With 44 countries and over 800 cities, the possibilities are endless when organising a company retreat in Europe. This creates great opportunities, but it also makes it near impossible to decide where to take your team.

To help you decide, we’re revealing our 20 favourite European corporate retreat locations.

And we aren’t just hazarding a guess here. 

We’ve been to these cities and experienced them in real life. 

So, after organising over 850+ offsite retreats for companies like Google, Hotjar and Shopify, we’re ready to share our favourite corporate retreat locations in Europe.

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1. Lisbon, Portugal

We’ve hosted corporate retreats in Lisbon since day one and our love for this place grows deeper with every visit. Visually, it’s a masterpiece. Castelo de São Jorge overlooks cobbled streets and terracotta-tiled homes, the River Tagus spills into the Atlantic Ocean and a wild coastline gives way to pristine sandy beaches. The aesthetic beauty alone is enough to keep your team entertained for days, perhaps weeks.

But Lisbon isn’t just a pretty face. Here, tradition and modernism are seamlessly integrated. Sun-kissed fishermen sip Sagres on the terraces while businessmen commute to the office. You can work hard in Lisbon, but you can play hard too.

There’s so much to see and do that it’s difficult to whittle down the options. Plus, everything is accessible by foot or public transport. Fancy a surf lesson? Simple catch a train to Carcavelos Beach. Want to explore the fairytale palaces of Sintra? Take the train from Rossio Station. We’ve organised hundreds of corporate retreats in Lisbon and we’re still discovering new team-building experiences with every visit!
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2. Madrid, Spain

Madrid is an old city steeped in history and culture. The Prado Museum, for example, is an enormous art gallery contained within an impressive neoclassical structure. It exhibits incredible works from the last two centuries and houses the largest holdings of Bosch, Titian, El Greco, Rubens, Velázquez and Goya.

Madrid is a paradise for art fanatics 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 paintball, axe throwing, go-karting and more.

The weather, too, does not disappoint. Positioned in the centre of the Iberian Peninsula, Madrid experiences an ever-changing climate as seasons progress. Spring sees the city’s gardens burst into colour, summer brings clear skies and scorching temperatures, autumn paints the city in orangy-brown hues and winter applies a blanket of powdery snow.
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3. Prague, Czech Republic

Prague is one of Europe’s most popular city-break destinations. It’s built a reputation for world-class lager, stunning architecture and affordable prices—a combination that lured almost 2.5 million tourists in 2021.

When we started planning corporate retreats in 2013, Prague immediately stood out as a great location. The city can be explored easily on foot, making it easy for large groups to travel to and fro from their accommodation. Within a stone’s throw of your hotel, your team can enjoy excellent shopping and gastronomic districts, cultural attractions and a huge variety of team-building experiences.

When the time comes for work, you can take your  team to one of the city’s many offices. Here, your employees can leverage their newfound friendships and make progress on work-related tasks.
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4. Porto, Portugal

Porto is a coastal city in Northern Portugal, well-known for the production of “port”—a fortified wine produced in the Douro Valley. It is one of the oldest cities in Europe, home to historical buildings, delicious seafood and picturesque streets. The city was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996.

Here, restaurants and cafés command stunning views over the Douro River while colonial structures painted in yellows and reds preside over the water’s edge. It’s a colourful cityscape, best enjoyed from the comfort of a local café or during a relaxing stroll along the promenade.

As the expat population booms, trendy hotels, modern coworking spaces and exciting team-building experiences are popping up throughout the city. This creates the perfect environment for a productive company retreat. Whether you’re looking to brainstorm ideas or improve employee relationships, Porto has what you’re looking for.
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5. Berlin, Germany

Berlin is the European nucleus of art and individuality. It champions liberty and freedom of expression, inspiring people of all ages and cultures to discover their talents, chase their dreams and make a difference. What better place to inspire your workforce during an offsite retreat?

In this melting pot of culture, you’ll find an endless variety of team-bonding experiences to enjoy. Employees can spend the afternoon browsing the local galleries and museums, exploring the city on a treasure hunt or immersing themselves in the world of VR.

We love bringing teams to Berlin. There’s a level of creativity and diversity here that surpasses any other city in Europe. It’s the place to visit if you need to rekindle a lost spark or find inspiration for a challenging project.
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6. Gran Canaria, Spain

Gran Canaria embodies everything that Surf Office believes in. Year-round sun, beachfront offices and excellent waves. This stunning Spanish island is the perfect off-site destination for teams in need of a winter getaway.

In Las Palmas, the island’s largest urban area, you’ll find two gorgeous beaches, contemporary offices and a huge selection of team-building experiences. In a single day, your team can brainstorm new ideas and work on outstanding projects before heading to the beach for a surfing lesson. Why not finish the day with a refreshing cocktail as the sun goes down?

Thanks to the Spanish Canary Islands, a tropical island retreat is never far away for teams in Europe. Getting here is straightforward and everything can be paid in Euros. This makes for a cost-effective and hassle-free company retreat.
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7. Athens, Greece

The city of Athens spills out around the Acropolis of Athens, an elevated outcrop of rock upon which stand the remains of an ancient citadel. These ruins, which overlook the contemporary city, serve as a constant reminder of the city’s historical prestige on the world stage.

A company retreat to Athens delivers culture, history and natural beauty by the bucket load. Once home to world-famous philosophers, scholars, politicians and architects, Athens caters to history buffs in excess. Meanwhile, the contemporary city is alive with inspired businesses and lively shopping districts.

Athens also provides endless opportunities for your employees to get to know each other better. The city’s pleasant year-round climate permits outdoor team-building activities such as windsurfing, rock climbing and paintball throughout the year and there are always museums, galleries and restaurants to discover should the weather worsen.
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8. Tuscany, Italy

Tuscany is an idyllic region in central Italy where rolling green hills, upright cypress trees and charming villages dominate the landscape. It’s home to the historical cities of Florence, Sienna and Pisa as well as Medieval villages like Volterra and Pienza.

A company retreat in Tuscany serves as a much-needed break from the daily grind as well as an opportunity to focus on challenging projects. Here, employees can recharge their batteries with relaxing strolls in the countryside or get their cultural fix in one of the many art galleries.

After marvelling at the works of Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo and Dante, your team can spend quality time in nature. Amidst the rolling Tuscan hills, you’ll find group activities such as whitewater rafting, winetasting, dragon boating and more.
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9. Barcelona, Spain

Logistically, Barcelona is a dream come true for retreat organisers like Surf Office. The city is home to an international airport, countless boutique hotels and an endless variety of things to do, making it easier than ever to bring distributed teams together for a company retreat.

Architecturally speaking, Barcelona is in a league of its own. As your employees explore the city, they’ll crane their necks to admire Gaudi-designed masterpieces such as Park Güell, Casa Batlló and La Sagrada Familia, the latter rising above the city like a fairytale palace. The art scene is equally impressive, with galleries like Galeria Mayoral displaying works from Miró, Picasso and Dalí.

Barcelona is also full of contemporary attractions that take place both inside and outside the city. With the Mediterranean Sea on your doorstep, your employees can build friendships with team-building activities such as kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding.
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10. Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Amsterdam is a modern, egalitarian city full of opportunity. The longer you spend here, the more you feel that anything is possible. This makes it the perfect place to inspire your team on a company retreat.

Thousands of people relocate to Amsterdam every year to further their careers, to enjoy a better quality of life or to start a business. The majority of these migrants are young—full of creativity and passion. This leads to a community of rule-breakers, game-changers and solution-seekers. What better place to spark a creative flame in your team?

Amsterdam is also popular with holidaymakers—some 20 million per year, to be precise. And this demographic is well-catered for. Throughout the city, you’ll discover group activities to satisfy every interest, from brewery tours and canal cruises to rock climbing and yoga.
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11. Sicily, Italy

Sicily is a beautiful Mediterranean island located just off the “toe” of Italy’s “boot”. It’s the kind of place most people dream of visiting, full of enchanting architecture, charming fishing villages and white sandy beaches. It’s a popular destination for holidaymakers, but it’s also a great place to work.

Palermo, the island's capital, is especially well-suited to company retreats. It offers a selection of comfortable hotels and guesthouses as well as a number of functional offices. Not to mention it’s extremely beautiful with lots to see and do.

During your stay in Sicily, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to unwind, socialise and concentrate on projects. Typical days on the island involve eating delicious seafood, exploring the nearby mountain range, swimming in the ocean and sipping Sicilian wines. There are also various organised team-building activities available such as charter boats, cooking classes, escape rooms and more.
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12. Málaga, Spain

Málaga is a popular European holiday destination located in Southern Spain’s Costa del Sol region. It comes as no surprise that a company retreat to Málaga promises sizzling temperatures and endless sunshine—some 300 days per year, to be exact.

The city skyline is mainly comprised of modern buildings and highrise structures, accented by Renaissance and Moorish landmarks. Now a contemporary city, Málaga offers a well-connected infrastructure, premium office facilities and a variety of exciting team-building experiences.

The beautiful sandy beaches, mediaeval castles and charming fishing harbours are the main attractions, as well as the delicious seafood cuisine (you must try the paella). All of which can be enjoyed at an affordable price.
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13. Istanbul, Turkey

Located just 132 kilometres from the Bulgarian border, Istanbul offers a slice of European, Asian and Middle-Eastern culture in one city. It has long occupied a strategic position on the Anatolian Peninsula, the gateway between Europe and Asia, and has been the site of many conquests throughout history.

Every occupying force, from the Byzantines to the Romans, left a distinct mark on the city. These cultural influences and still prevalent, making Istanbul a paradise for historians and anthropologists. It’s also a popular tourist destination, with people flocking from every continent to appreciate the city’s 2,500-year history.

Istanbul’s centralised position now makes it an ideal company retreat location for distributed teams. Thanks to the city’s international airport and modern infrastructure, employees can fly in from every corner of the world to meet in person, brainstorm ideas and enjoy group activities like surfing, culinary tours and glassblowing.
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14. Budapest, Hungary

Budapest is one of Europe’s most versatile company retreat locations. Whether your employees need a relaxing city break or a high-octane team-building week, this colourful city provides everything they need.

The Széchenyi Thermal Baths, for example, offer the perfect place for your employees to unwind and get to know one another. These baths are filled with rejuvenating water extracted from natural hot springs that bubble beneath the city. 

Meanwhile, above ground, you’ll find a variety of exciting team-building activities such as paintball, walking tours, rock climbing and canoeing. The nightlife in Budapest is also highly renowned, particularly the famous “ruin” bars. These are abandoned buildings that have been converted into trendy social hangouts!
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15. Mallorca, Spain

Mallorca is the perfect company retreat destination to break up the routine and inject some fun into your employees' schedules. This Spanish jewel, surrounded by the warm waters of the Mediterranean Sea, will inspire your team and motivate them to complete their best work.

It’s also a great location to bring your employees together and strengthen relationships. Unique team-building activities like yoga classes, charter boats and cooking classes are the perfect way for your employees to create everlasting memories outside the office.

If you’re escaping the office to focus on work-related projects, the island’s capital, Palma, offers excellent offsite working locations. As the work-from-home movement gains momentum, more and more trendy coworking venues are cropping up all over the city.
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16. Munich, Germany

Munich is the capital of the Free State of Bavaria, a region renowned for cultural stereotypes like colourful lederhosen, golden pilsner and fairytale-like castles. It’s one of the most welcoming cities in Germany and well worth considering for your next company retreat.

Inside the city, you’ll encounter contemporary group activities such as escape rooms, Segway tours, and cooking classes as well as a jam-packed agenda of annual festivals like Oktoberfest, Starkbierfest and ​​Kocherlball. As you explore the city with your team, you might even stumble upon city surfers riding the river wave at the Eisbach channel!

And the fun continues once you venture beyond the outskirts of the city. Well-known for being lovers of the great outdoors, Munich locals offer a range of exciting experiences such as rock climbing, canyoneering and alpine hiking.
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17. Rome, Italy

A company retreat to Rome is more than a fun weekend away for your team. It’s a lesson in authenticity from one of Europe’s most battle-hardened cities. In the wake of war, mass tourism and civil unrest, Rome has held on to its integrity. It has stayed true to itself against all the odds and remains, to this day, uniquely Roman.

As well as teaching valuable philosophical lessons, Rome offers endless opportunities for your team to get to know each other. In this modern-day metropolis, you’ll embark on unforgettable team-building experiences such as a guided walking tour. As you follow your guide through the city, you’ll visit iconic Roman landmarks such as the Spanish Steps, Colosseum, Pantheon and more.

As the sun drops below the horizon, the warm summer evenings provide the perfect moment to discover the local bars, clubs and late-night shopping districts with your coworkers.
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18. Valencia, Spain

Valencia is one of our most popular corporate retreat destinations, offering a harmonious blend of relaxing beach vibes and energizing urban living. The majority of tourists opt for the more mainstream destinations of Barcelona and Madrid, making Valencia a great choice if you’re looking to escape the crowds.

This charming seaside city overlooks the glistening waters of the Mediterranean Sea, opening the door to a variety of exciting water-based team-building activities such as stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking tours. Valencia is also a hotspot for food lovers. With the ocean on its doorstep, fresh seafood is served in almost every restaurant. The famous seafood rice dish paella was invented in Valencia and is certainly worth a try!

As Spain’s third-largest city, getting around the city is easy—something we always consider when organising a company retreat. Here, you’ll find a major airport and a well-connected underground network, as well as bus, train and tram routes.
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19. Vienna, Austria 

Vienna is arguably one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. From above, it appears as a patchwork of vibrant green parks and eye-catching imperial structures intersected by narrow cobbled streets. This city possesses a level of grandeur and affluence that’s unrivalled by any other city in Europe.

As a company retreat destination, Vienna promises incredible cultural experiences, unusual traditions, beautiful theatres, imperial palaces and a variety of team-building experiences. The city also offers a host of productive workspaces and comfortable hotels.

If your team need a break from the daily grind, consider taking them on an inspiring trip to Vienna. After all, what better way to motivate your team than a trip to the city where Mozart, Beethoven and Sigmund Freud found success?
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20. Tenerife, Spain

The Canary Islands have long been a popular destination for holidaymakers in search of sun, sea and surf. And now, Tenerife, the largest and most populous of the islands, is becoming a go-to location for companies looking to escape the office.

That comes as no surprise to us. Tenerife is easy to get to, inexpensive, and breathtakingly beautiful. Located just off the coast of Portugal, this 2,000-square-metre island is the perfect place for a company retreat. Here, your team can brainstorm ideas, learn to surf and sip cocktails at sunset without ever setting foot on a train or bus.

With so much to see and do within walking distance of your hotel, you enjoy a level of flexibility that’s not available in many offsite locations. Here, more sedentary team members can top up their tan on the beach while the thrill seekers venture out on team-building activities like kayaking, hiking and stand-up paddleboarding. At the end of the day, everyone can come together for a delicious seafood dinner in one of the local villages.
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Find the perfect location for your next offsite retreat

One of the first considerations you should make is whether or not everyone can easily travel to the location you’ve chosen. If 30 employees need to make 4 flight transfers, followed by a train and a bus, you might want to reconsider whether the city you’ve chosen is logistically viable.

That’s why we created the Location Finder tool.

Now, you can easily determine the approximate costs and flight times for your employees travelling from different locations. Simply select the airport(s) your team will be flying out from and the number of employees and we’ll provide you with a list of recommended destinations.

If you’d like further help planning your next company retreat, don’t hesitate to reach out to a member of our team.