Countless delights shape our summer experiences, and some have evolved into time-honoured traditions, permeating not just our seasonal activities but our everyday lives throughout June, July, August, and for many, extending into September’s Greek summer.
Beyond the tranquil beaches, the inaugural dips in the sea, short-sleeved days, holidays, and indulging in seasonal fruits like watermelon and melon, Athens offers a special summer delight. Summer cinemas, a beloved habit over many decades, have been immortalised in song (notably by the legendary Loukianos Kilaidonis, and artist Vicky Mosholiou). These open-air theatres contribute a unique touch to the cherished summer memories of generations.
Despite the ever-accelerating pace of change, open-air cinemas endure. An unyielding part of our cultural fabric, they’re not only an enhanced tourist attraction but also a tradition immune to fleeting trends or age groups. This year again, we’ll celebrate them, eager for the unique cinematic experiences they promise. Especially, the following 5+1 cinemas we suggest. The “Cine Thisio”, once lauded by CNN as the finest open-air cinema globally, encapsulates the essence of outdoor movie-going. Its crowning glory in 2012 was due to its prime location on Apostolou Pavlou pedestrian street, offering viewers a clear vista of the floodlit Acropolis.
“Cine Thision”, Thisio
“Cine Thision” also enjoys the distinction of being Athens’ oldest open-air cinema, serving the city since 1935, only briefly interrupted during the German Occupation. Regulars will vouch for its other winning aspects besides the Acropolis view, such as the sublime freshly-baked cheese pie, the homemade, chilled sour cherry drinks made with black sugar and Agrinio’s tsipouro, complemented by Messolonghi’s bottarga – the perfect meze for the dedicated visitor.
“Pool Your Cinema”, Syntagma
Striving for luxury, “Pool Your Cinema” is a relatively recent venture. Ambitiously, it endeavours to fuse the familiar charms of the city’s summer cinemas with a lavish experience that celebrates classic movies and significant successes from Hollywood’s golden age. It’s a risk that paid off handsomely, enthusiastically endorsed by the public.
Therefore, “Pool Your Cinema” returns this season beside the pool on the 7th floor of the iconic “Grande Bretagne” hotel in Syntagma, set against the illuminated Lycabettus. It runs from Thursday to Sunday, and it’s advisable to reserve for the screenings that pique your interest. The cinema shuns traditional popcorn, instead offering a specially designed individual menu, focusing on international finger food concepts.
“Cine Alimos”, Alimos
“Cine Alimos” brought the summer cinema experience to the shoreline. The personal vision of Alimos Mayor, Mr Andreas Kondylis, “Cine Alimos” was launched in 2016 as a municipal summer cinema, quickly becoming a popular outing for residents of Athens’ southern suburbs – and beyond.
“Cine Alimos” set out to deliver the quintessential experience of summer cinemas by the Saronic waves, strategically located on the Alimos coastal promenade. The landscape takes centre stage in this cinematic experience. But if you manage to draw your eyes away from the view, you’ll notice the screen: standing 11 metres tall with a clear projection area of 72 square metres, it’s among the country’s largest outdoor cinema screens. During Greek film screenings, artists and creators often engage in conversation with the audience.
“Zephyros”, Ano Petralona
Situated on Troon Street, neighbouring a host of small bars and restaurants that have evolved into youth hotspots in recent years, and contributing to Ano Petralona’s allure for residents and visitors of Athens – the inviting “Zephyros” continues to sustain its classic appeal, captivating new patrons along the way.
The main characteristic of this cinema is its affinity for cinephile and art-house films. You’re not likely to catch a Hollywood blockbuster here, but rather a selection from world cinema that you won’t easily find elsewhere, including classic films from directors like Alfred Hitchcock or Michelangelo Antonioni.
“Athenaia”, Kolonaki
The charming courtyard of “Athenaia” in Kolonaki harks back to memories of an older Athens, complete with a passionfruit vine and jasmine shrubs – just as Luciano Kilaidonis immortalised the summer cinemas in his eponymous song.
Since its establishment in 1979, “Athenaia” has held its own in frequent disputes with its neighbours. Now, it’s a cherished summer spot situated in the centre of Kolonaki, at the crossroads of Haritos and Speusippou Streets, and continues to be a prized part of the district. The visionary founder, Theodoros Rigas, is still at the helm.
“Ekran”, Neapoli Exarcheia
“Ekran”, in Neapoli Exarcheia, holds a distinguished place amongst Athens’ open-air cinemas. This iconic cinema is an integral part of Greek culture, immortalised in song by Vasillis Kazoulis in “The Last Show at Ekran” (“The Last Boat for Amorgos”, 1996). Christiana further associated it with Athenian summers, singing in Lina Nikolakopoulou’s lyrics – “I will meet you on the steps of Ekran/Watching the nights of Maniani gro plan” (“Summer Will Come”, 1982).
“Ekran” was founded during the early years of Metapolitefsi and managed to become one of Athens‘ most famed summer cinemas. It dared to display pioneering films from international production — a bold move warmly received by the audience, especially the youth, leading to extraordinary ticket sales, topping 55,000 in one season. Since 1997, it has been a protected cinema, its distinguishing feature being the iconic façade where Georges Méliès’ famous Moon from the dawn of cinema remains a central attraction.
Read also:
Zephyros: A Century of Stars Under the Athenian Sky
