Ending the illegal occupation of forests, shores and archaeological sites: Declaration by the Ministry of Tourism on Law 5170/2025 on caravans and motorhomes.
New restrictions for motorhomes in Greece
The Ministry of Tourism has tried to clear the air after a wave of media reports about Law 5170/2025, which deals with how caravans and motorhomes can be parked and used. Honestly, this law isn’t much of a surprise—it’s pretty close to what you’d see in other countries that care about public health, safety, and keeping public spaces from being misused.
If you’re traveling with a caravan, you’re only allowed to park in organised camping sites. These sites have to be legal and stick to all the health, safety, planning, and environmental rules.
This shift is meant to put an end to the whole scene where caravans just take over forests, beaches, archaeological sites, and other public spots. It’s gotten out of hand, hasn’t it?
The law keeps previous bans in place, so you still can’t camp or park a caravan in protected areas like archaeological zones, shorelines, forests, or other public spaces. There’s also a rule against taverns or private properties hosting more than one caravan at a time.
Parking rules are based on article 34 of the Road Traffic Code (KOK) from 1999. Basically, you can’t leave trailers, caravans, or boats parked for over 24 hours in residential areas unless it’s in a fenced spot set up by the local municipality or community.
There is one exception: you’re allowed to park a single caravan per visit for free. If you want to use public space for anything more, you’ll need an official business licence.
That’s a move aimed at shutting down illegal business operations that don’t meet legal standards and end up hurting legit camping businesses.
Strong reactions to the restrictions on motorhomes
The recent law regulating campervan and motorhome parking has sparked strong responses from the tourism sector.
Professionals involved in alternative tourism and related services have expressed serious concerns about the new rules.
The law forbids parking campervans in public areas such as archaeological sites, beaches, forests, and other public spaces, no matter how long the stay is.
It also limits hosting more than one campervan on private properties. Breaking these rules can lead to fines up to €300 and prison sentences of up to three months.
Tourism businesses worry these restrictions could hurt a significant part of the tourism market.
They fear the limits on parking even for short times in public places might discourage international visitors who favour this type of travel.
This could impact local economies, especially in areas that rely heavily on motorhome tourists.
The Ministry of Tourism defends the law by stating its purpose is to protect the environment and public health.
It highlights the importance of legal compliance and offers that tourists can use licensed campsites that meet all required standards.
The Ministry emphasises that parking campervans is still possible but should take place in organised areas designed for this purpose.
This is intended to reduce damage to sensitive places and ensure safer conditions for all.
Meanwhile, organisations like the Greek Motorhome Club (ΕΛΑΤ) have strongly criticised the law.
They describe it as lacking foresight and harmful. The club claims there was insufficient consultation before passing the law and plans to challenge it legally.
Key points of contention include:
- The ban on parking in public spaces regardless of the duration
- Limits on hosting multiple campervans on private land
- Fear of negative effects on alternative tourism and visitor numbers
- Concerns about lack of prior discussion with affected groups
Focus area |
Ministry’s explanation |
|---|---|
Environmental impact |
Prevents damage to natural and cultural sites |
Public health |
Protects community wellbeing by avoiding unmanaged stays |
Legal order |
Promotes use of authorised campsites to prevent illegal parking |
Tourism guidance |
Encourages use of licensed facilities for campervans |
The controversy continues as the tourism industry closely watches the impact of these new measures on travel habits and local businesses.
