Motorhoming in Greece - Drastic news.

CazPaul said:
How would they honestly stop people from their own country travelling around in their campers/motorhomes, it would only take a couple of Greek officials to have campers to thwart it. It’s ludicrous to suggest any country would do that, parking at shops, laybyes etc
Some of the police will even have campers

They will only stop people from other countries or maybe their own country if they think are taking the mickey that’s what it will be designed for. Theory and practise are totally different things
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I don't remember seeing very many Greek registered campers/motorhomes on any of my trips there.
 
CazPaul said:
I just don’t believe it’s going to be the nightmare some think, stopping people parking up at shops, laybyes etc
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You are probably right from my experience over the years with lack of enforcement of marine rules, although they seem to be tightening up in that area according to my friend who has my old boat.

My worry would be about paying the ferry crossing from Ancona and then finding out that the new rules do in fact stop us enjoying Greece in the way we have on the previous MH trips.

Since we would be going at beginning of Sept for 6-8 weeks, campsites would not be much of an option, as some close end of Aug and most of the others 15th Sept., because for Greeks it is then 'Winter'.
 
chaser said:
I'm sorry mate but that is almost nonsense, obviously you haven't flown from east Midlands, twenty minutes up the road , the same road we would have to go to the M1, about twenty minutes through the check-in, walk through duty free have a coffee and they will be calling you to the gate, maybe an hour all in.
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Not true from big airports. I live 15 minutes from Gatwick. It takes 2 hours to get through customs and security. Arrive 1 hour before that , another hour after security. Everyone pushes into a queue because they think they might not get on! A 3 hour flight, reclaiming baggage, queue for coach, transfer to hotel. That’s over 8 hours in my book.

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nicholsong said:
My worry would be about paying the ferry crossing from Ancona and then finding out that the new rules do in fact stop us enjoying Greece in the way we have on the previous MH trips.
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As I said eairler in the thread my concern too, especially as the ferry fares are so expensive now.
Was thinking of going next spring but I think I'll give it a miss and see how it pans out.
 
CazPaul said:
I just don’t believe it’s going to be the nightmare some think, stopping people parking up at shops, laybyes etc
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nicholsong said:
You are probably right from my experience over the years with lack of enforcement of marine rules, although they seem to be tightening up in that area according to my friend who has my old boat.

My worry would be about paying the ferry crossing from Ancona and then finding out that the new rules do in fact stop us enjoying Greece in the way we have on the previous MH trips.

Since we would be going at beginning of Sept for 6-8 weeks, campsites would not be much of an option, as some close end of Aug and most of the others 15th Sept., because for Greeks it is then 'Winter'.
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Lenny HB said:
As I said eairler in the thread my concern too, especially as the ferry fares are so expensive now.
Was thinking of going next spring but I think I'll give it a miss and see how it pans out.
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That's my worry , I'm already avoiding the ferry from Italy to Greece as I can't take 4 dogs in a cabin or even inside the boat.. so it's 9 hours on an open deck freezing my ass off. So it's either drive through Croatia montenegro Albania to Greece or go via Bulgaria.. IF they do enforce the restrictions quoted then even transiting Greece would be a pain as not done in one day.
At present I'm waiting to see what unfolds as I don't plan to.leave the UK till end of October, but whilst they've not enforced these rules before there's no guarantee they aren't going to start.

The story had to come from somewhere.

And the claims that Luxembourg and Holland also completely ban wildcamping makes me wonder as they certainly didn't before ... I spent 7 nights in Luxembourg in 2021 and 3 or 4 in Holland back in 2019 and never on official places or campsites.

So something has changed there
 
The following from Greece Ministry of Tourism just published:

For anyone interested in what's going on in Greece...

Published today on the official website of the Greek Ministry of Tourism.

"During the meeting a full consensus was reached on the regulatory orientation of article 27 of the law 5170/2025.

It has become clear that this arrangement allows motor vehicles to stop and park everywhere and according to the Road Code. "

So nothing changes with respect to the past: yes stopping, no wild camping.

"Furthermore the Ministry of Tourism recognizes the need to create an institutional framework for the provision of special temporary rest areas for camper (Camper Stop) and will propose that the initiative in this matter be taken by the competent Ministries"

Θετικό κλίμα στη συνάντηση με την Ελληνική Λέσχη Αυτοκινούμενων Τροχόσπιτων – Ministry of Tourism

mintour.gov.gr mintour.gov.gr
 
Thanks Antalex, full transcript here.....

"Today's meeting held at the Ministry of Tourism, with the President, Mrs. Elizabeth Michaelidou and members of the Board of Directors of the Hellenic Motorhome Club, regarding the issue of stopping and parking of motorhomes, was concluded in a positive atmosphere, regarding the issue of stopping and parking of motorhomes.

During the meeting, there was full agreement on the direction of the legislation of article 27 of Law 5170/2025.

It became clear that this provision allows the stopping and parking of motorized vehicles wherever and as stipulated by the Road Traffic Code.
There was also a common understanding on the enhanced need to shield the protection of public spaces and the natural and cultural environment from their abusive and arbitrary occupation.

Furthermore, following the relevant proposal of ELAT, the Ministry of Tourism recognizes the need to create an institutional framework for the provision of special parking spaces for motorhomes (Camper Stop) and will propose the undertaking of a relevant initiative by the competent Ministries."
 
Our relatives just arrived in Greece on a package holiday, and been hit with a £10 a day tourist tax, theses will be spending on everything we do,, so everyone been hit

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pjay said:
Thanks Antalex, full transcript here.....

"Today's meeting held at the Ministry of Tourism, with the President, Mrs. Elizabeth Michaelidou and members of the Board of Directors of the Hellenic Motorhome Club, regarding the issue of stopping and parking of motorhomes, was concluded in a positive atmosphere, regarding the issue of stopping and parking of motorhomes.

During the meeting, there was full agreement on the direction of the legislation of article 27 of Law 5170/2025.

It became clear that this provision allows the stopping and parking of motorized vehicles wherever and as stipulated by the Road Traffic Code.
There was also a common understanding on the enhanced need to shield the protection of public spaces and the natural and cultural environment from their abusive and arbitrary occupation.

Furthermore, following the relevant proposal of ELAT, the Ministry of Tourism recognizes the need to create an institutional framework for the provision of special parking spaces for motorhomes (Camper Stop) and will propose the undertaking of a relevant initiative by the competent Ministries."
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Thanks @Antalax and pjay

I believe we can take comfort from this statement and in particular from certain wording (if the English reflects exactly the Greek), such as:-

'stopping and parking', which seems to eliminate what appeared in the wording of Article 27's most draconian prohibitions. It does not condone 'camping', i.e. with tents and barbeques etc., but I imagine a couple of chairs will be overlooked as now.

'Motorized vehicles' so all of them including MHs, but maybe not caravans?

'Abusive and arbitrary occupation' appears to be aimed at setting up for long periods by groups, we may guess the nature of such groups. A couple of MHs parking for 1-2 nights can hardly be seen as occupation, I would have thought.

I think we can also thank the Board of the Hellenic Motorhome Club for doing a good job in getting clarification from the Ministry to the benefit of all MHomers.
 
Mleabon said:
Not sure I agree it's very Greek. Been going to Greece for years and it's always felt a free place with very few restrictions.
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I too have travelled many time in Greece and have found it the same as you do. Perhaps I should have put 'Draconian' in inverted commas. Draco was an Athenian law giver characterised by his disproportionate punishments for even minor offences, hence the Greece connection. I'd consider a €300 fine for stopping in a public car park fairly 'Draconian' Draco would have had the offender executed! Just a play on words.

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pjay said:
Thanks Antalex, full transcript here.....

"Today's meeting held at the Ministry of Tourism, with the President, Mrs. Elizabeth Michaelidou and members of the Board of Directors of the Hellenic Motorhome Club, regarding the issue of stopping and parking of motorhomes, was concluded in a positive atmosphere, regarding the issue of stopping and parking of motorhomes.

During the meeting, there was full agreement on the direction of the legislation of article 27 of Law 5170/2025.

It became clear that this provision allows the stopping and parking of motorized vehicles wherever and as stipulated by the Road Traffic Code.
There was also a common understanding on the enhanced need to shield the protection of public spaces and the natural and cultural environment from their abusive and arbitrary occupation.

Furthermore, following the relevant proposal of ELAT, the Ministry of Tourism recognizes the need to create an institutional framework for the provision of special parking spaces for motorhomes (Camper Stop) and will propose the undertaking of a relevant initiative by the competent Ministries."
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Here is the same thing again but on the Greek Travel Pages publication. The key point seems to be that if a motorhome is class M then it has the same rights to park as a car. More details in the article. This brings home the importance of carrying the vehicle V5.
news.gtp.gr

Motorhome Parking: Greek Tourism Ministry Looking to Establish Camper Stops | GTP Headlines

Greek Tourism Ministry is looking to establish designated parking areas for motorhomes, addressing concerns over new regulations and the need for Camper Stops.
news.gtp.gr news.gtp.gr
 
I’ve been reading reviews on Park4night from places we know well from our trips to the peloponnese. A lot are saying they have been moved on by the police.

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This was a lovely spot, the Taverner owner Faros would offer water and emptying of black waste before you drive along to a walled space big enough for 10 ish motorhomes. Right next to a lovely taverna owned by our friend Nico and opposite the sea.
I can see absolutely no reason to move vans on from here. Not near housing, Faros I’m sure makes a packet (his food is ok but expensive, he encourages you to come for a drink or meal if parked there. Fair enough ) Most only stay a night or 2. It is near Limoni which is stunning.

We used to swim with the turtles here but ironically Faros has over fed them and they have become territorial and now bite!

We were hoping to return to Greece this Autumn but will probably go elsewhere now. I’ll keep an eye on Park4night but as Northernraider said the Ferry situation doesn’t help either.

It’s such a shame, we’ve had some absolutely fantastic trips in Greece, so glad cliffanger got to enjoy it too.
But I’m not going if I’ll be worried about being moved on, particularly when most campsites are closed in off season.
 
I have been planning a trip to Greece in September / October if this is true I will stop in the Balkans and Hungary .....
 
Northernraider said:
That's my worry , I'm already avoiding the ferry from Italy to Greece as I can't take 4 dogs in a cabin or even inside the boat.. so it's 9 hours on an open deck freezing my ass off. So it's either drive through Croatia montenegro Albania to Greece or go via Bulgaria.. IF they do enforce the restrictions quoted then even transiting Greece would be a pain as not done in one day.
At present I'm waiting to see what unfolds as I don't plan to.leave the UK till end of October, but whilst they've not enforced these rules before there's no guarantee they aren't going to start.

The story had to come from somewhere.

And the claims that Luxembourg and Holland also completely ban wildcamping makes me wonder as they certainly didn't before ... I spent 7 nights in Luxembourg in 2021 and 3 or 4 in Holland back in 2019 and never on official places or campsites.

So something has changed there
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They are also refusing new business licenses for Campsites and Motorhome sites so many are closing down in Holland ,,, i fell foul of all this new malarky in Holland 2 years ago, so spent my money in welcoming Germany .... many Dutch Moho owners are now keeping their vans in Germany as they cant find parking for them in Holland
 
Been doing some research and it sems Greece is planning to ban sales of new motorhomes and campervans in Greece ,,,from 2027/28 if they can get the legislation passed ,,, other EU countries may be considering similar ideas ,, Spontanious wild camping and parking overnight is now banned in Holland , Luxembourg, Czech Republic , Switzerland and Greece ,,, only overnighting allowed is in registered campsites or sites that allow it ,,, some of these countries have also banned parking on private land even if invited to by family, friends etc , very draconian .In Holland and Luxembourg this has already forced mant MH owners to store their vans in Germany or France when not in use ... However some backlash and legal action by EU may be on the cards ????

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I think folk will just have and sit this one out for a while and see what happens with the amendments to the original law. We were in Greece last summer/autumn for the first time since 2004 and it was worrying to see the number of campsites that simply did not exist anymore. Like many countries 'wild camping' is illegal in Greece and maybe this was probably what they wanted to come down on. Sledgehammer to crack a nut and it's backfired. At least Greece has ELAT (non profit making) to represent the motorhome community, which is more than we have in the UK at the moment.
 
Think this winter might well be my last trip.

If Europe is slowly banning vans from anywhere bar campsites it's time to sell the motorhome before the market collapses.
 
I'm gonna repeat myself in here, this is hyped way over the real factual experience.
This year we been in Greece from 7th to 25th of April. In all that time we been on a campsite a total of max 3 times. All other times we wild-camped. The first campsite was meteora, we could of easily wild camped by the stadium down the valley just outside ish of town, with other campers. But we chose the campsite as it was a walking distance from restaurants, and that night we wanted to treat ourselves to a nice dinner few shots of tziporo and some wine.
Other times we took a campsite in the area of Epidavros, again near the amenities, and came in handy for wc cassette. And I think was Gytheio the third one. Water not an issue, many taps are on, tavern parking overnight not a problem.
 
Raul said:
I'm gonna repeat myself in here, this is hyped way over the real factual experience.
This year we been in Greece from 7th to 25th of April. In all that time we been on a campsite a total of max 3 times. All other times we wild-camped. The first campsite was meteora, we could of easily wild camped by the stadium down the valley just outside ish of town, with other campers. But we chose the campsite as it was a walking distance from restaurants, and that night we wanted to treat ourselves to a nice dinner few shots of tziporo and some wine.
Other times we took a campsite in the area of Epidavros, again near the amenities, and came in handy for wc cassette. And I think was Gytheio the third one. Water not an issue, many taps are on, tavern parking overnight not a problem.
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I’m glad you had a great time in April Raul, but your experience isn’t representative of what’s actually happening now.
Unfortunately lots of people from different locations are being moved on.
The Police are enforcing this ruling and although the amendment discussed above will allow motorhomes to stop at shops it won’t bring back the freedom recently enjoyed.
 
This must of started sometime beginning of May then, as our last night in Greece was near Patras bridge wild camp on the 24th of April. Then we Boarded on the 25th for Italy.

I just can't see how they cleared Elia beach, there was hundreds of vans there.
We'll check it out next year, and we can always turn left in Turkey.
 
Raul said:
This must of started sometime beginning of May then, as our last night in Greece was near Patras bridge wild camp on the 24th of April. Then we Boarded on the 25th for Italy.

I just can't see how they cleared Elia beach, there was hundreds of vans there.
We'll check it out next year, and we can always turn left in Turkey.
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Yes start of May the new rules came in apparently

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