Wild camping in Greece – what is allowed?
Is wild camping allowed in Greece? We answer your questions about camping in this beautiful country!
Wild camping in Greece - what is allowed?
A vibrant history, a rich culture and breathtaking nature – that is Greece. Whether Athens as the capital with its famous sights such as the Acropolis, ancient cities such as Delphi or the island world of Crete, Mykonos or Rhodes, there is hardly any other country as diverse. Enjoy the perfect ambience with many hours of sunshine, extensive beaches and a vibrant nightlife. You can also spoil your taste buds with unique specialties from Greek cuisine such as moussaka or souflaki.
To get to know the authentic country, there is probably nothing better than wild camping in Greece. True, but what are the legal regulations? Is it allowed or do you even have to expect penalties for free camping? Before you set off on your tour, you’ll find all the answers in this article.
Is wild camping allowed in Greece?
Unfortunately, we have to answer this question with a “no”. Wild camping is forbidden in Greece and, unlike in many other countries, is even quite precisely defined. The legal basis for this can be found in Law no. 2160/1993, article 4, paragraph 12, which states that you are not allowed to camp with your tent or caravan near archaeological sites, beaches, forests or public places. If you do so and are caught wild camping in Greece, you could be fined up to €3,000.
In the worst case, you could be sentenced to up to three months in prison. You should avoid wild camping in Greece, especially in the high season. Nature reserves and beaches are subject to particularly strict controls.
But there is a small loophole that you can use when wild camping in Greece, preferably in the low season.
Are there any special features of wild camping in Greece?
If wild camping is prohibited in Greece, this must be indicated by the tourism authorities with a prohibition sign. If this is not the case, it is usually tolerated by the authorities and municipalities. Sometimes you can even go wild camping near the beach in Greece in the low season. The best way to make sure is to check with the relevant authorities.
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Can you go wild camping with a camper in Greece?
When wild camping in Greece with a camper or motorhome, you are in a narrow gray area. Parking is permitted per se, but camping is prohibited. In other words, chairs, tables or awnings must remain inside. The advantage is that there is a fairly tolerant approach to free standing. However, you should not rely on this 100%. Asking is always the safest way. In any case, avoid tourist areas and look for a place outside them. You can also ask a private landowner if you can camp on their property. The Greek people are very hospitable.
Are there alternatives to wild camping in Greece?
In any case, and in great variety. There are numerous campsites close to nature that are rarely visited outside the main season. However, you should check the opening times in advance, as not all of them are open all year round and some close as early as September.
Also be prepared for the facilities to be quite sparse compared to other countries such as Spain, Portugal and the like. It may well be that the pitch is located on a simple meadow with a makeshift water supply and no electricity. However, you also pay a very low price for this. On the plus side, it comes very close to wild camping in Greece.
The topic of wild camping fascinates not only us, but also many of you! That’s why we’ll tell you in our blog exactly what the rules are for wild camping in Germany, Holland, France, Denmark, Sweden, Italy, Greece, Portugal, Iceland, Croatia and Slovenia, Norway, Spain and in the Switzerland apply! You will also find Blog exciting installation reports and many more articles!
