Childhood memories, flourishing bougainvilleas, the scent of the night flowers, the cool breeze of the night holding an ice cream and all of the above in front of the wide screen of the open-air cinema under the starlit sky…This is what an open-air cinema signifies. A summertime habit that keeps going until the first rains of early autumn.

At most Greek islands you will surely find a well cherished outdoor cinema with whitewashed walls and plenty of green plants. In Athens, they are usually located near a beach, within parks and at the heart of the city. It is especially those of the Athens city center that have been operating in particular spots for decades, maintaining something from the past glory of a gone romantic epoch. Old movies from the 50s and 60s, movies from previous seasons, cultural European cinema, old romantic comedies, film noir but also the latest blockbusters.

The open air cinemas of the Athenian capital are very known and many of them have been awarded for their services. Movies are even more fun with the scents of jasmine and the soft night breeze. All-in-all a very atmospheric experience accompanied by the stars and the moon if you are lucky enough to get a clear sky in September.

We present you the most famous and loved open-air cinemas for the Athenians:

"Cine Aigli”: The first open-air cinema that operated in Athens within the precious gardens of Zappion. Enjoy a romantic evening at Prive Verada watching your favorite film.

Information: Zappion Gardens. www.aeglizappiou.gr. Tel: 2103369300

"Cine Thissio”: Awarded as the best cinema in the world by CNN, it justifies its glory to maximum. It is the oldest cinema in Athens, boasting a bright past and superb views due to its location just below the Acropolis rock. Do not forget to try the homemade sweets during the break, as well as, the natural sourcherry juice made according to granny’s secret recipe.

Information: 7, Apostolou Pavlou street, Thissio area. Tel: 2103420864 & 2103470980. www.cine-thisio.gr.

"Cine Paris” in Plaka quarter and number 22, Kydathinaion street. This has been the location of the Parisian open-air cinema since 1920. It has been through several rough patches financially, but it is still there waiting for the help of its audience to keep it “alive”. Information: www.cineparis.gr. 22 Kydathinaion street, Athens – Plaka quarter. Tel: 210 3222071

"Cine Anessis": As its name implies, here you will be able to enjoy your movie evening on comfortable deck chairs and sofas. Just climb up the stairs to the roof and accompany your movie with a drink. This cinema is more contemporary styled.

Information: 14, Kifissias avenue. Tel: 2107782316 & 2106786000.

"Cine Dexameni”: Located in the prestigious area of Kolonaki and just under Lycabettus hill. Very centrally located and gives you the chance to continue your evening with drinks at Kolonali square.

Information: Dexameni Square in Kolonaki district. Tel: 2103623942 & 2103602363.

This weekend we arrange to watch a film at any of the magnificent open-air cinemas of the capital city…in order to remember the good old days when Athens was “a neighborhood”. Follow the trails of a romantic past epoch and experience a very pleasant evening.

From: Eva Kanellopoulos

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