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SUN, sea and sand are usually found at the top of most people's holiday checklists.

Yet after my recent trip to Athens, it was an evening out at the cinema that I excitedly told my friends about once I got home.

Cine Thission in Athens has views of the Acropolis from its courtyard outside
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Cine Thission in Athens has views of the Acropolis from its courtyard outsideCredit: Supplied
The Acropolis is lit up at night and dominates the skyline around the cinema
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The Acropolis is lit up at night and dominates the skyline around the cinemaCredit: Supplied
Popcorn and entry to the cinema are much cheaper than in the UK
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Popcorn and entry to the cinema are much cheaper than in the UKCredit: Supplied

Sure, the Acropolis, the Ancient Agora and the views from Lycabettus Hill were all amazing and well worth visiting, but Cine Thission - dubbed the world's coolest cinema - turned out to be an unexpected highlight.

I'm fully aware that sitting in a darkened room and staring at a big screen is few people's idea of how to spend time in a hot country - and that's something I would agree with.

However, Thission offers an entirely different experience from what you might expect from a typical movie theatre.

Firstly, it's outside - so you can still enjoy the warm Greek weather, while watching your film.

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Secondly, what's on the screen isn't the only thing worth looking at - with the Acropolis towering well within sight of the outside courtyard where the audience sits.

As night descended and the film started rolling, the Acropolis dominated the skyline, with spotlights shining on the ancient ruins, providing a stunning backdrop to the screen.

Meanwhile, friendly cats roam around the audience, looking to cosy up to anyone kind enough to share their snacks with them, adding to the snug homey atmosphere.

The snacks are cheap enough to share too, with two drinks and a popcorn coming to less than £5 altogether - a bargain compared to the outrageous prices at the sticky-floored cinemas found in the UK.

Ticket prices are similarly affordable, with entry for two totalling £11.45 - less than the price of one ticket at my local Odeon, which has a far less impressive view outside its front doors.

I'm far from the only person to have been impressed by Cine Thission as well - its admirers can be found far and wide, including , who have dubbed it the World's Coolest Cinema on more than one occasion.

It's a fair shout too, with Thission catering for audiences of all tastes.

Thission shows both Hollywood blockbusters and old classic films
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Thission shows both Hollywood blockbusters and old classic filmsCredit: Supplied
The cinema is outside so visitors can watch films beneath the stars
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The cinema is outside so visitors can watch films beneath the starsCredit: Supplied

While screening the latest Hollywood blockbusters, classic films are also shown as well, for those looking to enjoy one of their old favourites beneath both the stars and the Acropolis.

Either way, I'd have been happy watching almost anything on the screen because it was both the ambience and the sense of occasion that really made my trip to Thission memorable.

And I can't help but agree with those who have been before and say it's better than any other cinema I've ever had the pleasure of visiting.

Meanwhile, this cinema in the UK was converted into one of the country's biggest pubs.

And these are the 10 most beautiful Wetherspoons.

The Acropolis looms over the cinema offering stunning views
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The Acropolis looms over the cinema offering stunning viewsCredit: Supplied
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