcement of the new rules by some police stations has caused uncertainty and, in some cases, harsh criticism.

An incident in the Peloponnese already caused a stir, in which the Greek police rigorously imposed fines on camper van owners who had merely parked their vehicles there. This also included what was often misunderstood as "free camping" or "wild camping."

This underscores once again that not only "wild camping," but also the mere parking of camper vans in many public places, such as archaeological sites, beaches, and forests, is now prohibited. Instead, the use of designated motorway parking areas or official campsites is recommended.

For years, attempts to establish parking spaces have often failed. For example, the parking spaces common here in Germany can be found in almost every larger town, which is far from the case in Greece, despite many efforts.

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