Is wild camping allowed in Greece?

No, in Greece, wild camping, also known as boondocking, dry camping, or dispersed camping, is unfortunately not officially allowed. Outside the tourist areas, however, it is usually tolerated by the authorities and residents.

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Written by: Tobi

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Last researched: 2023

Wild camping and bivouacking away from official campsites is strictly prohibited. Particularly in the high season, this is regularly checked in tourist areas, nature reserves, and on beaches. In the worst case, fines are imposed.

In tourist areas, nature reserves, and beaches, you can be fined up to 3.000 € and three months imprisonment.
In other areas, you may have to pay a fine of up to 300 €.

However, in reality, wild camping is much easier, as these penalties are rarely enforced off-season and inland. In most cases, local authorities and residents tolerate wild camping.

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You can find the perfect pitch to set up your camp with the Caravanya App

Wild camping in Greece: The legal situation

The legal basis for wild camping is laid down in Law N. 2160/1993 Article 4 paragraph 12.

Article 10(2) of Law No 392/1976 (Government Gazette 199A), as amended only by Article 779/1978 (Government Gazette 89A), shall be replaced by the following:

It is prohibited to pitch tents or park caravans in archaeological sites, beaches, public forests, and public places, and to accommodate more than one caravan belonging to shopkeepers or individuals. Violations shall be punishable by imprisonment of up to three (3) months, or a fine, or both, unless, another penalty is provided by a higher penalty ordered simultaneously by the court for their compulsory release.

The procedure shall be governed by Articles 417 et seq. of the Treaty. The Code of Criminal Procedure for the Investigation and Evaluation of Criminal Offences.

The imposition of a fine. Infringements shall be punishable by a fine of three hundred (300) euros per person or warehouse or means of transport, imposed by a police or port authority and levied under Article 104 of the Highway Code. K) of Law 2696/1999 (A`57). In the case of checks by mixed crews, the fine shall be imposed by the police officer present during the search.

Note: amended by paragraph 21 of Law 2741/1999 Government Gazette A 199 / 28.2.1999, has again been replaced by Article 36 paragraph 3 of Law 4179/2013 (Government Gazette A 175 175/8/2013).

Tips and tricks for wild camping in Greece

From the picture-book beaches to the Greek mountains, the land of the gods invites you to be discovered and explored. On your journey through Greece, you will not only encounter a beautiful nature, but the Greek history and legends are also reflected in the ancient buildings and ruins you encounter everywhere. Combined with hospitable inhabitants and delicious food, Greece is worth a trip. We have put together a few tips and tricks, so you don't get into trouble while camping here.

Observe prohibition signs
When camping wild with a tent, you should pay attention to official signs of the tourism authority. If there is no sign prohibiting it, camping is usually tolerated by the regional authorities. In areas with prohibition signs, however, the prohibitions and penalties are usually enforced.

Parking and not camping
If you are traveling with your campervan or motorhome the situation is a bit different. You are allowed to park your vehicle, but not to camp. To avoid trouble, keep your tables or chairs in the vehicle. Most of the time, the authorities are not very strict and bend the rules.

Avoid tourist areas
Most bans and penalties are imposed in tourist areas, as residents and other tourists feel harassed by wild campers. However, the situation is quite different in rural areas. Especially if you are traveling in a small group, people will greet you and tolerate wild camping.

Respect residents
As in any country, you should follow the general rules of conduct for wild camping. Especially in Greece, there is a strong emphasis on interpersonal relations, so you should be open and friendly with the residents, then they will not complain about you to the authorities and tolerate your stay.

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10 interesting, bizarre and funny facts about Greece

Greece is known for its delicious food like gyros with tzatziki or its ouzo which you can enjoy ice-cold with water. The legends of Hercules and Olympus are known all over the world. But why do many religious buildings have blue roofs and why is Athens the perfect city to sunbath? Read the answers and eight other interesting facts here.

Fact #1 - Open Hands
Gestures with open hands are considered an insult in Greece. So you should wave with your hand closed or turn the inside towards you.

Fact #2 - Blue roofs
Especially the blue domes of Santorini are known all over the world. But why are they blue? According to old legends, this is supposed to ward off evil spirits.

Fact #3 - Sun worshipper
Greece is a sunny country, but Athens has a special place here. Thanks to its location, about 348 sunny days a year are reported here.

Fact #4 - Greece does not mean Greece
The official name of the country is not Greece, but the Hellenic Republic, or Hellas for short. The name Greece goes back to the Romans.

Fact #5 - Mountains
About 80% of Greece consists of mountains and highlands. Due to this mountainous landscape, there are no rivers that can be navigated by ships.

Fact #6 - Archaeology
Greece has the most archaeological museums in the world. Not surprising, after all, it is the land of antiquity.

Fact #7 - Short ways to the sea
In Greece, there is no place more than 137 km away from the sea. A short swim in the sea is no problem.

Fact #8 - Plants and herbs
Greece has over 6,000 plant species and is second only to Madagascar in terms of medicinal plants and medicinal herbs.

Fact #9 - Caution when bathing
Even if the Greek beaches invite to bath, nudism or topless bathing is not allowed on the beaches.

Fact #10 - Name day goes before a birthday
The Greeks celebrate their name days bigger than their actual birthday. This is due to the Greek Orthodox religion.

Everything you need to know for your trip

Equipment

Warning triangle Yes
Safety vest Yes
First aid kit No
Replacement lamp set No
Spare tyre / repair set No
Fire extinguisher Yes
Tow rope No
Tear rope for all trailers No

Driving

Do I need a vignette, or are there tolls? Yes
Right hand trafficTo avoid dazzling other road users, you need to readjust or mask your headlights if they have asymmetrical light and are right-hand drive
Is it compulsory to drive with lights on during the day? No

Information

Is the tap water potable? Yes
Socket type: C+F
Energency numbers: 151
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Official Languages: Greek
Country licence plate code: GR

Average prices, in €

Price coffee rounded: 3.75
Price beer rounded: 5.50

Entry conditions for animals

You need a valid EU pet passport in which your animal is clearly identified (microchip or tattoo), as well as a rabies vaccination valid on entry. The rabies vaccination must be at least 21 days old, but not older than 6 months. Yes
If your entry is from a non-EU country with a reduced rabies status, you must have a rabies antibody test carried out approximately four weeks before you enter the country and have it entered on your EU pet passport. Yes
Your dog must be treated for tapeworms 24 to 120 hours before entry. No
In addition to a valid EU pet passport with all the required entries, you also need an official veterinary health certificate (max. 10 days old). No
The import of fighting dogs or breeds classified as dangerous is not permitted. No

We try our best to keep the information up to date. Even so, we can always make mistakes. Have you found an error? Send us an email to moc.aynavarac@ofni!

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