GREECE: 33 CAMPSITES OPEN ALL YEAR IN THE PELOPONNESE
& IN NORTHERN GREECE

Margaret Williamson
Updated December 2019 

Introduction 

Do not expect Western European standards on Greek campsites at any time of the year, let alone in winter when few are open and most of these wear an air of abandonment. With the few exceptions noted below, Greek campsites appear to have been thrown together cheaply and in a hurry at some distant time of boom in the economy. The small pitches are often muddy, overgrown and with overhanging trees - albeit some with oranges or olives on them - and inadequate facilities are poorly maintained. Safety is not a priority (think fire and electricity), the owners-managers-caretakers are often absent, charges are sometimes exorbitant (see Sparta) and receipts are rarely given, cash being preferred to card payments. The few other residents and the lack of a social space in which to meet (bars, restaurants, etc are usually closed in the winter) mean you have to find your own entertainment. But don't rely on the campsite WiFi connection, assuming that there is one!

In other words, it's time Greece got its act together in the inspection and licensing of campsites, aiming to greatly increase standards.

Our own ironic but accurate take on the Greek campsite scene can be found at:

Kamping Karpouzi

Winter Campsite Brochure

Why do we keep coming back to Greece in the winter, given all we have written above? Because we love Greece and there are many opportunities for free camping! See our suggestions: Free Camping in Greece 

Based on our own extensive experience of wintering in Greece by motorhome (especially in the Peloponnese), below is our list of campsites that do stay open all year. We particularly recommend Ionion Beach Camping near Glyfa: it is by the beach, professionally run by a friendly family, clean and very well-maintained with heated shower rooms and very spacious, level hard-standing pitches. Recent experience also leads us to recommend Camping Triton II at Drepano near Nafplio for a long winter stay on a well-equipped and maintained site. Camping Semeli on the coast near Leonidio also stands out, with caring resident owners and clean modern facilities. 

Many thanks to Patrick Phillips for sending this map of some of the major campsites open all year in the Greek Peloponnese

CAMPSITES OPEN ALL YEAR ROUND THE PELOPONNESE - the southern part of the Greek mainland. Going anticlockwise from the port of Patras, these are mainly on the beach with free hot showers, unlimited electricity, a washing machine and perhaps WiFi. Facilities are often barely acceptable but at least the sites are open! There may be a few winter residents. If we give a price it is for 2 people in a motorhome or caravan, including unmetered electricity, in the winter period (1 Nov-31 March). Some (not all) charge less for a single person, and extra for children or dogs. 

* More details of the sites marked with an asterisk are given in our Greek Campsite ACSI Reviews. 

*GLYFA CAMPING IONION BEACH: (+30 2623-096828 or mobile +30 6932 645807). http://camping.ionion-beach.gr. Simply the Best! Very well run by friendly English-speaking Fligos family. A couple of German winter residents. Modern hot showers in a heated building, unlimited hot water. Good washing machines and tumble drier. Large sunny pitches. Long beach front. New swimming pool and beach bar (not in winter). Seasonal restaurant and shop. En-suite bungalows available for rent year-round. Reliable WiFi included in the winter rates (1/11-31/3). 40 miles south along the New National Rd from Patras, turn right (west) at the traffic lights into Gastouni. Continue 10 miles west through Vartholomio and Vranas, then turn left (after climbing the hill) for both campsites at Glyfa (signposted). Turn right for Ionion Beach after Glyfa village (signed). Amazing sunsets over island of Zakinthos opposite (ferry from nearby Killini; also ferry to Kefalonia). In winter 2018-19 it is still our all-time Greek favourite, though some find it too remote from shops. ACSI Card 20 Euros (long-term mid-winter rate negotiable). N 37.83555 E 21.13333

Australians Bob & Lyn Smith commented in Dec 2017: Echo your report, lovely campsite. We camped right by the beach. Excellent WiFi that works all over the campsite. Great modern facilities with piping hot water. Will be back!

Read a brief history and see the most amazing developments at Ionion Beach (including five star facilities and two infinity pools) at: magbazpictures.com/ionion-beach-renewed

GLYFA CAMPING AGINARA BEACH: (+30 2623-096211). www.camping-aginara.gr. Follow directions for Ionion Beach (see above) and watch for earlier right turn (signed) in Glyfa. Washing machine. WiFi available. Seasonal restaurant. Small shaded pitches. ACSI Card 18 Euros (less mid-winter or for long-stay). In winter 2018-19 the site was open but overgrown and empty. We much prefer Ionion Beach. N 37.83828 E 21.12972

OLYMPIA CAMPING DIANA: (+30 2624-022314). Within walking distance of the site and excellent museum at Ancient Olympia. Small and very expensive but facilities are OK. Some French is spoken. N 37.64518 E 21.6228

Australians Bob & Lyn Smith commented in Dec 2017: Same disaster you noted. We were the only campers.  WiFi wasn't working, water was warm not hot enough for a shower, and it was 30 Euros a night! Next time I'd stay at Camping Ionion Beach (at Glyfa) and travel an hour from there to see Ancient Olympia. 

*FINIKOUNDA CAMPING FINIKES: (+30 2723-028524). http://www.finikescamping.gr/en. By the beach, 2 miles west of Finikounda. Entrance on right of main road, coming from Methoni. Key to your own toilet and shower in winter (which you clean yourself). Small shaded pitches, muddy when wet. A few winter residents, German and English. Washing machines. Expensive eggs for sale. Free unreliable WiFi. Free use of fridge, freezer and electric hot plates in bleak kitchen. 2017-18 winter price (1 Nov-31 March): 14 Euros including WiFi and electricity (12 Euros for 2 months or longer). N 36.80283 E 21.78098

This used to be another favourite. However, in recent times Camping Finikes has not been maintained, the owner is no longer resident and is absent in winter, and the facilities are neglected. By the end of December 2014 many of the long-term winter residents had moved out, preferring other campsites such as Triton II near Nafplio (see below)  Like them, we shall not be returning. Read our very critical: Report on the Deterioration of Camping Finikes. In Finikounda, the best winter choice is now Camping Thines.

*FINIKOUNDA CAMPING THINES: (+30 2723-071200). www.camping-peloponnese.com. Opposite the beach, half a mile west of Finikounda. Coming from Methoni, look for right turn onto a narrow lane (signed)  before the village. We have known the site since 2003. The pitches are small, with little privacy, and larger vehicles find it difficult to manoeuvre around the many trees. It does have washing machines, hot showers, a good kitchen with free use of fridge, freezer and electric hot plates, and reliable free WiFi throughout. In winter there is a common room with wood-burning fire. In July 2017 Theodore Michail, the son of the owners Despina and Takis, wrote that he was now managing the campsite and undertaking major changes. See Theodore's email, on this website.

We stayed on Thines in March 2019 and were impressed by the improved facilities, making it the best choice in Finikounda. Returning in Dec 2019 we found it popular for overwintering: the Germans had taken all the sea-front pitches but there was plenty of space further back! The restaurant serves Despina's excellent home-cooked meals on Tuesday and Friday evenings in winter. ACSI Card 18 Euros. 2019-20 winter price (1 Nov-31 March) 14 Euros including electricity and WiFi, 12 Euros long stay (one month plus).  N 36.80555 E 21.79583

KORONI CAMPING KORONI: (+30 2725-022119). http://www.koronicamping.com/. In Koroni in the south-east corner of the Messinian Peninsula. ACSI Card 18 Euros. Very small sloping pitches. In March 2019 the site was open but deserted. We didn't stay. N 36.79932 E 21.95013

This information is from an email received in December 2010:

"My name is Dimitroula Lucy and I am the owner of Camping Koroni in Greece Peloponnese, Messinia. It is a beautiful camping full of satisfied customers. It is also a member of the Sunshine Camping Club .You can visit our website: http://www.koronicamping.com. Our camping is open all year but the swimming pool and the taverna are closed in the winter. Of course we can open taverna if we have an order. Bar is open. During the low season the charge for 2 persons, a motorhome or caravan, electricity and WiFi is 15 euros per night."

*GYTHION CAMPING MANI BEACH (+30 2733-023450). www.manibeach.gr. In Nov 2019 the site was the only one open near Gythion (the other two being closed until April) but it really isn't suitable for winter use. The facilities are disgusting, with a couple of toilets by Reception for the few touring campers near the beach. The main WC/shower blocks, kitchen and chemical emptying point are hidden among all the dismal static caravans, half way up the hill towards the main road. And they are not worth the walk, as there is no hot water. The free WiFi only works inside and outside the restaurant/bar (closed). The guardian who turned up briefly on his motorbike was extremely surly. The only reason to stop here would be to visit the port town of Gythion, a 5-km walk or cycle ride over a hill. We stayed one night and will not be back. The ACSI rate of 18 Euros is far too much for the little that this site offers. N 36.72847 E 22.54215

*SPARTA CAMPING MISTRAS PALEOLOGIO: (+30 2731-022724). www.campingpaleologio.com. A quiet grassy site with shady trees, on the road between Sparta and the superb Byzantine fortified town of Mystra. Cafe/bar with good meals open all year. Free WiFi on site. Washing machines and tumble drier. Swimming pool (not in winter). Run by very friendly resident owner, Peter, who speaks English and French. Pick your own sweet oranges. Sadly the grim antiquated facilities and the high price (even in winter) make the site suitable for a very short stay only. In Nov 2019 the price was 23 Euros, the site empty. There is only cold water to sinks and basins, and we had to ask for the boiler to be turned on for a shower unless the sun was shining! N 37.0716 E 22.4049

*LEONIDIO CAMPING SEMELI, PLAKA BEACH (+30 2757-022995)  www.camping-semeli.gr By the beach, a short walk from Plaka harbour (shop, taverna), and an easy cycle ride into Leonidio (5 km). It's a new campsite set among fruit and olive trees, owned and run by a very helpful English-speaking family. Good sized pitches: some by the beach, others more private with hedges. Excellent clean facilities and constant hot water. Laundry with washing machines and drying lines; kitchen with free use of fridge/freezers, and electric cookers for a small charge. Reliable free WiFi throughout. Café/snack bar in summer. In Nov 2019 it was alive and well, with a few winter campers as well as an international gathering of rock climbers, all enjoying the mild weather. Very reasonable at 16 Euros/day short stay (weekly and monthly discounts available).  N 37.14938  E 22.892084

*DREPANO CAMPING TRITON II: (+30 2752-092128). http://www.tritonii.gr/. At Drepano, east of Nafplio. Short walk from village shops. Handy for Mycenae, Epidavros, Argos and the Argolid. Good sized site opposite the beach. Christina, the resident owner, speaks English and German. Hard standing, paved roads and well-drained throughout. Level hedged pitches, each with tap and hook-up with cut-out. Good clean facilities and constant hot water. Laundry with washer and drier; kitchen with fridges, freezer and gas rings. Free WiFi. In Nov 2019 it was peaceful, with a few winter campers. 20 Euros/day short stay (monthly and longer-term winter rates available). N 37.53173 E 22.89056

Australians Bob & Lyn Smith commented in Dec 2017: Loved it. Great location for Nafplio, Mycenae , Argos, Epidavros. Stayed here 3 weeks, good facilities, nice hot water, very relaxed owner Christina. We paid 18 Euros a night, though long-termers were paying 350 Euros a month plus electricity.  Only problem was WiFi out of action for 2 weeks of our stay, due to a storm. Highly recommend.

*IRIA, NEAR DREPANO CAMPING IRIA BEACH: (+30 2752-094253). http://www.iriabeach.com/. From Nafplio follow road east to Drepano and continue for 8 miles east along the coast. Site well-signposted on left, just after (seasonal) Camping Posidon. Owned and run by English-speaking family. Washing machines and drier. Swimming pool (closed in winter). A few German-speaking winter residents. WiFi internet free by Reception but not on pitches. ACSI Card 18 Euros (lower monthly winter rates). Remote from shops. In November 2019 the site is neglected, with antiquated facilities, many static caravans and little space. Triton II (see above) is a better choice in this area. N 37.49722 E 22.99056

MYCENAE CAMPING MIKINES (+30 2751-076247): 20 miles south of Corinth. Convenient for the ancient site of Mycenae. Very small, right in the village. Run by a friendly extended family who often come bearing gift samples of their own produce: oranges, wine, olive oil, beetroots, lemons, grapefruit, olives, etc. They sell oil and wine. N 37.71891 E 22.74685

ANCIENT CORINTH AFRODITE'S WATERS CAMPERSTOP: (+30 27410-27333 or +30 6949731665). Recommended by Peter Highe when it opened in 2010. (His full article can be found at: Highe in the Greek Peloponnese.) In April 2015 we found the price still 10 Euros, including water, dump, electricity, WC, hot shower and kitchen with gas rings and hot water.  No WiFi. Produce from family farm for sale. The resident owner, Spiros, speaks good English. Very convenient for ancient site and museum (well worth a visit, half-price if over 65!) Also ideally placed to leave motorhome and take train (1 hr) to Athens.
In November 2019 the price was 13 Euros, including electricity etc. Free WiFi is now available near the facilities, though not on the pitches. It is a short  uphill walk to the site of Ancient Corinth, with many places to eat or buy souvenirs. Warning: It is not easy to find and access the Camperstop, and the route is unsuitable for motorhomes over 7 metres long. Although only 2 miles from the Patras-Corinth motorway (exit 'Ancient Corinth'), it is down a warren of narrow lanes with steep hills and sharp bends. Follow the Camperstop signs rather than your SatNav! N 37.91139 E 22.87861

AKRATA CAMPING AKRATA BEACH: (+30 2696-031988). 2 miles W of Akrata. http://www.akrata-beach-camping.gr/  A very well organised site with modern facilities, by the pebble shore of the Gulf of Corinth. April 2018 price 19 Euros (lower rate negotiable in winter.) The owner Manolis (Emmanuel) speaks excellent English and really cares for his guests. Free WiFi works on all pitches. Cafe/restaurant opened while we were there, first weekend in April. The site is open all year, though empty in winter. Phone ahead in the low season. We fully agree with the report below. N 38.17380 E 22.33830

In January 2015, Dave Hutton wrote:

“Akrata Beach Camping is open all year, but the gates are shut when there are no customers. I managed to arrange to leave my motorhome at this campsite and return to the UK for Christmas. The owners, Emmanuel and Toula, could not have been more helpful. They let me leave my motorhome at the campsite for €2 a night and even took me to Kiato, where the train connects directly with Athens airport.

I rang Emmanuel on the day of my return and he collected me from the station, opened the campsite specifically for me (I was the only one there). This meant putting on the hot water system, lighting etc. I was so grateful; I can't recommend the campsite enough. I've been travelling in the Peloponnese over the winter and although most of the campsites are closed, so I can't give a full comparison, the facilities at Camping Akrata are the best I've experienced. Clean, modern and plenty of hot water, plus all the necessaries for motorhomes. Free wifi too! The site backs on to the beach, but it's 2-3 km from the nearby town, which has all the basic facilities you need. Fine, if you have a bike.”

CAMPSITES OPEN ALL YEAR IN NORTHERN GREECE

This section covers the great majority of the campsites claiming to be open all year in the north of Greece. Most do not offer long-term winter rates. The climate is noticeably colder in the north in the winter, particularly in the east around Mount Olympus. Good possibility of snow on the higher roads at times. Phone to check opening times and dates if possible.

*IGOUMENITSA CAMPING DREPANOS: (+30 26650-26980). West of Igoumenitsa round the coast road, with a safe 5-mile cycle path to the town. Free WiFi on site. Convenient for ferry port (to Italy or Corfu). Definitely open all year.

Australians Bob & Lyn Smith commented in Dec 2017: We really enjoyed this campsite. Great location, lovely beach, good WiFi. Although the facilities are old, they were cleaned every day. Lots of hot water. 17 euros per day for a campervan, two adults and electricity. Would recommend. 

After our second visit in April 2018 we agreed that the site was much improved under new management. There is now a washing machine and plentiful hot water. The renovation of the toilet/shower block was completed during our stay, with modern facilities. The site restaurant opened on 1 May (until mid-October). We stayed again in January 2019, when the site was quiet and friendly.

However in October 2019 it was busier, and difficult to find a place between the permanent caravans. The arrogant manager was extremely hostile and no attempt had been made to define the pitches. This manager would not allow a friend of ours (an Italian cycle-tourist on his way to the ferry) to enter the site to join us for an hour, claiming that visitors were forbidden. When challenged that our neighbours in a static caravan had visitors who drove in by car the same day, he claimed that their visitors 'work here', which was clearly untrue. Discrimination against cyclists or xenophobia? We left next day and will not return to this site. There is plenty of space along the nearby waterfront (Drepanos Beach) to park overnight before or after taking the Igoumenitsa ferry. N 39.50817 E 20.22219

*KASTRAKI, KALAMBAKA CAMPING VRACHOS: (+30 24320-22293). In the village of Kastraki, 1 km from Kalambaka along the road to the Meteora Monasteries. In November 2014 we joined a few others on the small area that was open, with very limited and grubby facilities (2 toilets and 2 showers). It was the only camp open near Meteora. Free WiFi in and outside Reception only. 

Australians Bob & Lyn Smith commented in Dec 2017: Much as you described. WiFi still at reception only. Average facilities. Great location for Meteora. 

We returned in October 2019 in order to cycle round the circuit past the six Meteora Monasteries. Finding them swamped by enormous coaches, plus lines of cars parked along the approach road at each entrance, we were pleased that we had visited them many years ago before their exploitation for mass tourism. Do not expect a peaceful or spiritual experience! The campsite itself was busy, with many small tents and very few places for motorhomes. The new toilet/shower block is an improvement, though chilly (open windows and doors; no heating) and we had to ask for the boiler to be put on for a hot shower. WiFi is only available at the Reception/Cafe, which was actually open for a basic menu from 6 pm. ACSI Card 20 Euros. N 39.7120 E 21.61625 

ATHENS CAMPING NEA KIFISSIA: (+30 210-6205646 or +30 210-8075579). In a northern suburb of Athens called Nea Kifissia. Small, English-speaking, good facilities. The centre of Athens (about 10 miles) can be reached by bus and metro (the Kifissia-Pireus line). Several UK stores and supermarkets in Nea Kifissia. N.38.09944 E.23.79166

ATHENS CAMPING ATHENS (+30 210-5814113/4). 5 miles west of Athens, on the left coming in on the Corinth road. New facilities. Bus into Athens opposite the gate. Expensive but nearest to Athens. They offer a secure place to leave the motorhome parked at a reduced price, while (for example) flying from Athens or taking a ferry. N 38.00916 E 23.67236

SOUNIO CAMPING BACCHUS (+30 2292-039572). Small, with about a dozen pitches, on the beach, 4.5 km from Temple of Poseidon at the tip of Cape Sounio overlooking the approaches to Piraeus. Managed by a friendly English-speaking Albanian. Facilities are excellent and use of the laundry is free. 5 km from town of Lavrio for banks and shops. Long-term winter rates available (information from Malcolm Hill). N 37.67620 E 24.04884

DELPHI CAMPING APOLLO: (+30 22650-82750). Small, simple but convenient for the extensive site of Ancient Delphi on the northern shore of the Gulf of Corinth. ACSI Card 20 Euros. N 38.4836 E 22.4755

DELPHI CAMPING DELPHI: (+30 22650-82745). On the Itea-Delphi road, 4 km from Delphi, MIGHT be open. ACSI Card 18 Euros. N 38.47868 E 22.47461

IOANNINA CAMPING LIMNOPOULA: (+30 2651-025265). A large open site at the Nautical Club on the lake, 2 km north of town, best accessed via the outer ring road. Not officially open from November to March though there may be someone around to open the barrier and turn on the electricity for a fee (phone ahead). A good stop between Igoumenitsa port and Kalambaka/Meteora. Free WiFi works only at Reception. Washing machine available. Lakeside cafe/bar/restaurant adjacent. In April 2018 the price was 19.89 Euros (too much, given the dismal facilities and lack of locks on WC and shower doors). N 39.67799 E 20.84279

KAVALA CAMPING BATIS MULTIPLEX: (+30 2510-245918). 4 km west of Kavala on Thessaloniki road. Expensive, with extremely poor facilities and disgusting toilets. On a busy main road. Access to a very small beach, crowded in the summer months. No washing machine, no WiFi, indifferent management. The worst we've ever seen in Greece – stayed one night and would never return. N 40.91573 E 24.37851

VERGINA GUARDED CAMPERSTOP: (+30 23310-92864). Well signposted in the village. Level parking area, drinking water tap, free WiFi. €4 (or €7 with electricity) in April 2018. Very friendly and helpful owner lives on site and speaks German (son speaks English). Short walk to Royal Macedonian Tombs (highly recommended). N 40°29'6” E 22°19'10”

ASPROVALTA ACHILLES CAMPING. (+30 23970-22384, -22259). About 4 km east of the small town of Asprovalta. On a hillside, old facilities, friendly staff, no washing machine, lots of resident dogs to keep you awake. Overpriced (unless you want to see it as a donation to a home for strays!) Stayed one night only. N 40.75797 E 23.75183

*STYLIDA CAMPING INTERSTATION: (+30 2238-023827/8). Between the National Road and the beach, west of Lamia. 3 km west of Stylida. Expensive, with very poor facilities, but open all year and well placed for a break between Athens and Thessaloniki. N 38.89638 E 22.65555

ALEXANDROUPOLI CAMPING MUNICIPAL: (+30 25510-28735). On the National Road just west of the town. An extensive beach site - the last before the Turkish border. A good place to meet others going to/from Turkey. Free WiFi in 30-minute intervals! No washing machine. Restaurant actually open (Nov 2014). N 40.84679 E 25.85614

*KATO GATZEA, PELION PENINSULA CAMPING HELLAS: (+30 24230-22267). On the coast 11 miles southeast of Volos, immediately before the larger Camping Sikia. Family-owned and run, the site has modern facilities including washing machines. Good free WiFi throughout. In October 2019 the camp was quiet enough to get a pitch right on the shore of the bay by a narrow shingle beach. It is a short walk into Kato Gatzea village, with tavernas, a bakery and a mini-market. The campsite restaurant/bar was open, though not serving meals. Advised to phone ahead in mid-winter, when there are very few campers due to the cold weather (though it was warm enough for sea-bathing in October). ACSI Card 20 Euros. N 39.31105 E 23.10922

KATO GATZEA, PELION PENINSULA CAMPING SIKIA (= Fig Tree): (+30 24230-22279). On the coast 11 miles southeast of Volos, immediately after Camping Hellas on the same busy road. A terraced site, with some sea-view pitches, it also has a hote/restaurant. Free WiFi. ACSI Card 20 Euros. N 39.31027 E 23.10972

Finally, one island campsite we know that is open all year:

CRETE, AGIA GALINI CAMPING NO PROBLEM: (+30 2832-031507). At Agia Galini about halfway along the warm south coast. Small and a bit scruffy, but provides an excellent base for mountain and coastal walks. Crete is reached by overnight ferry from Pireus in about 12 hours. A weekly ferry may run to Crete from Gythion in the winter months – a shorter crossing – but check! N 35.10004 E 24.69514

Note: Greek phone numbers and opening dates are subject to change!

More details on most of these at www.campingreece.gr and at www.eurocampings.co.uk/greece/ which gives a Google map.