The open-air cinema is a great classic of the Athenian evenings. When the temperature starts to drop, it’s a real treat to enjoy the cool night air while having fun.
Open-air cinema, an Athenian tradition
The open-air cinema is a real tradition (even an institution) among the Greeks. The season begins with the warm weather and is undoubtedly one of the original and authentic facets of the Athenian summer nightlife. In addition, it allows to enjoy, during the hot summer evenings, a friendly moment, cool and not very expensive.
Athens and its surroundings countsnt almost 90 cinemas outdoor cinemas. The places where cinemas are located are often picturesque: a small courtyard between two buildings, an old warehouse, a garden. The decor is simple: chairs, sometimes a few tables to have a drink and eat sweets, but mostly the sky and the stars in the background and sometimes even a view of the Acropolis.
However, these small cinemas do not always show the most recent posters. But it doesn’t matter because it’s the atmosphere that we like. Here, few tourists and a true authenticity, do not miss this simple pleasure.
Open-air cinemas: instructions for use
The program
The films shown are very varied even if they are not always very recent. Some theaters specialize in certain genres: old movies, animation…
In open-air cinemas, you can easily find films in English projected in their original version. This is very convenient for all those who do not speak Greek.
The projection
In most cases, there are two sessions: one around 9pm and the second around 11pm. There is sometimes a late afternoon session with animated films for children.
The screening is almost systematically interspersed with an intermission, so that spectators can refresh themselves at the bar and buy snacks.
How to find the open air cinema schedule in Athens?
To find the schedules of these cinemas, we advise you the site Athinorama (very complete). Of course, it is in Greek, but if you use Google Chrome, just right-click with your mouse, select “Translate to English” and you’re done.
In the “ΣΙΝΕΜΑ” (Cinema) section, select “Οδηγός Σινεμά”(Cinema guide), choose “Όλες οι Αίθουσες” (All cinemas) and then “Θερινοί” (Summer). You’ll have the full program of open-air cinemas between May and September.
Athens Open Air Film Festival
Every year, Athens offers a rich program of films screened throughout the city during the Open Air Film Festival. It is obviously one of the great moments of the year not to be missed. Admission is free. Discover more information on the official website.
Cine Athina Ideal Pools © Cine Thisio
Open air cinema in Athens: our favorites!
Concerning the main open-air cinemas in Athens, we have made a selection of our favorite addresses that you will find on the map at the bottom of this article. In addition, we have briefly described the theaters below and added some useful links to the sites and programming.
Ciné Thisio
This is one of the oldest open-air cinemas in Athens, established in 1935. It is located just a few steps from the Acropolis and has a superb view of the Parthenon, which is beautifully lit at night. A cinema that deserves a detour, perhaps as much for the film as for the setting.
Website: www.cine-thisio.gr
Cinema Aegli in the National Gardens
This cinema is located in a beautiful neo-classical house in Zappion, in the center of Athens, near the National Garden and is elegant. It has a private terrace where you can dine.
Cine Dexameni
Located on the top of Kolonaki, this open-air cinema is full of charm, as it is immersed in the greenery. You will also appreciate the small restaurant-café of the same name located on the square just behind.
Website: www.cinedexameni.gr
Ciné Paris
It is the oldest open-air cinema in Athens. Created in 1920, by a hairdresser who had lived for some time in Paris, it was abandoned during the 1960s and then rehabilitated in 1986. You will love its location in the heart of Plaka and its vintage feel.
Website : www.cineparis.gr
Cine Flisvos
Here, it is the seaside version of the open-air cinema. Located in Flisvos, on the Athenian Riviera, the cinema is separated from the sea by only a few meters. Thus, it is a good option for those who want to end their beach day with a good movie.
Website: www.cineflisvos.gr
Bomboniera and Chloi in Kifisia
In the shopping streets of Kifisia, these two cinemas are very close to each other. In addition to the evening sessions, they often offer cartoons in the late afternoon (mostly in Greek). Ideal for children.
Chloi’s website : https://chloe-cinema.biz/
Cinema in the park of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation
This open-air cinema, surrounded by the greenery and fragrant plants of the Mediterranean garden of the Stavros Niarchos Cultural Center, offers a magnificent view of the new National Opera building.
Website: www.snf.org/en/ – programming on the snfcc website
Cine Athina – Piscines Ideales
Located in Halandri in an old swimming pool. An absolutely incredible place! The cinema also has indoor rooms.
Programming on Athinorama
Sophie B.
Updated on April 4, 2024