Central Athens has lots of air-conditioned theaters (mostly multiplexes now) showing new-release Greek, American, and European films. Listings appear in the Athens News, in Kathimerini (the English-language insert in the International Herald Tribune), and in the weekly Hellenic Times.
If you're in Athens in summer, look for listings of neighborhood open-air cinemas; it's a pleasant way to pass an evening, although some old favorites have closed in recent years. Many of the open-air cinemas are family-owned and -run, and all are great places to watch Athenian families watching films -- which is to say, talking to each other, pursuing runaway toddlers, munching snacks, and sipping cold drinks, all the while keeping up a running commentary on the film. We're fond of Dexameni (tel. 210/362-3942) in Dexameni Square, Kolonaki, where there always seems to be a breeze on a hot evening. Cine Paris (tel. 210/322-2071), on Kidathineon in the Plaka, is one of the oldest in town -- and has great views of the Acropolis, as does charming Thission (tel. 210/342-0864) on Apostolou Pavlou, just off the pedestrian walkway that runs around the Acropolis to the Ancient Agora. Don't be surprised if the phone is not answered at these places; times are not always posted at the theater, either. Most shows begin sometime after 9pm.
