Open-Air Cinema – The Must-Do of the Greek Summer

What if you could watch a movie while gazing at the night sky and the stars?

Summer in Greece becomes even more magical with open-air film screenings under the stars. Οι θερινοί κινηματογράφοι / Τα θερινά σινεμά, or summer cinemas, are an essential part of Greek culture. Almost every city or town has its own open-air cinema! Many of them open in late April, and most begin screenings in early May.

Usually, an open-air cinema is located on the rooftop of a building or in a courtyard. The seats are often director-style chairs, and between them you might find small tables where you can place your drink, soda, or—of course—popcorn!

In these cinemas, you can watch both new releases and classic films, and in most of them, there is an intermission halfway through the screening.

Movies are shown every day of the week, Monday to Sunday, usually at 9:00 PM and 11:00 PM. For major cities like Athens and Thessaloniki, you can even check the film schedule and book your tickets online at websites like https://summercinemas.gr.

Let’s take a look at some of the most popular open-air cinemas in Athens:

• Cine Thision – with a stunning view of the Acropolis

• Pool Your Cinema (Hotel Grande Bretagne) – a luxurious rooftop with a pool

• Cine Paris – a historic favorite located in the charming neighborhood of Plaka

Whether you’re a film lover, a tourist, or just looking for a unique night out, a visit to a Greek summer cinema is a must for your summer bucket list. It’s the perfect mix of culture, atmosphere, and summer joy.