A recent law will dramatically change the handling of motorhomes and caravans in Greece, 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.
Owners cry foul: “We’re being targeted.”
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.
Caravan owners value the freedom to travel and camp spontaneously. This law drastically limits that freedom, essentially criminalizing one of the core features of the caravan lifestyle. Critics argue that the restrictions go beyond reason and threaten a long-standing lifestyle and travel tradition.
In response, ELAT has outlined the following immediate steps:
- Request for Clarification – In collaboration with their legal advisor, the organization plans to send a letter to the Ministers of Tourism and Transport, seeking clarification on the highly controversial Article 27.
- Raise the Issue in Parliament – ELAT aims to escalate the matter to the National Parliament through public protest and advocacy.
- Hold an Extraordinary General Assembly – Depending on the response from officials, ELAT may call a special meeting solely dedicated to discussing the law’s impact and organizing further collective action.
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.
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