Athens Open Air Cinemas

From late spring the indoor cinemas in Athens largely close and the open-air ones take over, screens set up in walled courtyards, on rooftops and in gardens with deckchairs, small tables and bougainvillea over the walls. Some have run since the 1950s. Films start after dark, drinks come to the table, and at a few of them the Acropolis is lit up behind the screen.

What you actually see

• The courtyard screens - films shown in walled gardens among the buildings.
• The rooftop cinemas - the ones with the city and the Acropolis behind.
• The table service - drinks brought to you during the film.
• The old venues - some running continuously since the 1950s.

When to go

May to September is the season; they close for the winter. Screenings start after dark, later in midsummer. Weekends fill up.

Honest expectations

Sound carries badly at some venues and street noise competes. Films are usually shown in the original language with Greek subtitles, which suits foreign visitors but not everyone. Seats at the popular ones need booking.

Nearby

Plaka is central, and Thiseio has several of the best known.