From the sunny beaches of the Mediterranean to the majestic waves of the Atlantic, and all of the cities full of history, culture and stunning architecture in between, there’s no doubt that Europe is a great destination to host company retreats.
Choosing the right place for a team retreat or offsite can inspire creativity, productivity, and team-building. But finding the one that matches all your preferences can sometimes be a challenge.
Grow Retreats is here to help!
We make it easier for you to find the perfect location for your team retreat. Check out
this article for support on selecting the best corporate retreat location and venue. To get some inspiration, scroll down to see our top picks for best retreat locations to host your next team meeting in Europe.
A company retreat to Athens is a perfect combination of culture, history, and natural beauty. As the home of world-famous philosophers, scholars, politicians, and architects, Athens offers an abundance of historical sites for those who are passionate about history.At the same time, the contemporary city is brimming with trendy restaurants, bars, and a vibrant nightlife scene, offering plenty of opportunities to explore the local culture.
In addition, Athens offers endless possibilities for team-building activities to help your employees bond and create unforgettable memories. With its pleasant year-round climate and unique seaside location, you can enjoy outdoor activities such as sailing, windsurfing, rock climbing, and paintball throughout the year.
Best time to go: September - June
Gran Canaria offers the best of both worlds for your team. Experience adventure in the island’s national park or relax on idyllic coves. With the longest sunshine hours in Spain, it's perfect for immersing your team in nature. This stunning Spanish island provides year-round sun, beachfront offices, and excellent waves, making it an ideal winter off-site destination for teams. Las Palmas offers two beautiful beaches, contemporary offices, and a variety of team-building experiences. Your team can brainstorm new ideas, work on outstanding projects, and enjoy surfing lessons or cocktails on the beach. With straightforward travel and Euro payments, a tropical island retreat is just a short trip away for European teams.
Best time to go: October - May
Your team will easily fall in love with Lisbon, one of the oldest cities in Europe. Its cobbled streets offer iconic views at every turn, perfect for inspiring creativity in your team. And if you're a foodie, you'll appreciate the local delicacies and world-class wine, perfect for bringing your employees together over a good meal.
From the Castelo de São Jorge overlooking the town, the narrow streets with terracotta-tiled homes, to the wild coastline and pristine sandy beaches, Lisbon seamlessly integrates tradition and modernism.
Best time to go: September - May
As the European hub of art and individuality, Berlin embodies the values of liberty and freedom of expression, motivating people of all backgrounds to pursue their passions and make an impact. With its diverse culture, Berlin makes for the perfect destination for an offsite retreat to inspire your team.
There's no shortage of team-bonding activities to partake in, whether it's browsing local galleries and museums, embarking on a city-wide treasure hunt, or immersing oneself in the world of virtual reality.
Best time to go: all year-round
The Portuguese island of Madeira offers a complete package of impressive landscapes, cultural experiences, delicious cuisine, and an enviable climate. After important company updates, create lasting memories with your team by spotting whales and dolphins from a luxurious catamaran or swimming in volcanic lava pools along the rugged coastline.
Best time to go: September - May
If you want to express gratitude for your team's hard work and reignite creative inspiration, there's no better way than treating them to a few days of indulging in Italy's gourmet cuisine under the Tuscan sun. With an abundance of wineries and dining options to choose from, your team will be spoilt for choice.
Best time to go: September - June
Madrid is a paradise for art lovers and historians, but it’s also a modern city that continues to innovate. Over the last few decades, Madrid has added contemporary structures, vibrant shopping districts and numerous urban activities to its diverse portfolio. During a corporate retreat to Madrid, you can spend the morning sipping café con leche and browsing local museums before jumping into team-building experiences such as group painting, go-karting and more.
Best time to go: September - June
Crete, Greece is an excellent location to host a corporate retreat because it offers a unique blend of culture, nature, and adventure. With its stunning beaches, clear blue waters, and rugged mountain ranges, Crete provides the perfect backdrop for team-building activities, hiking, and water sports. The island is also home to some of Greece's finest cuisine, including fresh seafood and traditional Mediterranean dishes.
Additionally, Crete is easily accessible from Europe, with regular flights from major cities across the continent. Whether you're looking to recharge and relax or get active and explore, Crete has something to offer every member of your team.
Best time to go: September - June
Retreat organizers will find Barcelona to be an ideal location thanks to its easy accessibility from the international airport, a wide selection of boutique hotels, and an abundance of activities to choose from.
From the awe-inspiring architecture to the impressive art galleries, Barcelona is a true architectural and cultural gem. Your team can also participate in contemporary team-building activities such as kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding, taking advantage of the city's proximity to the Mediterranean Sea.
Best time to go: September - June
Mallorca can add excitement and variety to your employees' routine, making it an ideal destination for a company retreat. This Spanish gem, surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea, is a source of inspiration that can motivate your team to produce their best work.
Additionally, it is an excellent place to foster relationships among your employees through unique team-building activities like yoga classes, charter boats, and cooking classes, which can create unforgettable memories outside of the office.
Furthermore, Palma, the island's capital, offers excellent offsite working locations for those who need to focus on work-related projects, with an increasing number of trendy coworking venues that cater to the work-from-home trend.
Best time to go: September - June
Valencia is an increasingly popular destination for corporate retreats, offering a unique blend of beachside relaxation and vibrant urban life. Unlike the crowded tourist hotspots of Barcelona and Madrid, Valencia provides a more peaceful atmosphere for team-building activities and relaxation.
This picturesque coastal city is perfect for water-based team-building activities like kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding, and seafood lovers can indulge in fresh and delicious dishes with the famous Valencian paella being a must-try.
As Spain’s third-largest city, Valencia is easily accessible with a major airport and an efficient transportation system. This means that getting around the city is hassle-free and stress-free, making it an ideal location for a company retreat.
Best time to go: September - June
Tenerife, the largest and most populous of the Canary Islands, has been a beloved destination for holidaymakers seeking sun, sea, and surf. But now, it's also a top location for companies looking to break away from the office routine.It's not hard to see why. Tenerife is easily accessible, affordable, and simply stunning.
Situated just off the coast of Portugal, is an ideal place for a company retreat. Your team can brainstorm, learn to surf, and watch the sunset with cocktails in hand, all without the hassle of public transportation.Whether you prefer relaxing on the beach or taking part in thrilling team-building activities like kayaking, climbing, hiking, or stand-up paddleboarding, there's something for everyone. At the end of the day, your team can come together over a delicious seafood dinner in one of the charming local villages.
Best time to go: October – May
Boasting fantastic offices situated in the heart of the historical center, Prague is an ideal location for your upcoming team event. Enjoy a city steeped in rich history, delicious Czech food and beer, and some fun team-building activities. Prague is conveniently accessible, making it a great choice for distributed teams.
Best time to go: all year-round
Krakow, Poland is an excellent choice for a company retreat. The city boasts a wide array of culinary delights, making it a prime location to explore and indulge in tasty Polish cuisine. It is known as one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, due to its rich cultural heritage and stunning architecture.
Krakow is a patchwork of winding cobbled streets and historic buildings that exude charm and character. Furthermore, Krakow combines a vibrant and artistic atmosphere with top-notch working facilities, providing numerous opportunities for team building activities.
Best time to go: all year-round
Sicily, a stunning Mediterranean island located near the southern tip of Italy, is a popular vacation destination that also offers an excellent setting for work-related events. With picturesque architecture, quaint fishing villages, and pristine beaches, it's a place that many people dream of visiting. The island's capital, Palermo, is particularly well-suited for company retreats, providing comfortable accommodations and functional office spaces in a beautiful setting.
During your stay, you'll have plenty of opportunities to relax, socialize, and focus on work projects, whether that means savouring delectable seafood, exploring nearby mountains, swimming in the sea, or enjoying Sicilian wines. Additionally, there are plenty of organized team-building activities to partake in, such as charter boat trips, cooking classes, escape rooms, and more.
Best time to go: October - May
Whether you are looking to plan your corporate retreat in remote rural area or vibrant city, Europe offers a wide range of venues to suit your company’s needs. Be sure to book a venue that can accommodate the size of your team while also offering the best amenities to suit your business needs. Encourage your team to try different activities the venues have to offer such as cooking classes, fitness and wellness classes, and scavenger hunts. This not only makes the corporate retreat memorable but also unifies the team and creates a stress-free, productive environment. Check out
our list of top 12 retreat ideas and activities for more inspiration.
However, organizing a retreat can be an overwhelming task. You may consider working with a professional retreat planner. Companies like
Grow Retreats are dedicated to planning company retreats, and will help you choose a destination and retreat venue, plan your itinerary and activities, and take care of logistical details. If you’d like further help planning your next company retreat, don’t hesitate to
reach out to a member of our team.
