Hello Coliver!
August may be the hottest month of the year, yes, but it’s also the one that lends itself best to squeezing the most out of life. Between endless days of sunshine, nights outdoors, beaches, swimming pools and that summer mood that infects everything, there are a thousand ways to enjoy yourself. So, to make sure you’re not short of ideas, here are our recommendations to make this August one to remember. Get your summer on!
Heartstopper (Netflix)
This series is a warm hug in the form of chapters. It tells the story of Charlie and Nick, two boys who meet in high school and end up falling in love. It’s sweet, bright and super wholesome. If you feel like watching something nice, with good LGTBI+ representation and that leaves your heart soft, this is THE choice.
Tokyo Vice (HBO Max)
Want something different? This series takes you straight to the streets of Tokyo in the 90s, with an American journalist who delves into the dark world of the yakuza. It’s stylish, intriguing, with an incredible setting. A gem for those looking to get away from the typical and get hooked on a story with a Japanese noir vibe.
The Summer I Turned Pretty (Amazon Prime Video)
Ideal if you’re in a romantic summer mood. A love triangle, family trouble, parties on the beach and that nostalgic air of the summers that mark you. It’s like a mixture of “Ten feet above the sky” and “To all the boys I’ve loved before”. Simple, beautiful and saucy.
Only Murders in the Building (Disney+)
Do you like true crime and weird comedies? Here’s a perfect combo: three neighbours (Selena Gomez, Steve Martin and Martin Short) investigate a murder in their building while recording a podcast. It’s got humour, plot twists and a lot of style. An original series that doesn’t take itself too seriously, but grabs you.
Sex Education (Netflix)
This series is a perfect mix of comedy, drama and a lot of sex education (the good kind). Set in a British high school, it follows a group of teenagers trying to understand love, sex, identity and everything that happens when you’re growing up. Funny, emotional and with characters you’re going to love (or hate, but they won’t leave you indifferent). Plus, it’s already complete, so you can watch it in one sitting this summer.
Past Lives
One of those films that doesn’t need fireworks to move you. It’s about two people who meet again years after being inseparable in childhood. It’s subtle, elegant and very emotional. If you like stories about fate, about “what might have been” and how we grow up over time, this one will strike a chord with you.
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
This movie is a visual bomb. Out-of-this-world animation, fast-paced and a story that goes beyond the typical superhero stuff. It’s fun, exciting and has a lot of heart. Even if you’re not a fan of the Marvel universe, it’s worth seeing because it’s so spectacular.
Mean Girls
Because the classics never fail. “Mean Girls is that movie that you can watch 20 times and still laugh the same. It has mythical lines, unforgettable characters and a very sharp (and hilarious) portrayal of high school. Ideal for a night out with friends, pizza and nostalgia.
Barbie
Yes, Greta Gerwig’s Barbie. And yes, it’s as funny as it is critical. A film that starts in Barbie’s pink world and ends up talking about identity, patriarchy and the meaning of life. All with a brutal aesthetic and with Ryan Gosling stealing scenes. If you haven’t seen it yet, run.
Her
Joaquin Phoenix falls in love with an artificial intelligence voiced by Scarlett Johansson. It sounds weird, but it’s a beautiful story about loneliness, modern love and human connection. It’s visually stunning, and if you like films that make you think, this is one of the best.
Todas las almas – Javier Marías
A novel that seems quiet but has many layers. A Spanish professor at Oxford, ambiguous relationships, secrets and reflections on life and literature. Marías writes with tremendous elegance, and if you’re in the mood for something more “intellectual” but very enjoyable, this is a top choice.
Heartstopper (vol. 1-4) – Alice Oseman
If you saw the series, you’re going to love the comics. If not, this is a great entry point. It’s an adorable, positive teen romance, with a very thoughtful depiction. Plus, being a graphic novel, you read it in no time. Perfect to take with you to the pool or the beach.
El infinito en un junco – Irene Vallejo
A love letter to books and their history. Although it sounds dense, it is written as if it were a novel. It takes you on a journey through time as you discover how libraries, ideas and the human need to tell stories were born. A book for culture lovers.
We on the Moon – Alice Kellen
Are you a fan of love stories that simmer, with emails, messages and years in between? This novel has that and more. Romantic, thoughtful and with characters that grab you. Very easy to read and very emotional.
Un verdor terrible – Benjamín Labatut
Tales based on real events that mix science, madness and philosophy. From Einstein to Schrödinger, all told with an incredible narrative style. If you like weird, brilliant and brain-bending, this is the book for you.
“Ojitos Lindos” – Bad Bunny & Bomba Estéreo
Pure Caribbean vibe, melancholic and sensual. Ideal to play in the background while you watch the sunset or take a walk along the shore. It has that mix between chill and romantic that only Bad Bunny knows how to do.
“Tóxica” – La Zowi
A song with attitude. One of those that make you feel invincible even if you’re sweating on the underground. Spanish Trap with its own style, perfect to set the mood at night.
“Il cielo in una stanza” – Gino Paoli
An Italian classic full of romanticism. If you’re into vintage or want to throw an evening with a retro vibe, this song is a must. It sounds like red wine, warm lights and a terrace in Rome.
“Padam Padam” – Kylie Minogue
The queen of pop is back with a danceable, catchy and totally summery song. If you need an excuse to get your dance on while you’re cooking or tidying up your room, here it is.
“Despechá” – Rosalía
Although it’s been around for a while, it’s still a summer anthem. It’s fresh, fun and has that ‘I’m having a good time and I don’t care about anything’ vibe. A must for any August playlist.
Madrid
Summer cinema in the Parque de la Bombilla
Peli under the stars, on a deckchair, surrounded by people and with delicious food. What more could you ask for? It’s one of the classics of Madrid’s summer and every year the programme gets better and better. Take a snack, a light blanket and enjoy.
Climb the Moncloa Lighthouse
If you’ve never seen Madrid from above, now is the time. The viewpoint of the lighthouse offers you an amazing panoramic view. Ideal to go there at sunset and then go down for a drink in Argüelles.
I wander around Malasaña and Conde Duque
Nice cafés, second-hand shops, hidden galleries and bars with personality. It’s the perfect place for an afternoon with no fixed plans, just let yourself go and discover new places.
Municipal swimming pools such as Lago or Casa de Campo
The heat in Madrid in August is heavy, so a trip to the public swimming pool is the best thing to do. Cheap, accessible and very Madrilenian. Take sunscreen, cool water and enjoy without hassle.
Mercado de Motores (second week of the month)
Live music, street food, vintage clothes, art? All this inside the Railway Museum. It’s a perfect alternative plan for a weekend.
Malaga
Open-air cinema in Malagueta
Watching films with your feet in the sand and the sound of the sea in the background is a luxury that Malaga offers for free. Choose a good film, grab a snack and enjoy the most magical plan of the summer.
Chiringuitos route along the coast
From El Palo to Pedregalejo, Malaga is full of chiringuitos where you can eat fried fish, have a cool drink and watch the sea. Order an espeto and a caña, and let yourself be carried away.
Climb Gibralfaro Castle at sunset
The views from the top are insane. Go up when the sun starts to set, bring some water and get ready for one of the best selfies of the summer.
Paddle surf at sunrise
If you get up a little early (just a little), you can live a brutal experience. The sea is calm, the sky is changing colour and you’re there, paddling calmly. There are organised tours all along the coast.
Malaga Fair (from 15 August)
Music, lanterns, ‘casetas’, ‘rebujito’ and lots of art. If you’re in Malaga on these dates, don’t hesitate: dress up as a fair and go out dancing. During the day in the centre and at night in the Real.
As you know, this August there are no excuses to get bored: series, books, good music and great plans. Summer is yours, go out and live it!
