The economic crisis has recently prompted many people to reinvent ways to have a budget vacation in Greece. In practice, there is a growing trend towards free or organized camping on the Aegean islands. Two main questions arise here. The first is the growing demand for the legalization of wild camping. The second refers to the quality of services provided at organized campsites. Both are crucial for a potential camper to choose their vacation shape and destination.
The first (the demand for the legalization of free camping) implies the main problem related to this category. While the Greek legal framework prohibits free camping (even if there are some legal windows), usually local authorities (prefecture, municipality, local police department, etc.) informally override the law so as not to impede tourism. Different local authorities follow different informal practices. In most cases, the practices of the local authorities also depend on the tolerance of the natives. In any case, a potential freecamper needs good information about the specific place and, after all, nobody can guarantee that they will not break the law. In general, Greek policemen try to go above the law, they are not rigid, especially in the case of foreign tourists.
There are more reasons for potential campers to choose the safer option of organized camping. The main one is the quality of the services provided. Organized camping is best for people who (for whatever reason) prefer more organized facilities. For example, families with children, gangs without a car who can’t bring the gear that free camping entails, campers without good information about the specific location, people who just don’t want to spend time organizing their vacations, etc. The most important facilities that usually affect the choice of campers are shade, distance from the beach, access to fresh water and food, privacy and silence, availability of garbage disposal, access to basic medical equipment , low prices, etc In short, a safe, pleasant and clean environment.
In most cases, Aegean campsites meet these requirements. Most of the campsites are organized in cyberspace, for easy access, and are easily accessible by local transportation. They offer high quality facilities at very low prices. The calm atmosphere, the great sun and the crystal clear sea promise a relaxing experience.
In any case, the choice of organized camping, although less adventurous than wild camping, is absolutely safe and exciting as well. In both options there are three basic rules: careful removal of garbage, respect for others and no fires. All the others are just exciting.