Athens is one of the few European cities where you can watch a movie in an open-air cinema. This type of cinema is known as therino in Greek (theros means summer) and can be found in many city neighborhoods. It has always been a favorite place of the Athenians for a summer night out. The movie is not always important, as long as you sit and watch while drinking a cold beer and eating a snack.
Perhaps the most special of these cinemas is, in my opinion, Zefyros in Petralona. The history of Zefyros begins in the distant year 1932 when it started as a venue for variety shows. In the following decades, it was converted into a cinema following the rise in popularity of cinema as a form of entertainment and the heyday of Greek cinema. In the 1980s, its owners make a brave decision that will result in Zephyros differentiating itself and becoming a favorite destination for the city's cinephiles. They decided that Zephyros would show only older classic films and more recent works by important world cinema artists. As a result, it became a favorite haunt of Athens' cinephiles, where they discover a revealing, original, demanding, restless, and authentic cinema. Here is where viewers, myself included, got to know the worlds of Bunuel, Welles, Tarkovsky, Ozu, Bergman, and many more emblematic filmmakers.
Today, in defiance of contemporary trends, Zefyros continues its solitary course, and every summer evening is full of people who want a genuine cinephile experience.
Find your way with 263 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nothing can prepare you for the burst of colors when you enter the mezzanine studio: rich shades of blue and green, along with vintage furniture and paintings.
by
My walk usually ends up in Valitsa, a beautiful cafe and restaurant. Valitsa has a unique interior, with one wall covered by old, authentic suitcases.
by
A nice dessert is a perfect conclusion to a satisfying meal or an accompaniment to a delicious coffee. But in Koukouvaya, a cafe in the center of Athens, enjoying an excellent dessert becomes an end goal in itself.
by
"Kimolia" in Athens is a family-owned, all-day cafe hidden in the central narrow streets of Plaka. I love their orange-flavored chocolate...
by
Blame the Sun in Athens is the newest taproom in Koukaki! This bar emerged in the quarantine - maybe that's why it's called that way?
by
Amandine's Bagels on Nikis streets in Athens is where I get my breakfast from. My favorite bagel from there has avocado, salmon and a special sauce!
by
"Nolan" is one of the finest restaurants in Athens. It provides a Greek-Japanese gastro experience you shouldn't miss.
by
Visiting the "Hammam Baths" in Athens is a very pertinent experience, as the city is a mixture of Eastern and Western cultures. Relax with a massage...
by
The meticulous look and distinct flavour of Pâte et Crème's sweets are captivating. And the perfectly balanced sweet and sour lemon tart is unforgettable.
by
They run a busy schedule of publication-related talks, readings, performances, and exhibitions in their project space every year.
by
263 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 263 Insider Tips