Van Life is now banned in Greece, what does it mean for you?
A First-Hand Perspective
(From someone who has spent one month each summer for the past four years in Greece and Albania)
Greece used to be one of the easiest and most rewarding vanlife destinations. You could drive through the Balkans or arrive by ferry, and once there, enjoy stunning nature with the freedom to park almost anywhere—so long as you could get in and out of the spot.
But that’s no longer possible.
The issue isn’t just that vanlife is now prohibited; the real problem is that there are very few alternatives offered. Greece doesn’t have many beautiful, well-equipped campgrounds. Try searching on Park4Night for campsites rated above 4.75 stars—you’ll quickly see how few have even 20 reviews, unlike other countries where quality options are plentiful.
In short: you’re being told what you can’t do, but not given realistic options for what you can do. That’s never a sustainable approach. Either this situation will push for change in the law—or open up space for new businesses to meet the demand.
The law, from the official text and a summary of it.
You can find the official article of law article, Law 5170/2025 : Νόμος 5170/2025 (ΦΕΚ A’ 6/20.01.2025)
🚫 What does the law prohibit?
Parking or “installing” motorhomes, campervans, caravans—or even tents—in any public space: beaches, archaeological sites, forest edges, parks, and regular public parking—regardless of overnight or daytime stay.
Private land is limited: only one motorhome per property unless it’s a licensed campground. More than one is forbidden.
💶 Penalties
Fines typically €300 per vehicle or per person.
Offences classified as misdemeanors; court proceedings possible and up to 3 months imprisonment in serious cases.
📆 Enforcement highlights
Law came into effect in January but enforcement ramped up since April–May 2025.
Multiple fines issued—such as to Hellenic Motorhome Club members on the Peloponnese coast and even one arrest reported at Kalo Nero in Messinia.
🌍 Context & implications
Wild camping had long been technically banned, but enforcement was lax—this law codifies and extends those prohibitions into everyday parking.
Unlike other European countries that allow up to 24 h parking, Greece now bans motoring stops in public spaces entirely—and allows overnight stays only in official campsites, which are few and often closed outside summer.
✍️ Practical advice for vanlifers
Use licensed campsites
Only legally permitted places to stay overnight.
Private land? Only one vehicle!
Hosting more than one motorhome is illegal unless officially licensed.
Day parking is risky
Even brief stops on beaches or public car parks may prompt fines.
Stay updated and respectful
Law interpretation varies—avoid setting up chairs, awnings, or staying long.
🛠️ What travelers and authorities are doing
The Hellenic Motorhome Club (ELAT) is mobilizing legal challenges and lobbying for amendments.
A popular multi-language petition is demanding clearer rules—especially distinguishing parking from camping and regulating “public spaces.”
✅ Final takeaway
Yes, the new Greek law significantly restricts vanlife: no free camping or parking in public places, and no gatherings beyond one vehicle on private land. Those caught face heavy fines and legal repercussions. If you’re planning a trip, you’ll need to rely on official campsites, or a single private land stop per property—and monitor ELAT’s efforts for future changes.
