Time to turn off the air-con, give the fan a rest and put on some light clothing and get yourself out of the house and into the comfort of the outdoors and the numerous incredible open-air cinemas that Europe has on offer. Not to sure where to start looking? Well, believe it or not we’ve managed to select a short list of the top 10 best open-air cinemas that you have to visit this summer (or the next or the one after).
From historic locations that are vying to steal your attention to unique locations that even the locals don’t know about, prepare to put some of these open-air cinemas on your Bucket Lists.
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Parco di Poggio Arena Cinematografica – Naples
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Do you have trouble concentrating on one thing at a time? Then perhaps this is not the cinema for you. Positioned on the hill top of Parco di Poggio, this unique cinema not only comes with a huge screen floating above a cooling pool of water but also with incredible sunset views of Naples and Vesuvius. I for one would not know where to look first. The cinema hosts all manner of film genres and also a mini-festival that’s called Accordi e Disaccordi, an the best thing is that ticket prices are kept low. Even for the locals, this open air cinema never ceases to cast wonder and excitement over audiences.
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This annual event is a must do when in Barcelona, screening modern masterpieces alongside Oscar-winning classics that changed the face of cinema. It’s held at Montjuic Castle in Barcelona, surrounded by the towering stone walls and located on a hill overlooking the southwest region of the city. It’s a cinema for everyone, something that the festival organisers push to ensure remains, and love the fact that fans of the festival arrive without prior knowledge of what is to be screened but knowing that the selection will be of top calibre. So, if you’re in Barcelona this year, get yourself over to Sala Montjuic.
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Rathausplatz film festival – Vienna
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From live classical shows through to cinema, the incredible Rathausplatz’s beauty is heightened by the wealth of culture that descends upon it during this Summer festival. Now in its 25th year, this year welcomes internationally famed classical musicians, segments of world famous ballets and exclusive screenings of famous tours and musicals. So, if you like your cinema experience with a touch of sing-a-long whilst sat under the stars on one of the world’s most beautiful squares, then this is the place for you.
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Cinema En Plein Air – Paris
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This wonderful open air event in Paris is hosted on the luscious greens of Parc de la Villette, sat on the canal of Saint-Denis and alongside Boulevards des Marechaux and Serurier. The selection being screened varies from French greats through to classic horrors and even twisted psychological thrillers that can’t be missed. This year the theme Home Cinema and explores the famous ‘Homes and Houses’ that have become part of cinema history, the hotel in ‘The Shining’, ‘Shutter Island’ and ‘Moulin Rouge’ for example. Nice, right? For more information, click the link above.
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Arianteo – Milan
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This year, Milan’s Arianteo film festival is located in the old market building just off the beautiful Navigli canals, in the Mercato Porta Genova, which was recently transformed into a seasonal Italian street food market. Amongst classic and contemporary Italian gems of the silver screen, audiences also have the chance to catch some of the best award-winning films of the last decade, including ‘Birdman’, ‘Whiplash’, and many others. The screen in Porta Genova is not the only one open during Summer, and you can catch more films at the stately home just north of Milan in Cinisello Balsamo and even in the wonderful Villa Reale di Monza, a 10-minute train journey out of Milan.
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One of the most famous outdoor cinemas in Rome, if not Italy, is the cinema found on Isola Tiberina, a beautiful historic location on the waters of Rome in the shadow of the impressive bridge of Isola Tiberina. It really is spectacular (just wait until you see it frozen in winter), and is perhaps one of the most romantic, exciting and evocative locations to see a film in Italy. What’s more, is that this boat shaped island is located in the centre of the city yet remains favoured by the locals, often overlooked by tourists. This year they have a special selection of Japanese films running alongside Italian and international favourites.
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Urban Beach Cinema – Madrid
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Wow. Who thought a street market cinema could look so beautiful. Urban Beach Cinema in Madrid is located in the converted Conde Duque, the old barracks of the Royal Guard Corps since 1717. Now, it is an incredible social space and arts centre that supports the arts in all its manifestations. Here, lamps hang over food trucks, special seating and market stalls, with a focus on gastronomy as well as film. The selection is split by day; Monday is Family Cinema day, Tuesday is horror, Wednesday Premiere and New Cinema, Thursday is classics, Friday is sing-along, Saturday is for Sci-Fi and Sunday is cinema made by and starring women.
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The Luna Cinema – across UK
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This incredible travelling cinema takes up camp for 2 or 3 days in each location, an extensive list that stretches to all points of England, including Wales and Scotland, putting on unforgettable cinematic events at some of the UK’s most beautiful historic spots. Ever wanted to watch a musical at the Royal Botanical Gardens of Edinburgh? You can. Ever felt the need to cry with others at Hampton Court Palace? Or watch an Italian classic in Dulwich Park? Check! While most of the films on offer lean towards the thrilling and and fun factor, there are a few numbers on the list that will transport your emotions to new heights, the evenings which in my opinion are the ones not to miss. Check out the listings and make a date people!
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How about a cliffside cinema on one of the world’s richest and most exclusive countries? That’s right, Monaco hosts a mind-blowing season of films at their sea view, cliff-facing cinema each year, and this year is looking better than ever. Each night from 8:45pm from late June to September, a different film is shown in original version with French subtitles, under the stars of the Riviera. What more could you wish for? They promise comfy seating, friendly atmosphere, perfect refreshments and, of course, breathtaking views. See you there.
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…and finally, let’s turn our attention to Greece and the stunning island of Santorini, where you’ll find the delightfully intimate Cine Kamari that doubles up as a cocktail experience not to miss. Easily one of the best open air cinemas in the world, this little beauty is regarded as something everyone should have on their bucket list. It’s garden like atmosphere that’s been thrilling locals since 1987 creates the perfect intimate location for couples and friends and, what’s even better about this place is that you can see a whole mix of genres… including Magic Mike. And how much does a place like this cost? Less than 10 euros…