As the years go by, many of us find ourselves caring less about the days spent at the beach than the number of films we’ve seen under the stars. Open-air cinemas offer an experience you won’t find in the dark halls of movie theaters. While the latter immerse us in the world of a film, the former are an inseparable part of the Greek summer.

As we near the second half of the summer season, here are five of the most beautiful open-air cinemas on the Greek islands, each promising a movie night to remember.

Cine Kamari, Santorini

Tucked away in the village of Kamari, this beloved cinema has been enchanting moviegoers since 1987. It gained international recognition when The Guardian named it one of its readers’ top ten cinemas: “Just outside town is the most chilled place to watch a movie on the planet. You can recline, near horizontal, in a luxury deckchair, breathing in the heady mix of joss sticks and other herbal aromas, with a cocktail from the bar on the table beside you and the Greek stars twinkling above.” Its frequent screenings of Mamma Mia have won it a place in the heart of moviegoers from all over the world.

Cine Kalisperitis, Kimolos

A cinema with no fixed location, no schedule, and no ticket numbers, Cine Kalisperitis is an island experience like no other. Run by the volunteer group Kimolistes (AMKE), this pop-up cinema can appear on a beach, inside a castle, or in a remote, uninhabited village. As long as the wind is below three Beaufort, the screen goes up. At sunset, as the film begins, 300 lanterns are released into the sky, creating a scene more magical than any on the screen.

Cine Kipos, Hania, Crete

Nestled in the Municipal Garden of Hania, Crete, Cine Kipos holds the title of Greece’s oldest still-operating open-air cinema. Established in 1912, it has remained a cultural cornerstone of the city for more than a century, despite changes in name and location. Surrounded by trees that provide natural shade and coolness, and with the historic clock tower just beside the screen, Cine Kipos offers an atmosphere that blends nostalgia with summer-night serenity.

Cine Pallas, Syros

Where the Municipal Grocery once stood in Ermoupoli now lies one of the island’s cultural gems: Cine Pallas. The old, covered food market, originally built during King Otto’s reign, was transformed into a cinema following its post-war decline. Opened in 1950, Cine Pallas is now a must for any visitor to Syros; a place where echoes of history mingle with the buzz of a summer audience.

Cine Rex, Mytilinioi, Samos

A symbol of resilience and community spirit, Cine Rex has been serving up stories since 1930 (indoor) and 1969 (open-air). Just last summer, a fire threatened to halt the show, destroying the kitchen area where the cinema’s signature loukoumades (Greek doughnuts) were prepared and served free to guests. But Cine Rex bounced back, surrounded by trees and the scent of basil, continuing its tradition as a beloved gathering place for generations of locals.