Greece has banned motorhomes

[Clunegapyears]

Effectively.
A law passed in January only came to light when 3 campers were fined €300 for parking by a beach.
The law passed at night states motorhomes cannot park AT ALL on public land. And only one at a time on private land. So this will impact on being able to shop, go for a meal or visit an attraction.

This link is to a news article.

Camper Stop! Greece prohibits parking of motor-homes

With a recent, but absurd legislation Greece practically prohibits one of the forms of alternative tourism: the camper; popular among local

www.keeptalkinggreece.com

Please sign the following petition, even if you have no plans to motorhome in Greece.

Sponsor Όχι στην Απόλυτη Απαγόρευση Στάθμευσης Αυτοκινούμενων και Τροχόσπιτων στην Ελλάδα! · Change.org

bit.ly

Many thanks
Katherine

 

[Fazerloz]

That link doesn't take you to the petition page.

 

[barryd]

This was on "FUN" Yesterday. From what I can gather wild camping in Greece has always been illegal its just its never been enforced. I've never been in the motorhome but I have a close motorhome pal who is a bit of a regular and he was worried about it but I get the impression it won't effect those that camp out of season in out of the way places. Maybe like a lot of places its been overrun at times and this is just a way of allowing them to basically deal with those situations as and when they need to.

 

[Clunegapyears]

That link doesn't take you to the petition page.

Might be as was on my FB.

Try this link

ÎÏι ÏÏην ÎÏÏλÏÏη ÎÏαγÏÏεÏÏη ΣÏάθμεÏÏÎ·Ï ÎÏÏοκινοÏμενÏν και ΤÏοÏÏÏÏιÏÏν ÏÏην Îλλάδα!

Can you spare a minute to help this campaign?

chng.it

 

[Clunegapyears]

This was on "FUN" Yesterday. From what I can gather wild camping in Greece has always been illegal its just its never been enforced. I've never been in the motorhome but I have a close motorhome pal who is a bit of a regular and he was worried about it but I get the impression it won't effect those that camp out of season in out of the way places. Maybe like a lot of places its been overrun at times and this is just a way of allowing them to basically deal with those situations as and when they need to.

I agree wild camping was illegal but it was never really enforced. And for the need to deal with density of campers in popular places in season.

This is new law that has not been properly thought through. Campers now can't even for a few hours, let alone park for the day at beaches, car parks etc. There is no infrastructure of Aires here. And far to few campsites, especially open in winter to provide an alternative.

 

[alcam]

This was on "FUN" Yesterday. From what I can gather wild camping in Greece has always been illegal its just its never been enforced. I've never been in the motorhome but I have a close motorhome pal who is a bit of a regular and he was worried about it but I get the impression it won't effect those that camp out of season in out of the way places. Maybe like a lot of places its been overrun at times and this is just a way of allowing them to basically deal with those situations as and when they need to.

Sounds about right Barry.
Though having never been to Greece with a van this is , more than a little, off putting

 

[barryd]

This is what ChatGTP had to say. I guess the only way to find out is from people going there but from what I can gather one of the reasons people went was off season wild camping in half decent weather in stunning places.

why has Greece introduced new bans on motorhomes wild camping or it seems even parking up for a few hours pretty much anywhere including supermarket car parks. I think wild camping in motorhomes has been illegal in greece for years but was tolerated. Has there been specific issues leading to this new legislation?

ChatGPT said:​

Greece has long prohibited wild camping, including overnight stays in motorhomes outside designated areas, under laws such as Law 2160/1993 and Law 4403/2016. Historically, enforcement was often lenient, particularly in rural or off-season settings. However, recent years have seen a significant tightening of enforcement, leading to noticeable changes for motorhome travellers.Caravanya+1Kucavana+1

Reasons Behind Stricter Enforcement​

1. Environmental Protection: The surge in wild camping has led to environmental concerns, including littering, habitat disruption, and increased fire risks. Sensitive areas like beaches, forests, and archaeological sites have been particularly affected, prompting authorities to act to preserve these environments.
2. Tourism Management: Unregulated camping has impacted local tourism economies. Campground operators and local businesses have reported losses due to travellers bypassing official accommodations. This economic pressure has influenced stricter enforcement to support local enterprises. Sithonia Greece
3. Legal Clarifications: Greek law defines "camping" broadly, encompassing activities like setting up awnings, placing chairs outside, or even merely sleeping in a parked motorhome. This broad definition has led to increased fines and enforcement actions, even in cases where travellers believed they were simply parking. Kucavana+1eu.camperistas.com+1
4. Increased Enforcement Actions: There has been a notable rise in enforcement, with reports of fines up to €3,000 and potential imprisonment for violations. Authorities have also conducted patrols and issued citations in areas previously considered tolerant of wild camping.

Implications for Motorhome Travellers​

• Designated Camping Areas: Travellers are strongly advised to use official campsites or designated motorhome areas to avoid fines and legal issues.Caramaps
• Awareness of Local Regulations: Regulations can vary by region, so it's essential to research local rules and restrictions before parking or camping.
• Avoiding Public Spaces for Overnight Stays: Even parking in places like supermarket car parks for extended periods can be problematic, as these areas may fall under the broad definition of prohibited camping activities.

In summary, while wild camping in Greece was once met with a degree of tolerance, increasing environmental concerns, economic factors, and legal clarifications have led to stricter enforcement. Motorhome travellers should plan accordingly to ensure compliance with local laws and to protect Greece's natural and cultural heritage.Sithonia Greece+3Backpacking Guys+3Caramaps+3

 

[Drover]

So I managed to sign it.
We were hoping to go there next year.
Katherine. It said you didn't chip in £7 .but that might not be anyone on here.

 

[Clunegapyears]

So I managed to sign it.
We were hoping to go there next year.
Katherine. It said you didn't chip in £7 .but that might not be anyone on here.

James 'chipped' in. We have also contacted the Hellenic Camper Club to offer a small financial support, as they are pursuing this legally.

 

[Drover]

James 'chipped' in. We have also contacted the Hellenic Camper Club to offer a small financial support, as they are pursuing this legally.

I can't afford to chip in to these things
My state pension only goes so far...

 

[Fazerloz]

I can't afford to chip in to these things
My state pension only goes so far...

It would seem it goes all the way to Greece according to post # 8.

 

[Drover]

It would seem it goes all the way to Greece according to post # 8.

Nooooo. Most is used up on IPA
Then council tax as you can't get that free anymore if your not there
Unless anyone knows how.

 

[GeoffL]

Here's a personal viewpoint from someone currently touring Greece ...

 

[Clunegapyears]

Agree clarification needed. I appreciate the Northerners on Tour have said the law is being reported as extreme and must be illogical. But this is Greece!
I've heard of more instances of the new law being implemented.
16 motorohomes moved on from the huge parking in Nafplio. But not fined.
A Greek use a small camper as their family transport. They rang their local police to ask where they stood regarding driving and parking for a booked visit to the dentist. The police told them, that if seen, they would be fined.

 

[Winterskp]

Must be 30 years ago we walked from our wild camping overnight site to a nearby village for shopping, leaving our then 16 year old twin boys at the van. Police turned up, said they had to leave. The boys asked what happens if we don't, we can't drive? "We will shoot you!" they said . . . with a smile.

 

[mariesnowgoose]

Bureaucracy in extremis?

Greek police like chucking their weight around? They apparently did when my parents were touring around Europe many years ago. It was the only time out of all the European countries they visited where there was really heavy police intimidation for doing nothing wrong whatsoever.

 

[marchie]

Agree clarification needed. I appreciate the Northerners on Tour have said the law is being reported as extreme and must be illogical. But this is Greece!
I've heard of more instances of the new law being implemented.
16 motorohomes moved on from the huge parking in Nafplio. But not fined.
A Greek use a small camper as their family transport. They rang their local police to ask where they stood regarding driving and parking for a booked visit to the dentist. The police told them, that if seen, they would be fined.

Beware of Greeks bearing tickets ... My mate Kostsa has cancelled hir trip back to Greece for 12 June and will be arriving chez nous shortly this morning to book DFDS Newhaven-Dieppefor a Spain & Portugal trip after a drive through France as the replacement holiday ...

Bearing in mind the term 'cloudcuckooland' first saw light of day in 'The Birds' by Aristophanes, what would he have written about this cackhanded piece of legislation?

Steve

 

[Rolyan57]

The legislation states that you can park in designated places as per the HC, but not take up additional space. Which suggests that you can park in an official car park, and leave the vehicle to shop and/or visit.

If it doesn’t mean that, then yes, this is the end of motorhoming in Greece. Is this another example where the behaviour of some has brought about a reaction that now affects everyone.

 

[Fisherman]

I suppose the Greeks had two options just as the French did several decades ago. The French government realising that banning people from using carparks for their motorhomes would be a breech of their civil rights, and would certainly lead to uproar in a nation well known for protesting, decided to do exactly the opposite. France decided to make councils provide facilities for people who wished to use their motorhomes in public places.
If as has been reported here the Greeks have decided to ban such activity, I would hope that those affected by this would take this to the ECHR. This draconian measure by any civilised country is clearly not acceptable, and from the country which gave us democracy it’s even more so unacceptable.
The Greeks will now suffer financially from this idiotic ill thought out action, who now in Greece would buy a Motorhome. Job losses throughout the industry will surely result from this, and the Greek government will find their coffers will suffer due to lack of tax receipts from their sales, seems bonkers to me if true. It’s a lose lose for everyone involved.

 

[marchie]

The legislation states that you can park in designated places as per the HC, but not take up additional space. Which suggests that you can park in an official car park, and leave the vehicle to shop and/or visit.

If it doesn’t mean that, then yes, this is the end of motorhoming in Greece. Is this another example where the behaviour of some has brought about a reaction that now affects everyone.

My understanding is that the new law permits 1 Motorhome to park on private land [e.g. supermarket Car Park], *BUT* if a 2nd Motorhome arrives, then each has broken the law and both can expect to be fined ... This is the sort of illogical lawmaking that led to Aristophanes writing 'The Birds', where a country was governed by a fictional body of birds, whose less than perfect lawmaking could be derided with impunity. Had the same criticism been made of the actual Greek Government centuries ago, Aristophanes would have been charged with treason, and possibly have been executed; but he was safe whilst the action took place in Cloudcuckooland ... . An early version of a cunning stunt!

Steve