Greece Eases Campervan Rules

Karavania, founded in 1987, showcased its activities at the 90th Thessaloniki International Fair. Owner Nikos Chatzidimitrakis said the city's tourism growth has positively impacted the motorhome and caravan market, increasing interest and activity. The company deals in sales, rentals, accessories, and spare parts, and operates a service center on the road to Chalkidiki.

Greek TV presenter Sakis Tanimanidis shared his experience of living in a motorhome during a trip to Canada. He highlighted practical challenges such as waste management, water conservation, and limited space, as well as difficulties finding parking in popular spots. He rated the comfort of this lifestyle 4 out of 10 and noted that the total cost was higher than traveling by car and staying in hotels. Nevertheless, he gave the overall experience 8 out of 10 due to the connection with nature.

A foreign couple traveling in a motorhome has been staying for several days at Anavros, one of the busiest spots in Volos. They parked their motorhome in the area, swam in the Pagasetic Gulf, and used local shower facilities. Residents and beachgoers noticed the unusual choice of accommodation within the city.

A gathering of motorhomes at the coastal site “Metaxas Columns” near Fanari in Rhodope has sparked complaints from residents and bathers about prolonged stays, beach occupation, and use of shared showers with detergents. Police clarifications state that simple parking and overnight stays inside the vehicle without external equipment are legal, while violations involve setting up awnings, furniture, or connecting to external utilities. The legality of the stay depends on the zoning of the dirt strip: if it falls within the beach zone, parking is prohibited. The lack of organized camper stops with electricity, water, and waste disposal is also highlighted.

An illegal campsite was set up in early July in the forest near the village of Seli in Imathia, where campers used gas cylinders for cooking and lit fires. According to the president of the Seli community, Giorgos Farsarotos, there were over 50 tents and makeshift structures, with more than 300 people, and no sanitary facilities, running water, or lighting. Most campers left after warnings from the forestry service and the municipality of Naousa, but the president calls for the area to be cleaned and measures taken to prevent a recurrence.

Authorities in Veroia and the local forestry service dismantled an illegal campsite in the mountainous area of Seli, Imathia. Motorhomes and tents were removed from the site, which had been used for several years without permission. The operation followed complaints from residents about noise and unauthorized structures, including cooking facilities and cleared land.