Wild camping in Greece: is it allowed? (2026)
Free wild camping is legally banned in Greece — anywhere outside recognised campsites — with fines starting at €300 and tougher enforcement since the new 2025 legislation.
What's allowed
- Spending the night at a recognised campsite or motorhome site
- Parking a motorhome (up to 7.5 m) within built-up areas, with no time limit
- Parking larger motorhomes and caravans within built-up areas for up to 24 hours
- Resting or picnicking for a day without pitching a tent or staying overnight
What's not allowed
- Pitching a tent on the beach, in forests or near archaeological sites
- Spending the night freely with a motorhome or caravan outside recognised sites
- Camping or stopping in Natura 2000 nature areas (very severe penalties)
- Open fire or barbecue in the open countryside, especially during the dry season
Greece has no ‘right to roam’. Free wild camping has been legally banned ever since law 392/1976: pitching tents, spending the night in caravans or motorhomes and camping in general are not allowed on beaches, in forests, near archaeological sites or in other public places not officially designated for it. In 2025 this line was firmly reaffirmed with new legislation (law 5170/2025 and the amended traffic law 5209/2025).
Legally banned
The rule is simple: you spend the night at a recognised campsite or official motorhome site. Outside those sites, camping is forbidden — however inviting that remote beach or forest path may look. In Natura 2000 areas an extra-strict regime applies, with penalties that can run to several years in prison. Motorhomes up to 7.5 m may park within built-up areas with no time limit, but parking is not the same as camping: the moment you fold out awnings, chairs or a tent and stay the night, you’re in breach.
Enforcement in practice
Enforcement varies widely by region and season. In summer, police and local authorities patrol actively, especially on popular beaches, islands and tourist coastlines — there you’ll quickly be moved on or fined. Off-season and inland, free camping is in practice more often quietly tolerated. Don’t count on it, though: it remains entirely illegal and the chance of getting caught is real.
Fines
Anyone caught risks an administrative fine of €300 per person, tent or vehicle, issued on the spot by police or the municipality. More serious or repeat offences can go to court, with fines of up to €3,000 and possibly a short prison sentence. For repeat offenders, your camping gear can even be confiscated.
Practical tips
- Book a recognised campsite in advance — Greece has plenty, including ones close to beaches and nature.
- Combine parking within a built-up area with a nearby campsite for the overnight stay.
- Never light an open fire in nature: the risk of wildfire is high and the penalties are steep.
- If you’re still tempted by a remote spot, know that you bear the risk entirely yourself.