Greece has introduced a formal legal framework to regulate glamping, marking a significant step in standardizing a sector that has operated for more than a decade without dedicated national rules.
Glamping, short for “glamorous camping,” has been present in Greece since 2012, growing alongside broader demand for nature-based accommodation that combines outdoor settings with higher service standards. The Ministry of Tourism’s new framework aims to bring clarity to the market while aligning glamping operations with existing hospitality classifications.
Under the new regulations, glamping sites will be formally classified within the country’s accommodation rating system, but only at the upper end of the scale.
Glamping units will be limited to four-star and five-star categories, placing them alongside high-end hotels in terms of quality expectations, while applying criteria adapted specifically to nature-based hospitality. To qualify, operators must comply with detailed technical specifications and meet a minimum points threshold.
A total of 6,000 points is required for a four-star rating, while 7,000 points are needed for five-star status, calculated through a combination of mandatory and optional criteria.
The framework also introduces clear capacity and spatial limits intended to preserve the defining characteristics of glamping, particularly privacy and contact with the natural environment.
Each individual structure is restricted to a maximum of four adult beds, with the option of up to two additional beds for children. A minimum distance of ten meters must be maintained between units to protect guest privacy.
Environmental integration is addressed through a requirement that at least 50 percent of the total site area consists of vegetation or plant coverage, providing natural shade and contributing to environmental protection. Internal transportation within glamping sites must rely on eco-friendly methods.
Accessibility is a central component of the new law. All glamping units must comply with national “Design for All” guidelines, ensuring that both indoor and outdoor areas are autonomously and safely accessible to people with disabilities or reduced mobility.
According to the Greek Reporter, at least five percent of total unit capacity must be specifically designed for guests with disabilities. In addition, any new glamping structure must be accompanied by a formal accessibility study as part of the approval process.
For business owners and investors in the outdoor hospitality, caravan, and RV sectors, the Greek framework offers insight into how regulators are approaching premium nature-based accommodation.
The emphasis on spatial limits, environmental protection, and accessibility may influence future policy discussions in other markets.
Operators considering expansion into Greece, or those developing high-end outdoor accommodation elsewhere, may find the clear classification system and point-based assessment useful benchmarks when planning site layouts, investment levels, and long-term compliance strategies.