Open-air cinema on the islands: the back story

About Open-air cinema on the islands: the back story

By the ULTIMATE Greek Islands Editorial Team

Editor-in-Chief: Jai Michael

The summer cinema, the therinó, is one of the great Greek traditions. From May to September, open-air cinemas open in gardens, courtyards and old fortresses across the islands, and a film under the stars becomes part of the holiday.

The summer cinema

Long before air conditioning, Greeks found the perfect way to watch a film on a hot night: outdoors. The summer cinema, the therinó, is still loved today, with deckchairs or director’s chairs, a little bar for beer and popcorn, and the stars overhead. The season generally runs from May to September (visitgreece.gr).

Island favourites

Some island cinemas have become sights in their own right. Cine Manto sits in a garden in the heart of Mykonos town; Cine Kamari on Santorini, at the entrance to Kamari village since 1987, has been voted by travellers among the top ten open-air cinemas in Europe; and in Heraklion films are shown inside the city’s Venetian fortifications (visitgreece.gr; mykonos.gr; Greek News Agenda). Many other islands, from Aegina, Hydra and Poros to Paros, Naxos, Syros and Kos, have their own summer cinemas too.

From May to September, open-air cinemas open in gardens, courtyards and old fortresses across the islands.

Our tips

Films are shown in their original language with Greek subtitles, so you can enjoy the latest releases. Screenings start after dark; arrive early for a good seat, bring a light jacket and some insect repellent, and check the programme locally, as island cinemas change their films often.

Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with Open-air cinema on the islands: the back story before you go.