Campervan Hire in Greece

Greece offers an incredible blend of ancient history, sunny skies, and stunning seaside landscapes. With a campervan, you have the freedom to explore at your own pace – from Athens’ iconic ruins to tranquil islands and charming mountain villages. More travelers are discovering the joys of campervan rental in Greece, as it allows you to craft a unique itinerary and wake up to a new view each day. Whether you’re chasing sunsets on a beach or exploring olive-grove-covered hills, a camper road trip in Greece promises flexibility, adventure, and unforgettable experiences.

Touring Greece by Camper – Tips for Driving and Road Safety

• Driving Side & Signage: In Greece, vehicles drive on the right-hand side of the road. Most road signs are in Greek and transliterated English, but it helps to recognize key place names in the Greek alphabet. Distances and speed limits are posted in kilometers (km). Typical speed limits are 50 km/h in towns, 90 km/h on rural roads, and 120 km/h on highways (unless otherwise indicated). Always obey posted signs and be cautious on winding mountain roads or narrow village streets, where lower speeds may be necessary.

• Road Conditions & Tolls: Greece has a mix of modern highways and smaller rural roads. The major motorways (e.g., Athens to Thessaloniki, Athens to Patras) are well-maintained and feature tolls – be prepared with cash or card for toll booths. Secondary roads, especially on islands or in remote mountain areas, can be narrow, curvy, and occasionally unpaved. Plan your route with these factors in mind and consider using a GPS or offline maps for navigation.

• Fuel & Rest Stops: Fuel (diesel or petrol) is readily available in cities and along highways, but in very remote regions and some islands, stations can be far apart – it’s wise to refill whenever you get the chance. Fuel prices in Greece are average for Europe. Many gas stations offer attendant service (they pump for you) and take cash or credit. When driving long stretches, take regular breaks at service areas for rest, especially during the hot midday hours.

• Driving Etiquette & Safety: Greek drivers can be a bit assertive, particularly in busy city traffic. Stay alert and drive defensively in urban areas – watch for scooters and motorcycles that may weave through traffic jams. In rural areas, you might encounter slow farm tractors or even goats and sheep on the road. Always wear seat belts (required for all passengers) and ensure children are in proper car seats. It’s illegal to use a mobile phone while driving (without hands-free) and the legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05%, so it’s best to avoid alcohol if you’ll be driving. Parking in city centers can be challenging for large campers – look for designated parking or campgrounds on the outskirts and use public transport to visit dense urban areas.

• Wild Camping: Wild camping (free camping outside official sites) is generally illegal in Greece, and recent regulations have further tightened these rules. Parking or overnighting your camper in public areas like beaches, forest clearings, or near archaeological sites is prohibited and can incur fines (authorities may issue ~€150–300 fines for unauthorized camping). While in the past some travelers took the risk in very remote spots, enforcement is now stricter – it’s safest to plan to stay in official campgrounds or approved motorhome stopover areas during your trip.

• Campgrounds: The good news is that Greece has hundreds of campgrounds and campervan parks, offering safe and scenic places to stay. You’ll find campgrounds near popular beaches, islands, and historic sites, as well as in the countryside. Most Greek campgrounds are well-equipped with facilities like bathrooms, showers, electricity hookups, waste disposal, and often free Wi-Fi. Many also have on-site tavernas or mini-markets where you can enjoy Greek food or stock up on supplies. Note that the majority of campgrounds operate seasonally – typically from April or May through October. In the peak summer months (July and August), campgrounds can be busy, so it’s a good idea to reserve in advance or arrive early in the day to secure a spot.

• Hot, Dry Summers: Greece is famous for its Mediterranean summer – hot, sunny, and dry. From June through August, daytime temperatures commonly range from 30–35°C (86–95°F) or more, especially in inland and southern areas. It’s the perfect beach weather, but campervan travelers should be prepared for the heat: ensure your camper’s air conditioning is working, park in the shade when possible, and carry plenty of drinking water.

• Mild, Wet Winters: Winters (December through February) are mild in many parts of Greece, especially in the south and on the islands, but they are also the wettest period. Coastal and island regions see temperatures around 10–15°C (50–59°F) in the day. Rain is frequent, and some higher elevations or northern areas even get snow in winter (yes, Greece has ski resorts in the mountains!).

• Pleasant Spring and Autumn: Spring (April–May) and Autumn (September–October) are fantastic times for a campervan holiday in Greece. During these shoulder seasons, the weather is warm but not too hot – often in the 20–25°C range (68–77°F) with plenty of sunshine and the occasional light rain. In spring, the countryside bursts into green and wildflowers after the winter rains, making for gorgeous scenery (Meteora and the Peloponnese hills are especially beautiful with spring blooms).

Greece is a country made for exploratory road trips, with its mix of coastal roads, scenic mountain routes, and cultural sites. Here are some of the top destinations and landscapes to experience with a campervan:

• Athens & Historic Heartland: Begin in Athens, the capital, to delve into world-famous ancient history at the Acropolis and enjoy vibrant city life. From Athens, you can drive your campervan to Delphi, nestled on Mount Parnassus, to visit the mystical ancient oracle site amid mountainous scenery. Heading further north, the road to Meteora is a must.

• The Peloponnese Peninsula: The Peloponnese is a large peninsula in southern Greece, and it’s a paradise for campervan travelers thanks to its diverse attractions and less touristy feel. After crossing the Corinth Canal onto the Peloponnese, you’ll find Nafplio, a charming seaport town with a Venetian castle – a great first stop.

• Northern Greece & Epirus: Venture north of Thessaloniki and you enter a region of lush mountains, lakes, and fewer tourists. Thessaloniki, Greece’s second-largest city, is known for its culinary scene, waterfront promenade, and early Christian and Byzantine heritage. It can serve as a gateway to the north.

• Island Adventures with a Camper: Greece’s islands are a huge draw, and while many smaller islands are best explored without a vehicle, some of the larger islands are perfect for campervan touring. Crete is the top pick – it’s Greece’s largest island and has its own rental stations for campers. In Crete, you can drive from ancient sites like Knossos Palace near Heraklion to beautiful beaches like Elafonisi or Balos, or up into the White Mountains; campgrounds are available near major towns and resort areas.