Illegal piers demolished and caravan evacuation begins in Bodrum

Authorities in Turkey's Didim district have banned unauthorized stays with caravans and tents in public areas. The ban, effective April 1, 2026, applies to parks, beaches, forests, and roadside areas, excluding licensed campgrounds. Violators face fines, and their property will be removed by law enforcement.

Winter caravanning requires adherence to safety rules and consideration of regulatory changes. Before a trip, it is necessary to check the tires, lighting, and brakes of the trailer, and avoid parking near water or on uneven ground. Since 2023, trailers (O1) must be registered in the ARTES system and undergo periodic inspections, while towing trailers over 750 kg requires a BE driver's license.

Tekirdag Metropolitan Municipality has completely banned caravans and motorhomes from parking in the city center. The decision has sparked criticism from travelers and local businesses, who highlight its contradictory nature and suggest creating designated, fee-based parking areas with facilities.

Authorities in Turkey's Bodrum district have begun demolishing illegal piers and evacuating caravans that disrupt the natural landscape. During an operation on the Küdür Peninsula, one fixed and one floating pier were dismantled, and 16 caravans were identified, with 10 already removed by their owners. Some of the vehicles were reportedly rented out for commercial purposes.

Turkey's Ministry of Industry and Technology has issued a recall and market withdrawal order for Ocean Steel Pro Model O caravans. The decision follows inspections that found the trailers were sold without the mandatory type approval, posing road safety risks. Owners are offered free repair, a refund, or replacement with a compliant model.

Caravan owners in the Yeniboğaziçi area of Cyprus are protesting a planned sharp increase in annual site fees. The municipality intends to raise the fee from around 43-44 thousand Turkish lira to 121 thousand. Protesters argue the land belongs to state ministries, not the municipality, and demand an increase aligned with inflation.