Greece has approved a law that will dramatically change the handling of motorhomes and caravans in the country, as it broadly bans parking of any type of caravan or trailer in public areas.
It also affects private property rights, explicitly prohibiting individuals from hosting more than one vehicle, even on their own land. Penalties range from a €300 fine to three months of imprisonment.
Although the law has been in effect since January 2025, it only recently garnered public attention when three members of the Hellenic Motorhome Club (ELAT) were fined by police in Kato Akrata on the Peloponnese. The incident sparked concern among the caravaning community, with ELAT quickly mobilizing and bringing the law into the public spotlight.
Even a short caravan stop in Greece can lead to penalties
Under the new regulation, any installation or parking of caravans in public spaces, such as parking lots, beaches, parks, or forest areas, is strictly forbidden. The law does not specify any minimum time limit, meaning even a brief stop to rest can technically be deemed a violation, potentially resulting in fines or legal consequences.
Equally contentious is the provision that bans the free hosting of more than one caravan on private property. For instance, even if a landowner wishes to accommodate two motorhomes on their private land, doing so would be illegal and carry the same risk of penalties.
The law has drawn fierce backlash from caravan owners, many of whom claim it unfairly targets a form of alternative tourism under the guise of environmental protection.
Critics argue that caravan and motorhome tourism is an important segment of Greece’s off-season, eco-friendly, and low-impact travel sector. This law may deter both domestic and international travelers, redirecting them to other countries in the Mediterranean.
Small towns, rural shops, tavernas, and campsites often depend on caravan travelers for a steady flow of income. With fewer caravans on the road, local economies could suffer, especially in remote areas with little mainstream tourism.
Via Greek Reporter