Motorhoming in Greece - Drastic news.

Will this affect Northernraider? Was he planning Greece and Turkey this winter. Reading that article you can't even park up to go to the shops or for a cup of tea.
Already sent him a message he is well pissed off
 
Can someone post the text for me, I don’t do Facebook?

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We wouldn't either Lenny, we don't often use Campsites in our adopted country of Spain..we believe for general numbers of visitors, Spain has got enough locations to accommodate all...we are currently parked in a lovely 8 place camperstop with 5 others...and today is a national holiday...🇪🇦😎
It's not really a solution though is it. Not all of us are happy just going to Spain every year! Personally I don't do one location more than once. To much of the world to explore and not enough time!!!

Interestingly tonight for the first time in our 6 week Portugal/Northern Spain tour we couldn't find anywhere to park.

We are on the North Spain coast and the town we were planning on visiting has an Aire for 25 motorhomes. It was full. However, it was part of a very large car park with lots of space but 'No parking for 'greater than 5 metres'.

Decided it wasn't worth risking staying even though there was room for us as there are reports online if 80 euro fines for those not in a designated motorhome space.

We drove around the rest of the town but every potential location was either 2m height limited or clearly stated 'no motorhomes'.

Ended up driving a few miles out of town to a quiet little village and parking on the side of the road. Half a dozen other motorhomes had the same issue.


Rather surprised at the restrictions as Spain is generally so laid back about parking.
 
We that's it for me , the final nail in the coffin . I'm putting the camper up for sale.
We left Greece 6 days ago, Elia and Salanti beach had hundreds of campers, including long term residents. The ship wreck beach was full, most all large spots had tens of vans. In 3 weeks we did only 2 days on sites for washing and toilet. As you know water is everywhere.
There are more places than before with camping prohibited, just move on.
But, I don't think is the end yet, still loads of wild camping, maybe not in so desirable places.
 
It's not really a solution though is it. Not all of us are happy just going to Spain every year! Personally I don't do one location more than once. To much of the world to explore and not enough time!!!

Interestingly tonight for the first time in our 6 week Portugal/Northern Spain tour we couldn't find anywhere to park.

We are on the North Spain coast and the town we were planning on visiting has an Aire for 25 motorhomes. It was full. However, it was part of a very large car park with lots of space but 'No parking for 'greater than 5 metres'.

Decided it wasn't worth risking staying even though there was room for us as there are reports online if 80 euro fines for those not in a designated motorhome space.

We drove around the rest of the town but every potential location was either 2m height limited or clearly stated 'no motorhomes'.

Ended up driving a few miles out of town to a quiet little village and parking on the side of the road. Half a dozen other motorhomes had the same issue.


Rather surprised at the restrictions as Spain is generally so laid back about parking.
Long Mayday Holiday ... you've arrived on the wrong weekend...will be busy until Sunday afternoon..

Spain is laid back, but is under great pressure to implement the regulations.

Some northern Europeans only know Spain for a winter destination...with restrictions in Portugal now this and the reluctant French motorhoming community, where else would they go where they can do it in the cheap..

Times they are a changing..,🇪🇦🤔

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We that's it for me , the final nail in the coffin . I'm putting the camper up for sale.
You cannot be serious Tam, there are other options that you, more than many others know are a possibility..
If it was a total European issue, we all would be stuffed.
 
Those happy days and other you tubers are in fact there now, havnt seen any of them saying anything about it
Chaser stop being so negative and think of the majority of
 
You cannot be serious Tam, there are other options that you, more than many others know are a possibility..
If it was a total European issue, we all would be stuffed.
I'm deadly serious. 90 days isn't enough for me to justify living in a van.. whilst I like Spain it's getting harder and busier over winter. And to extend 90 days the only choice is Morocco which I'm not keen on.

Greece has always been my favourite location , if I can't wildcamp there then it holds no appeal anymore. Turkey was OK....not great but OK to escape shengen for a couple of months. Everywhere else is just too cold and depressing over winter. Some places are colder than UK.

It's just getting harder and harder to do it since b@£^it , and there are more and more restrictions coming in to play constantly.
 
I'm deadly serious. 90 days isn't enough for me to justify living in a van.. whilst I like Spain it's getting harder and busier over winter. And to extend 90 days the only choice is Morocco which I'm not keen on.

Greece has always been my favourite location , if I can't wildcamp there then it holds no appeal anymore. Turkey was OK....not great but OK to escape shengen for a couple of months. Everywhere else is just too cold and depressing over winter. Some places are colder than UK.

It's just getting harder and harder to do it since b@£^it , and there are more and more restrictions coming in to play constantly.
The problem is once you start going back to houses you realise how expensive actually living in one is, compared to now, rent or mortgage if you have/need one, council tax £200 a month, electric nearly £100, oil £100 a month, water £50, repairs etc etc it really adds up especially as you never pay for overnight parking, so just as a cost issue alone, regardless of Greece rules etc it’s much cheaper how you’re doing it now.

You’ll need a permanent job if going back to a house full time not just a summer one.
 
The problem is once you start going back to houses you realise how expensive actually living in one is, compared to now, rent or mortgage if you have/need one, council tax £200 a month, electric nearly £100, oil £100 a month, water £50, repairs etc etc it really adds up especially as you never pay for overnight parking, so just as a cost issue alone, regardless of Greece rules etc it’s much cheaper how you’re doing it now.

You’ll need a permanent job if going back to a house full time not just a summer one.
I could have a permanent job here if I wanted it.

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Long Mayday Holiday ... you've arrived on the wrong weekend...will be busy until Sunday afternoon..

Spain is laid back, but is under great pressure to implement the regulations.

Some northern Europeans only know Spain for a winter destination...with restrictions in Portugal now this and the reluctant French motorhoming community, where else would they go where they can do it in the cheap..

Times they are a changing..,🇪🇦🤔
No restrictions in Portugal - that was reversed. Portugal has loads of free Aires and allows motorhomes to 'wile camp' for up to 48 hours. Only restrictions in certain areas.

 
I'm deadly serious. 90 days isn't enough for me to justify living in a van.. whilst I like Spain it's getting harder and busier over winter. And to extend 90 days the only choice is Morocco which I'm not keen on.
I thought you were going to look into getting a Visa (French?) so you could spend longer in the EU?
 
I'm deadly serious. 90 days isn't enough for me to justify living in a van.. whilst I like Spain it's getting harder and busier over winter. And to extend 90 days the only choice is Morocco which I'm not keen on.

Greece has always been my favourite location , if I can't wildcamp there then it holds no appeal anymore. Turkey was OK....not great but OK to escape shengen for a couple of months. Everywhere else is just too cold and depressing over winter. Some places are colder than UK.

It's just getting harder and harder to do it since b@£^it , and there are more and more restrictions coming in to play constantly.

Tam

I have said it to people before - become resident in an EU country which does not have much restriction on how long one can leave for, here it is 5 years.

There is still a restriction of 90/180 in the other EU countries, but with no border checks it is impossible to check.

You would still be allowed to go to UK for work for as long as you want.

Geoff

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So, it reads as though you can't even park in a supermarket to buy food etc before you settle onto a site :unsure: surely not.
 
Tam

I have said it to people before - become resident in an EU country which does not have much restriction on how long one can leave for, here it is 5 years.

There is still a restriction of 90/180 in the other EU countries, but with no border checks it is impossible to check.

You would still be allowed to go to UK for work for as long as you want.

Geoff
Agree Geoff, but of all people, I have confidence in Tam knowing that he missed his chance with getting an EU residential status when it was simple...
His chosen country would be Spain...but the income required to get a NLV is very costly..
We know many folk who missed the boat due to various reasons...they are now trying different routes to achieve greater flexibility..
I imagine Poland could be easier than here, I hope he can find an alternative..
 
Another issue for Tam would be, he needs to work...this wouldn't be possible on a NLV here in Spain..

Sorry but this is turning into a Save Tam thread...but there are many folk who wanted to visit Greece in general...they need a re-think and so does the country in question.
 
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Don’t think Tam likes France!
Who said he'd have to stay there though? 😉

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Sorry don't want to start an argument but if we went in the van we would still eat out, as I think you did mostly on your last trip and Ryan air at east mids is just like catching a bus.
Maths not your strong point Charlie? :ROFLMAO: We had 11 meals out in 45 days.
 
This is what ChatGtp had to say. Sounds like the laws are not new in Greece so is it a case of them now clamping down in certain areas and in busier months?

Maybe a blind eye has been applied in the past and will continue to be the case out of season. Dunno.

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ChatGPT



You said:​

Is it true that Greece has passed new laws to stop motorhomes parking in public places? It seems ridiculous if this is the case

ChatGPT said:​

Yes, it's true that Greece has strict laws prohibiting wild camping, including overnight stays in motorhomes in public places. This isn't a new development; the regulations have been in place for several years but are being enforced more rigorously in certain areas.Caravanya+6Kucavana+6eu.camperistas.com+6

🚫 Wild Camping Laws in Greece​

Under Greek law, wild camping is prohibited in public areas such as archaeological sites, beaches, forests, and nature reserves. This includes parking a motorhome and engaging in activities like setting up chairs, awnings, or cooking outside. Violations can result in fines up to €300 or even imprisonment for up to three months .Kucavana+1eu.camperistas.com+1Caravanya

🛑 Enforcement in Tourist Areas​

Enforcement of these laws is particularly strict in popular tourist destinations and protected areas. For instance, along the coast between Alimos and Glyfada near Athens, local authorities have prohibited motorhome parking due to overcrowding .The Gap Decaders+1Caramaps+1Park4Night

✅ Legal Alternatives for Motorhome Travelers​

To comply with local regulations and avoid fines, consider the following options:

  • Campsites: Greece offers a network of campsites, especially along the coast and on the islands, with prices ranging from €15 to €40 per night, depending on the season and services offered .Park4Night+2Caramaps+2linnettandersen.com+2
  • Motorhome Service Areas: While less common than in other European countries, some gas stations and campsites provide facilities for water filling and waste disposal, sometimes for a small fee .Caramaps
  • Tavernas: Some tavernas allow motorhome travelers to park overnight in their lots in exchange for dining at their establishment .eu.camperistas.com+4linnettandersen.com+4Kucavana+4

ℹ️ Tips for Responsible Motorhome Travel in Greece​

  • Avoid "Camping" Behavior: Even if parked legally, extending awnings, setting up furniture, or cooking outside can be considered illegal camping.eu.camperistas.com
  • Use Designated Areas: Stick to official campsites or areas where overnight parking is explicitly permitted.Caramaps
  • Respect Local Regulations: Always adhere to local parking and camping regulations to avoid fines and ensure a pleasant experience.athensmotorhomepark
While these regulations may seem restrictive, they are in place to protect Greece's natural beauty and cultural heritage. By planning accordingly and respecting local laws, you can still enjoy a memorable motorhome journey through Greece.Caramapsathensmotorhomepark

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I wonder [and hope] that the local communities will just ignore this law if it doesn't suit them (a bit like the French do)... and only apply it when motorhome behavior becomes overwhelming.

Luckily there's a few months to let the dust settle before the winter travels.

If I were Northernraider I'd see how this winter season pans out before making a decision to sell up. Might all be a storm in a teacup.

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