Greece Reopens: How the Updated Law Frees Up Travel for Kitesurfers

After months of uncertainty following the controversial Law 5170/2025, a welcome update has arrived. Greece’s new Highway Code (Law 5209/2025), effective as of July 2025, finally clarifies parking rules for motorhomes and campervans — bringing much-needed relief to the kitesurfing and vanlife community. Here’s what has changed, and what it means for those chasing the wind along the Greek coastline.

A Step Forward: Greece Eases Up on Vanlife with Law 5209/2025

After months of confusion, frustration, and mounting fines, Greece has finally taken a step in the right direction. On June 11, 2025, the Greek Parliament passed Law 5209/2025, also known as the New Highway Code — a long-awaited update that brings clarity and relief to vanlifers, motorhome travelers, and kitesurfers alike.

Unlike the earlier and heavily criticized Law 5170/2025, which introduced vague and overly restrictive measures on campervan parking, the new law offers a clear legal framework. It defines what’s allowed, where you can park, and even acknowledges the built-in nature of motorhomes as accommodation vehicles.

The Hellenic Motorhome Association (S.E.A.R.T.E.) has praised the law as a major breakthrough, calling it a turning point for itinerant tourism in Greece. For the kitesurfing community — so deeply rooted in the freedom of traveling, parking, and riding the wind — this change marks a return to common sense.

So what exactly has changed, and what does it mean for your next kitesurfing road trip? In the next sections, we break down the key points of the new legislation — from urban parking rules to off-grid stays near your favorite beach spots.

New Freedom: What the Law Now Says About Campervans and Parking

For kitesurfers exploring Greece in campervans, one thing matters above all: knowing where you can legally park — and for how long. Law 5209/2025 finally delivers what the previous legislation failed to provide: clear definitions and practical rules that distinguish campervans from regular vehicles and, crucially, parking from camping.

At the heart of the change is Article 4(69), which explicitly defines motorized and touring caravans as vehicles designed for accommodation when parked, based on their built-in equipment. This recognition is a game changer. For the first time, Greek law formally acknowledges that sleeping inside your van is not camping — it’s just what campervans are made for.

What the new rules allow

Inside urban areas:

• Campervans up to 7.5 meters can park without time limits, just like any regular car
• Campervans over 7.5 meters and trailers are allowed to park for up to 24 consecutive hours

Outside urban areas:

Parking is permitted without time restrictions, either:

• in designated areas,
• on road shoulders (if safe), or
• as close as possible to the right-hand edge of the road, unless otherwise prohibited

But what’s still not allowed:

Camping behaviors remain illegal outside campsites — this includes:

• Using awnings, outdoor chairs, tables, or
• Cooking outside the van

In other words: parking is legal, but setting up camp is not.

For the kitesurfing community, this is huge. Many of Greece’s best spots are far from official campsites — so knowing you can legally park near the beach, sleep in your van, and hit the water the next morning is a win. The blurred line between camping and parking is finally being redrawn, giving vanlifers back their freedom — as long as they play by the new rules.

Kitesurfers, Take Note: How to Travel Smart Under the New Law

For kitesurfers chasing the wind along Greece’s coastline, Law 5209/2025 finally brings back clarity and freedom. The anxiety of being fined for simply parking near your favorite spot is now gone—if you follow a few simple rules.

Here’s how to travel smart and respectfully:

• Stay under 7.5 meters: Small campervans can park freely in urban areas without any time limits.
• Larger vehicles: Motorhomes and trailers over 7.5 m can park up to 24 hours, giving you time to rest and catch the next wind window.
• No camping behavior: Sleeping inside is okay, but don’t extend awnings, set up tables, or cook outside — that’s still considered illegal wild camping.
• Use designated zones: Such as official camper spots, public parking areas, or basic overnight stopovers offered by local businesses.
• Support local life: Park near tavernas or use private lots where hosts welcome vanlifers — and return the favor with a meal or a drink.
• Avoid sensitive areas: Skip nature reserves, archaeological sites, or unmarked coastal land. Always respect signage.
• Respect local rules — and each other: Irresponsible parking or camping can lead to stricter enforcement for everyone. Be mindful of local communities and fellow vanlifers who want to enjoy Greece responsibly.
• Share and stay informed: Use apps like Park4Night, post updates, report changes, and help others navigate the season wisely.

Greece’s new Highway Code doesn’t reopen the door to wild camping — but it does restore clarity, common sense, and a new sense of freedom for kitesurfers and vanlifers. Let’s respect the rules, protect the places we love, and keep the spirit of road-tripping alive — for this season, and many more to come.

Author: Spots4Kite

The team behind Spots4Kite.