Athens’ oldest (and perhaps best-loved) open-air cinema opened in 1903 in the garden of stately Zappeion Hall, next to the former palace and royal gardens (now the Parliament and National Garden). With its verdant setting, Aegli is regarded by many as one of Europe’s most beautiful open-air picture houses. The cafe offers superior snacks, such as souvlaki skewers and burgers. Roll out the red carpet for romantic date. Book a private screening on the veranda of Cine Aegli (for up to 8 people, at an extra charge) — with the option of a private dinner prepared by the chef at elegant Aegli restaurant next door.

Dexameni opened in 1905, right on the roof of the Roman Hadrian’s Aqueduct and water tank (dexameni means cistern in Greek). The cistern supplied Athenians with water until about the mid 20th century. It operated as a cinema until 1909, when it was used as a stage for traditional shadow-puppet theatre, reverting to a cinema in 1991. Cool, green Dexameni square has a laidback island vibe. After the movie, join the locals for an ouzo, coffee or meze at popular Dexameni café under the trees. On Wednesdays, Dexameni offers two tickets for the price of one.

Cine Paris has a chequered past. First opened in Plaka in 1920 by a Greek hairdresser who had fallen in love with the city of Paris, the picture house moved to its current location on Kidathineon Street—only to shut a few years later due to financial difficulties. In 1986, the kiosk owner across the street bought and reopened it. Your attention will be deliciously divided between what’s on the screen and the magnificent Acropolis view visible from the terrace. The bar stocks a great range of whiskeys and warm cheese pies. Don’t miss the shop selling retro film posters, next to the ticket booth.

Sitting pretty on Apostolou Pavlou, the pedestrian street that meanders around the Acropolis hill, Cine Thision has been operating since 1935. Another contender for the world’s most beautiful open-air cinema. Enjoy the glorious view of the illuminated Acropolis and the film of your choice with one of the snack bar’s unusual delicacies. We recommend thinly sliced bottarga with a glass of organic wine. The ice-cold sour-cherry drink (vyssinada) is amazingly refreshing, as is the home-made sour cherry preserve drizzled on ice cream.

Zefyros began life in 1932, hosting Greek shadow-puppet and varieté theatre. It closed in the early 1970s owing to financial hardships, but in 1988, re-opened in its current guise in hip Petralona. To see documentaries, old classics, experimental and independent films that preserve the “old Athens vibe”. (Note that foreign language films have Greek subtitles.) Zephyros is a favourite hang-out for Petralona’s bohemian set—and the neighbourhood cats who stroll proprietarily around the pebbly courtyard.

Across the street from the historic Blue Condominium in edgy Exarchia, this outdoor cinema opened in 1938. Vox may not be the fairest of them all—but it has a great backstory. The Blue Condominium is a 1930’s apartment block, admired by the modernist architect Le Corbusier. Its initial dark blue colour (now sadly it is painted white) was chosen by Spyros Papaloukas, a renowned Greek artist of the day. Past residents include many famous politicians, artists and intellectuals. The cinema terrace overlooks the 24-hour hustle of Exarchia square—great for people-watching if you find yourself bewildered by the arthouse films (in various languages) that Vox specialises in.

Open since 2003, this is one of the newest open-air cinemas in Athens.  For an outdoor cinema experience by the sea, that’s still comfortably close to the city-centre. Located in the Flisvos Marina Park in Palio Faliro, about a 15-minute drive from downtown Athens (or a pleasant 20-minute tram ride from Neos Kosmos), this 500-seat venue lets you enjoy the Athenian sea breeze while watching the latest blockbuster. Forget popcorn: here, you can munch on tasty meatballs, kalamaki (pork skewers) and loukoumades, fluffy little doughnuts served with a scoop of ice-cream.