Greek Islands to Visit By Camper: Advice After 30 Years of Experience

Greek islands by camper? Why not! The Greek islands are an excellent destination for campers who can visit them comprehensively by moving whenever they want. Large islands like Crete, Euboea, or Rhodes can be explored without having to return to "base" every night or move from one accommodation to another with the suitcase always to unpack.

For those choosing to reach Greece by sea (the vast majority of campers), from Adriatic ports (such as those in Italy) some ferry companies (particularly Anek Lines) offer the possibility of crossing directly aboard their vehicle placed on an open deck of the ship: the so-called "camping on board". This is very convenient considering that electricity is provided (so the food in the fridge stays well) and you can sleep in your own bed. However, this is only for reaching Greece; for arriving at the chosen island, and for any inter-island movements, a ferry with the vehicle parked in the garage must be used.

To book a ferry to Greece go to this site.

Regarding the stopover, Greek law does not allow free camping: it is necessary to go to a campsite for the night (always present on the larger or more touristy islands). If there are no campsites available, or they are full, stopping in authorized areas is tolerated (check locally). In reality, if you limit yourself to stopping without opening awnings, setting up tables, and all sorts of camping equipment (and you go to campsites or equipped areas for "camper service" operations), free stopover is allowed. Sometimes campsite owners looking for customers may complain; in these cases, it is better to settle in a campsite or change area before they call the authorities. Sometimes the solution for stopping can be to ask to use a tavern's parking in exchange for consumption there: Greeks are hospitable people. However, it should be noted that true equipped areas for camper stops are still very rare.

Below we provide some indications that may be useful to campers who want to visit the Greek islands we consider most suitable for this type of itinerant tourism. This does not mean that almost all the islands we describe can be reached by camper since large or small ferries that transport goods supply vehicles stop there. It is advisable to book the ferry to the island (especially the return) in advance as the places available for large vehicles are usually limited.

Cephalonia (Ionian)

On this island, it seems that free camping is not well tolerated, but there are two campsites. Cephalonia is one of the easiest Greek islands to reach by camper as there are ferries from Adriatic ports (e.g. Brindisi, Italy) that stop directly on the island.
The roads are very varied: there are both wide and comfortable roads and narrow and winding ones. There are several places to park freely, and most beaches are easily reachable by camper, while for the more hidden ones, dirt roads are necessary. It is forbidden to stop for the night on the mythical Myrtos beach.

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Crete

Reaching Crete by camper takes about two or three days of travel with two ferries, but once there, the vehicle is certainly perfect for visiting it best. The island offers several campsites (to be used for water loading and unloading operations), but free stopover is widespread, tolerated, and safe. There are many parking lots in the most touristy places where you can also stop overnight (sometimes for a fee). Regarding roads, it should be noted that there are no problems in the north, while access to the southern coast is a bit more complicated: there is no coastal road, so you have to cross the mountainous island each time, with less smooth roads. Unfortunately, some areas along the southern coast are unreachable with large vehicles, and it is difficult to reach the beautiful Balos (located in the northwest) by camper.

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🛳️ Find a ferry to Crete

Elafonisos (Ionian)

In Elafonisos, free stopover is not well tolerated. There is only one campsite, right by the sea in front of the beautiful Simos beach, which serves as the base camp for almost all campers visiting the islet. The roads are paved and passable.

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Euboea

On the island, there are some campsites, but free stopover is the most common solution. There are very few campers around, which offers a different charm to the vacation, especially for those who love solitude, relaxation, and full contact with nature. The roads are widespread and paved, but there are also tortuous or sometimes challenging dirt roads if you are looking for remote beaches. Since it is connected to the mainland by a bridge, the second ferry is avoided.

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Lefkada (Ionian)

Among the easiest islands to reach by camper is Lefkada, connected to the mainland by a bridge and not far from the port of Igoumenitsa. There are several campsites on the island that should be considered because free stopover is not well tolerated, especially along the eastern coast. The main island road, paved and wide, forms a sort of ring around the central mountainous area, so it is practicable but somewhat complex. Access to the sea is via narrower, not always paved roads. Particularly for Porto Katsiki in high season, it is advisable to travel the long paved but narrow road by camper during times of less traffic.

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Naxos (Cyclades)

On the island, there are some campsites, but free stopover is practiced and very appreciated. In Chora, two free parking lots are available: one near the center and the other near the sports center. Even the various beautiful inland villages always offer parking possibilities.
Among the most appreciated free stops (to be reached outside peak hours) is the one behind Aghios Prokopios beach with water loading and unloading possibilities.
The roads are generally quite good, even the dirt roads to reach the beaches often have longer but paved alternatives. Among the roads a bit difficult to travel by camper, there is the one that leads to Moutsouna because it is narrow and winding, not always with protections.

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Paros (Cyclades)

Paros is a tourist island that offers several campsites and parking possibilities practically in every village. Free stopover is possible in several places and the roads are very good because they almost all wind through flat areas.

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Rhodes (Dodecanese)

As with Crete, the journey to Rhodes takes two to three days, but then the island can be visited freely by camper. Since there are no campsites in Rhodes, free stopover is practically mandatory. During a visit to the fortified city of Rhodes, you can park your vehicle, for example, at the port, in various paid parking lots, or along the citadel walls. The island's road network is very good.

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Thassos (North Aegean)

The island offers many campsites, so free stopover is tolerated up to a certain point. However, it is worth knowing that Thassos is rich in water, so it is not difficult to stock up for the vehicle. The road network is good along the coastal ring, while if you venture inland, the roads become hilly and narrow. Among the roads leading to the beach, the dirt road leading to Marble Beach (Saliara) is difficult.

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Zakynthos (Ionian)

To book a ferry to Zakynthos go to this site.

The island is touristy and offers several campsites, but free stopover is also possible (for example, at the port). Among the Greek islands, it is one of the easiest to reach by camper as there are ferries from Adriatic ports (e.g. Bari and Brindisi, Italy) that stop directly on the island. The roads are quite easy, even with a camper, and almost all are paved, allowing access to most tourist spots. If you head towards the mountainous interior, the roads become more winding. Some dirt roads leading to more hidden beaches, like Daphni, are quite challenging. It is worth noting that signage, almost only in Greek, can be an obstacle to getting around; a navigator can be particularly useful on this island.

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