Parking rules for camper van travelers clarified

As the summer season nears, Greece is moving to restore confidence among camper van travelers after a year of confusion over parking rules that sharply reduced visitor numbers.

A 2025 tourism law aimed at curbing illegal use of beaches and public spaces created what many saw as a de facto ban on camper van parking, triggering fines, complaints and negative publicity abroad. The fallout discouraged both Greek users and European visitors, a key market for this type of tourism.

Industry figures say the impact of last year’s confusion was severe. Arrivals of motorhomes fell from about 50,000 in 2024 to roughly 5,000 in 2025, according to sector representatives, underscoring the challenge of rebuilding trust.

Clarification came with a revised highway code, Law 5209/2025, which allows camper vans up to 7.5 meters to park within urban areas without time limits, similar to passenger cars.

Larger vehicles and towable caravans remain subject to a 24-hour limit, while parking outside urban areas is permitted in designated or roadside locations where it is not explicitly prohibited.

A directive by the police further clarified that simple parking does not constitute camping unless external equipment is set up.

Kathimerini