There’s a certain kind of magic that only summer nights in Greece can conjure—and at the heart of that magic lies the country’s love for open-air cinemas a.k.a therina sinema. As daylight stretches well into the evening and the air fills with the scent of jasmine, Greeks step out—even on weeknights—to catch a movie under the stars. It’s a tradition that speaks not only to their love of film, but also to their deep-rooted appreciation for being outdoors, for gathering, and for living in the moment.
In Greece, the summer lifestyle softens the lines between workdays and weekends. Long, luminous evenings mean that dinner is often eaten late, drinks are shared slowly, and cinemas stay open well into the night. The open-air cinema isn’t a weekend luxury; it’s part of the everyday rhythm of summer, especially in Athens.
In the heart of the city, Cine Paris stands as one of the most iconic open-air cinemas. Tucked into the historic neighborhood of Plaka, with the Acropolis illuminated just above its screen, Cine Paris is more than a place—it’s part of Athens’ cultural DNA. Almost every Athenian has a story about it. For some, it was the spot for cherished family evenings. For others, it marked the memory of a first date.
Cine Paris first opened its doors in 1920 on Kidathineon Street, named after its founder, a Greek hairdresser who had spent years in Paris. Originally an indoor cinema, it moved in the 1960s to its current rooftop home at number 22, with the city lights and ancient marble all around. After a period of closure, it reopened in 1986 as a purely summer cinema. It closed again in 2020, but in 2022, the building was acquired by the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation, which began a full renovation. Today, Cine Paris operates under the care of the Greek streaming and distribution company Cinobo, blending its century-old legacy with new energy.
Equally legendary is Cine Aigli, the oldest open-air cinema in Athens. Located in Zappeion, it first opened in 1903. The first film Athenians ever saw under the stars was the French comedy “Ten Women Chase One Man.” More than a cinema, Aigli is a living piece of old Athens. As its official website notes, “Aigli Zappeiou represents the most iconic backdrop for authentic images of old Athens, as seen in many classic black-and-white Greek films shot there.”
And then there’s Cine Floisvos, a gem of the Athenian Riviera. Located in the leafy seaside park of Floisvos in Paleo Faliro, this cinema offers a summer movie experience with a refreshing coastal breeze and the sound of the sea just steps away. It’s a favorite among locals looking to combine a sunset stroll along the marina with a film under the stars. Cine Floisvos is also especially popular with families—its own playground keeps little ones happy before the film, while the kiosk offers finger food, snacks, and cold drinks for a relaxed night out by the sea.
An added bonus for international visitors: in Greece, foreign films are almost always shown in their original language with Greek subtitles, not dubbed. So if you understand the language of the movie, chances are you’ll be able to follow along just fine—no voice actors, just the real thing.
This love for open-air cinema is also immortalized in music. Loukianos Kilaidonis’ song “Ta Therina Sinema” captures the bittersweet charm of watching movies outdoors: memories of youth, the scent of warm nights, and the magic of sharing a screen under the stars. It’s a song that brings summer rushing back with a single note.
To watch a film in an open-air cinema in Greece is to become part of a scene that repeats itself year after year, generation after generation. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the best stories aren’t only on the screen—they’re in the air, the city, the company, and the night itself.
Cine Paris
22 Kidathineon Street, Plaka, Athens 10558
Cine Aigli Zappeiou
Zappeion Garden, Athens 10557
Cine Floisvos
Flisvos Park, next to Flisvos Marina
Paleo Faliro 175 61, Athens Riviera
