A recent incident has brought out significant restrictions on campervan parking in Greece, arising from Law 5170/2025, which primarily focuses on short-term rentals. While the law targets illegal camping and informal tourist accommodations, its impact on mobile homes has caused strong reactions.
The Akrata Incident
Recently, the Greek police issued fines to campervan owners who had parked their vehicles in the coastal town of Akrata (a village in Achaia in the Peloponnese). This enforcement action exposed the new, stricter regulations regarding campervan presence in public spaces. According to the law, campervans are prohibited from being installed in public areas (which was already banned), but now also from simply being parked in spaces such as archaeological sites, beaches, forests, and other commonly accessed public lands. Instead, such vehicles must remain on designated highways or official campsites.
How Many Campervans Are There in Greece?
Currently, Greece hosts an estimated 2,100 campervans annually, many of which arrive from countries such as Italy, Germany, France, and Austria. The Hellenic Motorhome Club, with 530 registered members, has already requested clarifications from the Greek state. Moreover, the club has informed the European Federation of Campers (Fédération Internationale des Clubs de Motorhomes – FICM) and is considering legal action against the newly enforced restrictions.
Response from the Ministry of Tourism
In response to widespread concern and online debate, the Ministry of Tourism published a detailed clarification:
“What applies to Law 5170/2025 on caravans/trailers?”
The provision in question legislates the obvious – what is already valid and applicable in other developed countries that protect public goods related to hygiene and safety. The law prohibits the misuse of public spaces to safeguard the natural and cultural environment.
Citizens and tourists with caravans can park in organized camping sites – licensed businesses that meet hygiene, safety, and environmental standards. This ensures the end of abusive occupation of forests, beaches, archaeological sites, and other public areas by mobile homes and trailers. The new provision is aligned with existing legal frameworks, particularly Article 10 of Law 392/1976 and Article 7 of Law 4276/2014, both of which banned informal caravan installations in sensitive areas.
Moreover, the law allows for free parking of a caravan (hospitality) under Article 34 of the Road Traffic Code (Law 2696/1999), as long as it does not exceed 24 consecutive hours in residential zones. Beyond this, designated fenced areas must be used, as defined by municipalities.
Will There be Modifications?
Amid the negative reactions towards this decision, the Ministry of Tourism held a meeting with the president and board members of the Hellenic Motorhome Club to discuss the arisen issues. The Ministry has made it clear that there will be modifications.
This is the announcement the Ministry of Tourism published:
Today’s meeting held at the Ministry of Tourism with the President, Mrs. Elizabeth Michailidou, and members of the Board of Directors of the Hellenic Motorhome Club, regarding the issue of parking and parking of motorhomes, was completed in a positive atmosphere.
During the meeting there was full agreement on the direction of the legislation of article 27 of Law 5170/2025.
It was made clear that, with this provision, the stopping and parking of motorhomes is allowed where and as prescribed by the Highway Code.
There was agreement on the increased need to strengthen the protection of public spaces and the natural and cultural environment from misuse and arbitrary occupation.
Furthermore, following the relevant proposal of ELAT, the Ministry of Tourism recognizes the need to create an institutional framework for the provision of special temporary parking areas for caravans (Camper Stop) and will propose the undertaking of a relevant initiative by the relevant Ministries.
Conclusion
The Ministry of Tourism’s clarification explains the purpose of Law 5170/2025, which aims to protect public spaces from misuse by regulating caravan parking. The law allows caravans to park in licensed camping sites and limits free parking in residential areas to 24 hours. The Ministry is open to changes based on feedback from groups like the Hellenic Motorhome Club and is considering creating special temporary parking areas for caravans. This approach ensures both tourism and the protection of Greece’s natural and cultural sites.
