Europe’s most amazing outdoor cinemas

A romantic look at some of the greatest open air cinemas

As the sun goes down over Europe’s cities this summer, why not bring a blanket and watch a movie under the stars? Open-air cinemas are one of the highlights of the summer - think La La Land or Dirty Dancing - at sunset, with the city lights sparkling in the distance.

Appealing to different types of travellers, of all ages and backgrounds, there is no better way to have a big night out this summer.

Rooftop Cinema Club, London

Image by Rooftop Cinema Club

Great films deserve great locations and no more so than the Rooftop Cinema Club. It will be showing Hollywood films in four different locations across London. With its panoramic views and romantic sunsets, it’s the ultimate outdoor movie experience. This year they’ll be showing Mary Poppins, La La Land, Reservoir Dogs, Back To The Future, and much more.

When: 4 May-September 2017

Where: Bussey Building (Peckham), Queen of Hoxton (Shoreditch), Roof East (Stratford) and Roof Gardens (Kensington)

Cost: £15+

Website: www.rooftopfilmclub.com/london

Sala Montjuïc, Barcelona

Image by Sala Montjuïc

The Sala Montjuïc is an open-air cinema situated in the Barcelona's Montjuïc Castle gardens. All films are shown on the big screen and are sometimes accompanied by live concerts. If you don’t want to take a picnic, there are street food stalls and lots of delicious organic snacks available.

When: 30 June-4 August 2017

Where: Montjuïc Castle, Barcelona

Cost: €6-15

Website: http://salamontjuic.org/en/

Locarno on the Lake, Switzerland

Image by Fèlix González (Flickr/Creative Commons)

Locarno on the Lake takes place on the northern fringe of Lake Maggiore with the Alps sitting pretty in the distance. It’s one of Europe’s oldest cinema festivals and seats 8,000 people every year. Movie fans will get to watch the best Hollywood flicks on a gigantic 26 x 14 metre screen in a beautiful historic piazza.

Where: Piazza Grande, Locarno

Cost: CHF 17

Website: https://pardo.ch/pardo/festival-del-film-locarno/home.html

Cine Paris, Athens

Image by Stephanie Klasen (Flickr/Creative Commons)

Screening art houses flicks, cartoons and Hollywood classics opposite the Acropolis, Cine Paris is the oldest outdoor cinema in Greece. It was originally created by a Greek hairdresser who once lived in Paris. Appealing to locals and tourists alike, there is no finer way to see out your holiday than watching a film underneath the stars.

When: May-Sept 2017

Where: Plaka, Athens

Cost: Tickets on Tuesdays & Wednesdays cost €5

Website: http://www.cineparis.gr/

Cinéma en Plein Air de la Villette, Paris

Image by Conseil départemental des Yvelines (Flickr/Creative Commons)

The summer highlight of the Parisian calendar, Cinéma en Plein Air is one of the romantic open-air cinema locations in Europe. Bring some wine and cheese and unwind on a manicured lawn in the City of Light. With its urbane selection of French art house movies and vintage classics, this is one of the best free attractions in Paris.

When: 12th July- August 20th

Where: Parc de la Villette, Paris, France

Cost: Free

Website: https://lavillette.com/en/evenement/open-air-cinema/

*Header image by Sala Montjuïc