Greek Law - The Facts

[Sydwal]

A bit long winded, but here goes...

Not sure if this has been covered before (it probably has) but as a full timer and a massive fan of everything Greek we had definitely planned to make the trip to Greece - maybe even in 2026. I was therefore dismayed earlier this year by the usual suspects on YouTube saying recent changes to the Greek laws meant that "Motorhomes are banned in Greece!!" I really think this was put about by some people who were more interested in clicks than facts. The headlines? "WE'VE BEEN BANNED!!" or "IT'S OVER!!" - yes, the usual clickbait. Maybe they were just confused - and proceeded to confuse everyone else! I've also seen some YouTubers say you can ignore the laws- and that isn't true either. I also saw one video of a German woman who shouted at one couple legally parked near a beach, telling them they had to move. They did so, completely unaware that they need not have moved at all.

When it first came to light I decided to do some research and delve a little deeper (retired lawyer here). The problem came about because of some poor drafting to Law 5127 that meant vanners who parked at Lidl to get a shop could get booked. This actually happened to some Greek guys and that's when the Hellenic Motorhome Club swung into action and started lobbying government. An amending piece of legislation - Law 5209 - was introduced quickly and clarified things.

So are we all banned? No. Are there restrictions? Yes. Does it matter? Maybe, maybe not, because the main question is enforcement and the general vibe is that not many people are getting booked, at least currently. It depends on the circumstances I think. So far, the 'vibe' is that generally, the authorities haven't increased the targeting of vanners and often turn a blind eye. Depends on the time of year I guess and the circumstances of the breach.

The image below is a screenshot of what I posted on some YT channels' comments sections a while back and is definitely accurate. Hopefully, this will help those planning a trip.

 

[Drover]

Thanks, it's the same answers I got when checking. The Internet is not as good as it was (saftey).
We were looking at April May' ish time.
Bit confusing on 24hrs for over 7.5mt as to move from area or road.
We are not great lovers of campsites...

 

[alcam]

A bit long winded, but here goes...

Not sure if this has been covered before (it probably has) but as a full timer and a massive fan of everything Greek we had definitely planned to make the trip to Greece - maybe even in 2026. I was therefore dismayed earlier this year by the usual suspects on YouTube saying recent changes to the Greek laws meant that "Motorhomes are banned in Greece!!" I really think this was put about by some people who were more interested in clicks than facts. The headlines? "WE'VE BEEN BANNED!!" or "IT'S OVER!!" - yes, the usual clickbait. Maybe they were just confused - and proceeded to confuse everyone else! I've also seen some YouTubers say you can ignore the laws- and that isn't true either. I also saw one video of a German woman who shouted at one couple legally parked near a beach, telling them they had to move. They did so, completely unaware that they need not have moved at all.

When it first came to light I decided to do some research and delve a little deeper (retired lawyer here). The problem came about because of some poor drafting to Law 5127 that meant vanners who parked at Lidl to get a shop could get booked. This actually happened to some Greek guys and that's when the Hellenic Motorhome Club swung into action and started lobbying government. An amending piece of legislation - Law 5209 - was introduced quickly and clarified things.

So are we all banned? No. Are there restrictions? Yes. Does it matter? Maybe, maybe not, because the main question is enforcement and the general vibe is that not many people are getting booked, at least currently. It depends on the circumstances I think. So far, the 'vibe' is that generally, the authorities haven't increased the targeting of vanners and often turn a blind eye. Depends on the time of year I guess and the circumstances of the breach.

The image below is a screenshot of what I posted on some YT channels' comments sections a while back and is definitely accurate. Hopefully, this will help those planning a trip.


View attachment 147847

So you are not allowed to sleep in your van outside towns ?
Last 2 sentences seem contradictory

 

[Sydwal]

Thanks, it's the same answers I got when checking. The Internet is not as good as it was (saftey).
We were looking at April May' ish time.
Bit confusing on 24hrs for over 7.5mt as to move from area or road.
We are not great lovers of campsites...

Yes, it's still a little confusing but if your rig is over 7.5M you can park in urban areas where it is legal to do so but unlike under 7.5M vehicles you have to move on after 24 hrs. 'Camping' is out but as I said above enforcement looks patchy, particularly off-season.

 

[Sydwal]

The legislation distinguishes between parking and camping and the final sentence applies to both 1 and 2. So you can PARK anywhere that it's legal - in or out of towns - but you aren't supposed to CAMP anywhere overnight outside of campsites. As stated, enforcement doesn't look as if it's happening, at least for now. I followed a van life couple who went around Greece last summer and they never had a problem apart from the German woman incorrectly telling them they had to move (they were legally parked next to a beach in the daytime). Certainly no law enforcement problems at the minute.

 

[alcam]

The legislation distinguishes between parking and camping and the final sentence applies to both 1 and 2. So you can PARK anywhere that it's legal - in or out of towns - but you aren't supposed to CAMP anywhere overnight outside of campsites. As stated, enforcement doesn't look as if it's happening, at least for now. I followed a van life couple who went around Greece last summer and they never had a problem apart from the German woman incorrectly telling them they had to move (they were legally parked next to a beach in the daytime). Certainly no law enforcement problems at the minute.

Ok sounds like a reasonable risk (if that makes sense)
Have considered Greece a few times but never done it . Liked the idea of the ferry from Italy where you stayed in your van . Apparently that is no longer allowed. Travelling with dog , not sure of best way to go ?

 

[Drover]

I'm seeing this as following the aire system ( rules ) in the rest of europe.

 

[alcam]

I'm seeing this as following the aire system ( rules ) in the rest of europe.

Yea except they're stating no sleeping alongside the other no camping rules

 

[Sydwal]

Ok sounds like a reasonable risk (if that makes sense)
Have considered Greece a few times but never done it . Liked the idea of the ferry from Italy where you stayed in your van . Apparently that is no longer allowed. Travelling with dog , not sure of best way to go ?

Ancona to Igoumenitsa or Patras if you don't want to drive the length of Italy. More expensive obviously. From Brindisi if you don't mind the drive and want to explore Italy too. The 'big drive' is no ferries at all and down through the Balkans. Costs incurred either way.

We've actually thought about stopping off in Corfu on the way (more or less opposite Igoumenitsa) but you're eating into your 90 day allowance.

I think we've resolved to do the unthinkable and use (gulp) campsites, at least from time to time.

 

[Clunegapyears]

Agree with the OP.
We live in Crete. In July we drove and started in Gr on our way to Turkey. Even had a passing police car give me a thumbs up. No issues touring Chalkidiki on the way back at the end of October. And then in the same place, on the coast, for 4 nights east of Athens.
The no camping law has been in force for years, in that it gives the police the right to move people with awnings, chairs (setting up camp), the right to move them on.
Summer months on the beach are always going to be problematic ... not just in Greece. Common sense should prevail.
Typical Greeks ... they pass a draconian law and then wait for the backlash to amend it. Brits take years of consultation and then pass a wishy washy law. Not sure which is the best route.