British tourists face £250 fine in Greece thanks to controversial new law

Greece has introduced a new law affecting tourists. (Image: Getty)

British tourists planning a summer holiday to Greece this year have been issued a warning after the country introduced a controversial new law. Motorhomes and caravans are now no longer allowed to park in public areas, with penalties for doing so ranging from a €300 (£255) fine to three months in prison. Car parks, beaches, parks, and forests are now all strictly forbidden from hosting motorhomes.

The law, introduced earlier this year, does not specify a time limit for staying in a public place, so even a brief stop could result in a fine. Property rights are also affected, meaning people are not allowed to host more than one caravan or motorhome, even on their own land.

Caravans are now no longer allowed to park in public places. (Image: Getty)

This section of the law is also contentious, as even if the landowner is happy to welcome more than one caravan, doing so would be an offence.

There has been fierce opposition from the caravaning community, who argue that the law unfairly targets an alternative form of tourism.

Three members of the Hellenic Motorhome Club (ELAT) were fined by police on the Peloponnese peninsula, sparking fears among other people with caravans.

In response, the ELAT will send a letter to the ministers of tourism and transport to get clarification on the law, and may escalate the matter to parliament through public protest and advocacy.

The group may also call an Extraordinary General Assembly to discuss the impact of the law and organise more collective action, depending on the response from officials.

Caravans and motorhomes are important for Greece's off-season, eco-friendly, and low-impact tourism sector, and critics argue that the new law will put off domestic and international travellers from visiting.

This is turn could impact small towns, rural shops, and restaurants that rely on the caravaning community for incoming all year round.