Summer cinemas, a part of the country’s culture, represent one of the most beautiful, retro and touching experiences that have managed to survive in the fast-moving Greek capital. In more recent times, open-air cinemas have also developed into tourist attractions.
Athens offers a range of summer cinema choices, in the city centre, north and south, including truly special spots, some of these modern, sophisticated proposals, and others maintaining yesteryear charm.
We have compiled a Top 10 list for you.
Pool your Cinema
On the 7th floor of the iconic Grand Bretagne hotel at Syntagma, Pool your Cinema is, without a doubt, the city’s most luxurious summer cinema proposal.
The hotel’s open-air cinema offers classic films and international hits on its big screen by the GB Pool. The cinema outings here culminate with delicious dishes overseen by executive chef Asterios Koustoudis. Filmgoers are served a satisfying combination of handmade nachos, pizza, caramelised popcorn and juicy cheeseburgers, accompanied by a drink, in comfortable armchairs at the pool area.
This marvellous open-air cinema outing is worth experiencing at least once in your lifetime. The lovely, lit-up Lycabettus hill in full direct view further enhances the experience.
Reservations are necessary.
Screenings Thursdays to Sundays.
Admission: €50 with food and drink.
Cine Thisio
Below the Acropolis and just metres from the Odeon of Herodes Atticus’ front steps, Cine Thisio, by the magnificent Apostolou Pavlou pedestrianised street in the Thisio district, is definitely one of Athens’ most popular summer cinemas. American news network CNN named Cine Thisio the “world’s best movie theatre”, a distinction highlighting the spot’s reputation over many years.
The back seats at Cine Thisio offer a breathtaking view of the lit-up Parthenon, while the aroma of the cinema’s rich garden permeates the space. Definitely try the renowned, handmade, buttery cheese pies served at the spot’s small canteen. This snack has become synonymous with the cinema.
Make sure to arrive relatively early for a good seat. This cinema’s reputation has inevitably led to long queues forming outside during the summer. After entering, get all you need from the canteen, settle in your seat, and enjoy the refreshing coolness under the moonlight.
The cinema screens rereleases of classic films as well as some of the hottest recent releases.
Admission: €8.50 (Thu-Sun); €6.50 (Mon-Wed)
Dexameni Cinema
Situated between Kolonaki square and Lycabettus hill, the picturesque Dexameni cinema is a classic spot in the centre of town.
Regulars simply call this spot Dexameni, instantly understood to mean the cinema. Reach the narrow, pedestrianised street outside the cinema by climbing a fair number of steps at Fokilidou St, leading to a square with a children’s playground, a small paradise for children, and, of course, the café of the same name, ideal for a glass of wine.
Despite being in the heart of Athens, everything here seems bright and open-hearted, reminding of summer and holidays. Dozens of tourists strolling about to explore the area and Dexameni cinema’s whitewashed steps generate a Cyclades islands feel. If interested in seeing a good European film, this is the spot for you.
Admission: €8.00, €5.00 (students); €5.00 (Wed)
Aigli Zappeiou
The Aigli Zappeiou cinema, within a large courtyard at the landmark Zappeion building, has been renowned as an entertainment venue for Athens’ high society since the early 20th century. The first film projection here took place in 1903, unquestionably making Aigli Zappeiou the city’s oldest summer cinema.
The sophisticated ambience offered by the Aigli Zappeiou cinema, close to Syntagma square, is one good reason to choose seeing a film at this spot. Another is its projections of new releases, from American blockbusters to the best of Europe’s latest films, on its giant-sized screen.
The canteen is one of the most organised and complete to be found at any Athenian cinema, summer or winter. We recommend the spot’s pork kalamakia (skewers) or the juicy hot dogs, both signature canteen snacks at Aigli.
Admission: €8.50, €7.00 (students, children, unemployed); €6.00 (Wed)
Cine Flisvos
Inside the extremely popular Flisvos Park in the Palaio Falioro district, where many residents from the seaside southern suburbs like to gather on weekends, Cine Flisvos, by the sea, carries a summer and holiday feel.
You may combine your night at this cinema with an all-day outing in the area – coffee early in the day, lunch, a visit to the lush park with a fully equipped children’s playground, topped off by a film at the cinema, the sun setting by your side.
Few spots in Athens offer a sweet sense of freedom and relaxation to such an extent.
Admission: €8.00, €6.00 (children), €6.00 (Tue)
Zefyros
A legendary cinema in the centre of town, Zefyros is a truly traditional spot that has managed to maintain its status as one of Athens’ most delightful open-air cinemas.
Zefyros is situated on highly-frequented Troon St in Ano Petralona, amongst dozens of meze eateries and cafes. It is close to the area’s train station.
Secure yourself a good seat and let your feet relax on the white gravel surface. This is an ideal place to enjoy classic films before heading out to the vibrant neighbourhood for a drink or dinner.
Zefyros is also one of the city’s most affordable summer cinemas.
Admission: €7.00, €6.00 (students, unemployed, 65+), €5.00 (Tue)
Lila
A truly marvellous cinema in the central Patisia district, Lila has a yesteryear feel. This cinema, featuring a retro entrance with a trademark sign, is one of Athens’ most charming and authentic points.
Lila, offering a lovely, simple and well-kept space, definitely rates as a cultural venue screening select films from around the world, including many films not to be seen elsewhere. Films aside, this cinema is an experience in itself.
Admission: €7.50, €6.00 (students, unemployed, 65+, teachers), €5.00 (children), €5.00 (Tue, Wed)
Cine Riviera
A favourite hangout in the vibrant Exarhia district, Cine Riviera, offering a lovely space at a prime positon on pedestrianised Valtetsiou St, is based at what could well be the most recognisable building this side of the city.
Its yellow reclining chairs are a trademark feature, as is the curtain you must pass through at the entrance to reach the cinema space with a flowered garden.
The cinema screens classic films from around world and also stages extensive tributes covering the work of celebrated directors.
Admission: €7.00, €6.00 (students, unemployed, 65+), €5.00 (Wed)
Ekran
The Ekran cinema, a timeless spot reminding of the sweetness and innocence of bygone days, is on Zoodohou Piyis St in Exarhia.
Ekran, a small summer cinema, whose name was used for the title of a hit song by popular local singer-songwriter Vassilis Kazoulis, possesses romantic charm and screens older-era films, making it an artistic oasis in the heart of Athens.
Upon entering the cinema’s entrance, you will definitely feel that you are walking into a refined space where good-quality cinema is paramount. Plants offering pleasant aroma line the sides.
Admission: €7.50 (Thu-Tue), €6.50 (children, students, unemployed, 65+), €6.50 (Wed)
Cine Galatsi
Situated within lush Attiko Alsos, a park offering a special view of the entire city, Cine Galatsi promises urban escape despite being close to the city centre, especially if you plan an all-day outing at the park.
The cinema’s small green garden is a classic delight. It features reclining seats with small round tables. As old-fashioned as needed, this stylish cinema is probably the most appropriate choice in Athens if contact with nature is a priority.
Admission: €7.50, €6.00 (students, children, 65+), €6.00 (Wed)
Read also:
8 top ouzo taverns in Athens – Traditional haunts with quality seafood, ouzo and tsipouro
8 top Japanese restaurants in Athens -Modern, cosmopolitan and exciting
