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Greece in a motorhome has been a wonderful gift . A dream come true, years in the making.

We are Pilar, Jose, Arnau and Anna, a traveling family who loves life and this planet. We normally travel by motorhome, before by van, but we also like cycle tours and even backpackers. In our Kucavana blog, we have been sharing our adventures with you for more than 6 years and helping you with what you need for your next trip.

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As lovers of history and classical culture, Greece was one of those essential destinations. The pandemic delayed our trip, but finally, today, we can say that we have enjoyed Greece in our Kucavana motorhome.

As always we travel as a family, with our 6 and 9 year old children. The only ones who did not come with us on this trip were our dogs Max and Bloom. Despite having planned everything with them and even having booked pet-friendly cabins on the Grimaldi ferries, we finally decided that it was better for them not to come. It was the first trip of the Kucavana without Max, the oldest of our traveling dogs. And despite missing him, today we think it was the best decision. The heat and loose stray dogs would not have been a good plan with our dogs in Greece.

In this post, we'll tell you all about our motorhome trip through Greece . We'll share our experiences, research, discoveries, and everything you need to know for your next motorhome trip to Greece. We hope you find it helpful, and please share your questions, experiences, and tips in the comments below.

In our case we traveled with our motorhome, but you can rent a motorhome with Campervan Planet , who are specialists in the Greek territory.

Let's start, grab the wheel, we are going to prepare the trip to Greece in a camper, caravan or motorhome!

Before starting you should know these 20 curiosities about Greece

Everything you need to know to visit Greece by motorhome or camper in an initial summary video

In the following video we make a summary of everything in this post. We show you the alternatives to access Greece in a motorhome, the rules you have to know to drive, park, spend the night and camp in a motorhome in Greece and finally some curiosities and things that will be good for you to know before traveling in your motorhome or campervan in Greece.

Remember to follow us on Youtube, give a like if you like the video and tell us any questions you have.

 

How to go to Greece by motorhome or camper from Spain?

The first thing we consider on a camper trip to Greece is how to get there, how much it will cost and how long it will take to get there.

That's why our first step was to compare the distances, costs of the different options for accessing Greece by motorhome , and the time it would take us to get there.

We've written a post based on that comparison about how to travel to Greece with your campervan , where we explain in detail the three possible options: by road, by ferry, or by air and renting a campervan there. In that article, you'll find information on costs and all the details about where to catch the ferries, etc.

In short, we chose to travel on two ferries, both operated by Grimaldi Lines , although the second ferry was operated by a Grimaldi subsidiary, the Greek company Minoan Lines. We took the first ferry from Barcelona to Civitavecchia, then drove across Italy for 3,5 hours, and finally took a second ferry from Ancona to Patras in southern Greece. For the return trip, we reversed our route, but departed from northern Greece, from Iogumenitsa to Ancona, to save on travel time.

If you're planning to take ferries to Greece, which was our choice, consider reading our article on 10 things you should never do when boarding a ferry in a campervan.

Circulate and drive in Greece in a motorhome

Upon arriving in Greece, the first thing we will do is drive on its roads in our motorhome, so before driving we must know its traffic code and driving culture.

In general, the Greeks are patient, they don't whistle you and they are calm. Now, sometimes they are also a little reckless, but not exaggeratedly. We went thinking that they drove much worse than what we found and perhaps that leads us to say that it is an easy country to drive.

General regulations

The Greek traffic code is based on European directives and is therefore practically the same as the Spanish one. For example, it is forbidden to drive while talking on the phone or to ride a motorcycle without a helmet, although the reality there may seem different.

6 Curiosities and problems on Greek roads

One thing is what the highway code says and the other is the reality on Greek roads. Hence, here we collect some curiosities that you should know before driving through Greece with your motorhome or camper van.

Signs and signs in Greece are easy to understand

Road signs in Greece are written in the Greek alphabet, but also in the Latin alphabet and translated into English . This makes it easier for tourists, like us, to drive around Greece.

Greek gas stations are 100% customer oriented

At every Greek gas station, you'll find a staff member serving you; there are very few automatic pumps . In many cases, the attendant will not only fill your tank but also clean your windshield . Since we weren't used to this, we gave a small tip, which they greatly appreciated.

1 lane with hard shoulder makes you 2 lanes

Luckily, you'll only see this on secondary roads with shoulders , which aren't the majority, but rather a minority of the roads you'll encounter on a route like ours. But on these roads, remember to move to the right, onto the shoulder . Otherwise, the Greeks might overtake you on the shoulder if they see an opening. On these roads, they essentially make two lanes out of one.

They advance continuously in continuous

They don't seem to understand the solid line on the roads very well. Be very careful with reckless overtaking . Remember, always drive well to the right.

They break traffic rules too often

Seeing someone driving while talking on a mobile phone, without a helmet on a motorcycle, or with three people on the same motorcycle is more than possible on Greek roads, so be careful.

Altars and chapels on the roads

Along all the roads you'll see many small Orthodox chapels and shrines . Some are there to protect the road from accidents, and others in memory of accidents that have occurred.

Camping in Greece in a motorhome or van

Wild camping is strictly prohibited in Greece under Greek Law 4403/2016 , Article 31. Camping is only permitted in designated areas such as campsites or legally established camping zones.

The law specifically mentions special attention to camping in archaeological sites, beaches, forests and natural parks.

In Greece, camping is considered to extend beyond the vehicle's perimeter , meaning setting up tables, chairs, an awning, cooking outside, etc. Furthermore, it includes " settling in a place with a motorhome ." The law specifically mentions motorhomes, which few other European laws address. On the other hand, it uses the term "settling in" as an abstract concept, interpreted by most authorities and municipalities in the most restrictive way, which is equivalent to simply spending the night.

Totally prohibited wild camping in Greece
In Greece, it is totally forbidden to take tables, chairs, awning, cook or take any item out of our vehicle in any public place. We can only camp in campsites or private places.

Overnight in Greece in a motorhome

As mentioned above, wild camping is a sensitive issue in Greece . While not explicitly permitted , it is implicitly prohibited. This is because the legislation prohibiting wild camping throughout the country is not entirely clear on this point, but it effectively prohibits the concept of "settling in with a campervan." This is interpreted by municipalities and the police as simply overnight stays in a campervan.

Hence, we find that in Greece, free overnight stays are completely prohibited in:

• Archeological sites
• Beaches
• Forests and natural parks

In these places we can park, but not spend the night as a general rule.

That's why in many of these places you'll see signs prohibiting camping, and even if you don't take anything out of your vehicle and stay overnight, they'll still fine you.

Camping prohibited sign = overnight stay prohibited in Greece
In Greece, when you see a sign that prohibits camping, it also means that it is forbidden to spend the night, remember.
The fines can reach 300 euros.

Outside of these places, within towns, you will find everything , some with no camping allowed which, remember, also means for the Greeks no overnight stays, and others without signs and nobody will say anything to you anywhere if you don't put out tables, chairs, etc.

In towns where camping/overnight stays are prohibited, you'll sometimes find that the local council even provides a designated area for campervans, usually free of charge . A prime example is Nomenvasia, where they kindly direct you to the port for overnight stays.

Places to stay in Greece

The campsites

Greece doesn't have nearly as many campsites as Spain, which is surprising given its extensive coastline. However, campsites are undoubtedly the best option for legal and comfortable overnight stays in Greece . Whether near or far from tourist attractions, you're sure to find one.

The camping experience in Greece is quite different from the "glamping" model Spain is developing. There are no campsites with water slides and large swimming pools, nor campsites with activities and parties. All the campsites are family-run, managed by a Greek family , very peaceful, and affordably priced (the average price we paid in high season for 2 adults, 2 children, and a campervan was €28-35 per night). They have two main social hubs: the swimming pool , which isn't particularly luxurious, and the taverna , where the food is always excellent.

It must be said that for us it has been the best option to spend the night on this trip. When going in June-July and it was hot, the campsites were essential to be able to park in the shade of their trees, camp and cool off in their nearby pools and beaches.

motorhome areas

In Greece, there are only nine fully serviced campervan areas with complete water filling and emptying facilities. All are privately owned and require payment , and most are run by tavernas (traditional Greek restaurants). One example is the Pounta campervan area, located in the parking lot of a taverna near the beach, where, in exchange for a meal and an extra €3 for the campervan, we were able to stay overnight for 24 hours.

Tabernas

The main model for overnight stays for motorhomes and campervans in Greece is precisely these places: tavernas. Tavernas that let you stay overnight in their parking areas for free in exchange for lunch or dinner, and sometimes they offer extra services such as water or use of the restrooms.

You will find many taverns where they allow a free overnight stay in exchange for a drink in their restaurants. Undoubtedly a great option and one that we really enjoyed. You can locate them without any problem in the apps for locating overnight places for motorhomes.

Municipal car parks

In some places that lack campsites, motorhome areas, private parking, or bars for overnight stays, the municipality designates a place for motorhomes to spend the night. However, rather than designating a specific area, they mostly simply allow you to stay overnight in a municipal parking lot.

In these car parks, remember, we can never camp (take out a chair, table, awning or anything that exceeds the perimeter of the vehicle).

On the other hand, legally we can only spend the night in private paid parking lots , although these are very few and far between. For example, in our case, we spent the night in a private, monitored parking lot in Athens.

Services for motorhomes in Greece

As mentioned above, water filling and emptying services are very limited in Greece . Campsites are the main places where these services are available. All campsites offer water filling and emptying facilities, as well as electricity.

Apart from them, we only have 9 private motorhome areas with all services and 1 waste disposal area on the motorway leaving Athens.

Our trip to Greece by motorhome: map, costs, the best and the worst

Summary of our trip

Our trip and experience took place between June and July, for 21 days.

We left Barcelona by ferry to Civitavecchia, crossed Italy in 3,5 hours, and took a second ferry from Ancona to Patras, our first point of contact with Greece. From there, we traveled through southern Greece, across the Peloponnese and some islands, to north-central Greece in Epirus, where we took the first ferry back home, from Iogumenitsa to Ancona, Italy. From there, we drove to Civitavecchia (a 3,5-hour drive) to catch the second ferry back home to Barcelona.

Map of our trip

Below you'll find a map of points of interest and the best places to stay in Greece that we've compiled for our trip. When you book our personalized itinerary planning service, you'll receive an updated map.

Our route and essential destinations what to see in Greece based on our experience

Next, we'll show you our favorite destinations and the best things to see in Greece in a video and post with photos and explanations of each one, along with all our experience and tips in the following post.

The 16 destinations that we consider essential in Greece by motorhome in a video summary

List of other posts that we have of essential places for your trip through Greece in a motorhome

• Mycenaethe origins of our civilization
• Maroon, the great city of the Roman Empire in Greece
• Athens, the capital of Greece
• Delphi, the holiest place in the world for the ancient Greeks
• Meteora, between monasteries on amazing rocks
• Pindos National Park and Vikos Gorge, the great surprise of our trip
• Ioannina, the capital of Epirus that breathes modernity at the foot of a beautiful lake

The selection of the best plans with children in Greece

And if you are traveling with children, check out our selection of the 14 best destinations to see in Greece with children.

Expenses of our trip to Greece in a motorhome

Our 21-day trip to Greece cost us a total of 5.498 euros for the four of us who traveled, including the transport of our motorhome to and from Greece by ferry.

The costs are broken down as follows:

• En Services: ferries, gasoline, tolls a total of 3.145,5 € (ferries about 2200 euros from Barcelona-Greece to go and return)
• Restaurants and coffee shops: €782 eating every day in a restaurant.
• Tickets and leisure activities, plus a taxi to access:  495 €
• Campsites, areas and paid parking for overnight: €380
• Supermarkets: €380
• Others (souvenirs and various purchases): €292

Tips that we give you for a trip to Greece in a motorhome based on our experience

• Wear a medical travel insurance, since public health there leaves a lot to be desired and is not like in Spain. Minimum otherwise remember to bring your European health card. We carry Iati Escapadas insurance, which is very well priced and apart from medical expenses, includes motorhome travel issues such as theft inside and even accidents involving the pet you are traveling with. I leave you here a 5% discount (they apply it to you at the end of completing everything, you'll see):

• Bringing escarpines or river shoes in the motorhome and always in the beach bag. There are many pebble beaches.
• if you go in ferries, book them in advance to have a place and make it cheaper. In addition, make the loyalty card and you will save. And during boarding, remember to take a jacket for air conditioners, swimsuit for the ferry pool, games for entertainment and some food if you want to save on it on the ship.
• speak a minimum of English. They don't speak Spanish at all, but everyone speaks English, even the grandmother of the most remote Greek village. And if you don't speak English, a piece of advice, download the Google Translate app, with automatic translation, by audio and by camera, an essential in our trips.
• On the roads whenever you can drive the furthest to the right, inside the shoulder and so you will not have problems.
• If you can take highways, they are great and the prices are small amounts, although the motorhomes pay three times as much as a car.
• If there is a sign of forbidden to camp also mean forbidden to spend the night in Greece. Do not park at night or you can find yourself a pretty safe fine.

More tips for traveling by motorhome in Greece

• Never, never camp or spend the night on beaches, archaeological sites or forests. Aside from being prohibited by law, you may receive a prescription for 300 €, as has happened to some friends, and in unmarked places.
• Use more campsites than taverns for overnight staysIn the end it is cheaper to pay for camping, which is about €20-30, than not paying for lunch or dinner at the tavern. And in taverns there is generally no way to empty gray or black water.

• Take advantage of the fact that the most important sites and monuments are open until 20:XNUMX p.m. in summer to visit them in the afternoon and take advantage of the mornings to suffocate the heat on the beaches and swimming pools of the campsites (they all have swimming pools from what we have seen).
• Most of the monuments and sights in Greece still today They do not have their own website and tickets cannot be purchased online. Surprising right? The only one official website of all the monuments you can see it here. Now, the only thing that can be reserve and buyr before are the entries of the Acropolis of Athens here and believe that it is worth doing not to do tails.
• La eating It is a bit more expensive than in Spain, like the prices in France, but the products are practically the same. We bought at Lidl and found the same products as in Spain. Thus, if you want to save weight and thus fuel consumption during journeys, you do not need to load the pantry much in Spain.

• En general, we liked the north of Greece better, than the Peloponnese that we find very abandoned and uninhabited. We advise you not to forget to see the center and north of Greece, it has nothing to do with the south.
• Do not even go to park in Sparta. It is not worth what you have to see and on top of that there is an organized group that breaks windows and steals from vehicles, including motorhomes. We were able to see them in action and luckily they didn't end up robbing us and everything was an anecdote.
• En Athens there are also thefts to foreign vehicles and motorhomes, just park in paid guarded car parks or at the campsite. At the Athens campsite, book well in advance, when we went to Book Now it was already full.

So far everything you probably wanted to know about Greece in a motorhome or camper. We hope you liked this complete guide lovingly prepared from our own experience.

We'll answer any questions you have in the comments. Until next time!

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