Cinema
Although there are quite a few multiplex cinemas in Athens, the king of summer is the outdoor cinema, a fashion that adheres perfectly with the open-air culture of the city. Watching a movie while staring at the stars beats cramming yourself in an anonymous multiplex anytime. Located on rooftop terraces, gardens or jammed between apartment blocks, they are the best bet for a quiet night out and have become a trademark of Athenian summer culture. Some outdoor cinemas serve alcohol like beer, sangria, or even whiskey, while a water-ice is considered de rigueur. If you’re hungry, you’ll definitely find some pizza, souvlaki or nachos with cheese to keep your mouth busy while you watch the silver screen. Most importantly, movies in Greece are not dubbed so foreigners will have no problem following the plot.
Open-air cinemas
Apart from the official open-air cinemas scattered around town, Athens is hosting free film screenings in parks, pedestrian areas, squares and museums and next to popular city monuments throughout the summer. The aim of the 3rd Athens Open Air Film Festival is simply for visitors and locals to enjoy great films in some of the city’s prettiest and most iconic areas, while promoting Athens’ al fresco culture. The screenings include classic movies and premieres, short films and silent movies, as well as a small number of old Greek movies that have influenced national cinema. All screenings start at 21:00.
The schedule is the following:
July 29: Avenue Zero (2009), Canadian documentary, at Mesologiou square, Pangrati, at 21:00
July 30: The Circus (1928), Charlie Chaplin’s classic movie, at Lais cinema, 48 Iera Othos & Megalou Alexandrou
August 20: The Bling Ring (2013), Sophia Coppola’s new movie based on a true story on robberies / at Lais cinema, 48 Iera Othos & Megalou Alexandrou
August 22: Jason and the Argonauts (1963), celebrating the release of the movie 50 years ago, at pedestrian street of Dionysiou Areopagitou
August 27: Les Gamins (2013), French comedy, at the garden of Aigli at Zapeion
August 29: The Grandmaster (2013), Chinese movie, at Avana Cinema, 234 Kifisias Avenue & 3 Lykourgou Street, Psihiko.
September 3: Not My Life (2011), documentary on trafficking, at Avdi square, Keramikos
September 5: I Dream of My Friends (1993), a Greek movie by late director Lefteris Voyatzis, at the Archaeological Park, Akadimias Platonos.
September 11: Haxan (1922), Swedish silent movie, at Lais cinema, 48 Iera Othos & Megalou Alexandrou
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Dexameni
- Platia Dexamenis, Kolonaki, 210 3623942, Metro: Evangelismos
This is a beautiful cinema hidden within the lush vegetation of Dexameni square, with a large screen and loyal clientele.
Athinaia-Vitex
- 50 Haritos, Kolonaki, 210 7215717, Metro: Evngelismos
Favoured by local residents, it’s right next to the mini ba-scene of Haritos street.
Cine Psiri
- 44 Sarri, Psiri, 210 3215534, Metro: Monastiraki
Part of Kouzina restaurant, is a modern place which offers, except from good movies, sangria and a great strawberry water-ice.
Thision
- 7 Apostolou Pavlou, Thisio, 210 3470980. Metro: Thisio
Situated in a prime location with views of the Parthenon, it usually plays classic black and white movies.
Riviera
- 46 Valtetsiou, Exarheia, 210 3837716, Metro: Omonia
Couples and students prefer Riviera for its artsy movies and the smell of the massive jasmine plant.
Cine Paris
- 22 Kidathineon, Plaka, 210 3222071, Metro: Syntagma
In the centre of popular Plaka, it has an unbeatable view of the Acropolis. Greeks and tourists cram outside for a ticket, so make sure you’re there early.
Aigli
- Zappeio Gardens, Syntagma, 210 3369369, Metro: Syntagma, Tram: Zappeio
Classy Aigli is one of the few cinemas to show blockbusters and has the added advantage of having a café and restaurant nearby. The canteen sells anything from pop-corn to souvlaki and sangria.
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