Cinema in Greece
Cinema
Greece watches films outdoors in summer and indoors in winter, and both are worth doing.
Summer open air cinemas
The therina, open air cinemas, are a genuine Greek institution. Deck chairs, a bar, a jasmine covered courtyard and a film under the stars, with a break halfway through. Films are shown in the original language with Greek subtitles, so English language films play in English. Screenings start around sunset and later shows run to about 23:00. Beach in the day, screen at night
Cine Thisio
The oldest open air cinema in Athens, on Apostolou Pavlou below the Acropolis, and the one with the illuminated Parthenon in view above the screen. Book ahead for the early show if you want the view seats.
Cine Paris
A rooftop cinema in Plaka with the Acropolis behind the screen. Small, long established and usually booked out at weekends.
Aigli Zappiou
The historic open air cinema in the Zappeion gardens, and the most comfortable of the three, with a 4K projector and Dolby 7.1 sound under the trees.
The winter cinema season
When the open air cinemas close for the year the indoor screens take over, and this is when the arthouse and festival films arrive. Same rule on language: original audio, Greek subtitles.