Photo: Thomas Gravani

Cinema under the stars is a cherished Athenian institution during the steamy summer months. Every neighbourhood has at least one open-air movie house—some as old as the history of cinema itself.

By Carolina Doriti

Watch, don't touch.

Photo: Thomas Gravanis

Movie night under the stars at ΑΙΓΛΗ CINEMA.

Courtesy: ΑΙΓΛΗ CINEMA / Photo: Alexandros Petsvas

Aigli Zappeiou (ΑΙΓΛΗ CINEMA)

Cine Dexameni

Up the stairs and into another world.

Photo: Thomas Gravanis

We know, hard to focus on the movie with a view like this.

Photo: Thomas Gravanis

Cine Paris

Cine Thision

Sunlight gives way to neon, inviting you in for a screening.

Photo: Thomas Gravanis

Come early to get a good spot.

Photo: Thomas Gravanis

Zefyros

Vox

Movies call for snacking.

Photo: Thomas Gravanis

The iconic Riviera is Athens' go-to summer cinema for classic flicks.

Photo: Thomas Gravanis

Riviera

Cine Flisvos

A movie by the sea? Yes please.

Photo: Thomas Gravanis

"Boboniera has been declared a protected landmark, but was upgraded recently and the screen and sound quality is superb."

Boboniera

Factbox

  • Summer cinemas are open between May and late September (depending on the weather).
  • Most cinemas offer two screenings per night, one around 21:00, after sunset, and the second, around 23:00.
  • Films in Greece are never dubbed (with the exception of children’s films).
  • Smoking is usually allowed.