Bilbao City Retreat Experience

Northern Spain’s urban gem

Bilbao is the cultural heart of northern Spain, making it an unexpected but memorable spot for a work retreat.

With its cutting-edge architecture, art-forward energy, and buzzing gastronomy scene, this Basque city is ideal for teams seeking something different.

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Why 

Bilbao

?

Why choose 

Bilbao

for a retreat?

What makes Bilbao great for team-building is its blend of creativity and accessibility. Teams can start the day with strategy sessions in industrial-chic venues and end it over pintxos in the Casco Viejo.

The Guggenheim Museum and modern riverfront area add a dynamic backdrop for a retreat focused on innovation, bonding, and perspective-shifting conversations.

Get 3 personalized venue proposals

Team building activities in

Bilbao

We've put together a list of

team-building activities for company retreats in

Bilbao

, including options that work well for both small and large teams.

Walking tour in Bilbao - Team 1
Walking tour in Bilbao - Team 2
Walking tour in Bilbao - Team 3
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Walking tour in Bilbao
Stand-up paddleboarding in Bilbao - Team 1
Stand-up paddleboarding in Bilbao - Team 2
Stand-up paddleboarding in Bilbao - Team 3
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Stand-up paddleboarding in Bilbao
Bike tour in Bilbao - Team 1
Bike tour in Bilbao - Team 2
Bike tour in Bilbao - Team 3
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Bike tour in Bilbao
Boat tour in Bilbao - Team 1
Boat tour in Bilbao - Team 2
Boat tour in Bilbao - Team 3
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Boat tour in Bilbao
Food tour in Bilbao - Team 1
Food tour in Bilbao - Team 2
Food tour in Bilbao - Team 3
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Food tour in Bilbao
Canoeing in Bilbao - Team 1
Canoeing in Bilbao - Team 2
Canoeing in Bilbao - Team 3
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Canoeing in Bilbao
Scavenger hunt in Bilbao - Team 1
Scavenger hunt in Bilbao - Team 2
Scavenger hunt in Bilbao - Team 3
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Scavenger hunt in Bilbao
Escape Room in Bilbao - Team 1
Escape Room in Bilbao - Team 2
Escape Room in Bilbao - Team 3
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Escape room in Bilbao

Sample

Bilbao

Retreat Itinerary

Pintxos evenings in Casco Viejo, leadership sessions near the Nervión, and a coastal walk in Getxo shape this retreat agenda in Bilbao.

Day 1: Arrival & Basque Welcome

Easy start with local flavor

  • 14:00–18:00Airport transfers & hotel check-in (Abando / Casco Viejo)
  • 18:30–19:30Welcome drinks along the Nervión river
  • 20:00–22:30Pintxos tour across Casco Viejo
  • 22:30+Optional drinks in local bars

Day 2: Leadership Sessions & Coastal Reset

Deep conversations with space to reflect

  • 08:30–09:30Breakfast at hotel
  • 09:30–11:00Leadership alignment (strategy & priorities)
  • 11:00–11:30Coffee break
  • 11:30–13:00Roundtable discussions
  • 13:00–14:30Lunch
  • 15:00–19:00Main activity: Trip to Getxo coast & walk along cliffs near the Vizcaya Bridge
  • 20:30–23:00Dinner at a modern Basque restaurant

Day 3: Wrap-up & Culture

Final insights with a cultural touch

  • 08:30–09:30Breakfast at hotel
  • 09:30–11:00Final leadership session & key takeaways
  • 11:00–12:30Visit to Guggenheim Museum
  • 12:30–14:00Farewell lunch
  • FlexibleDepartures & transfers

Discover Spain on a corporate retreat

FAQs about company retreats in

Bilbao

Is Bilbao a good destination for a corporate retreat or team offsite?

Bilbao is a strong choice for teams that want a cultural city with a modern edge and access to nature. A company retreat in Bilbao combines architecture, food, and a more local Basque atmosphere, making it ideal for teams looking for something different from typical Spanish destinations.

How do teams usually travel to Bilbao for a retreat?

Most teams fly into Bilbao Airport (BIO), which is about 15–20 minutes from the city center by taxi or bus. The airport has good connections across Europe, and the city is also reachable by train from Madrid and other major cities.

What is the best time of year to plan a corporate retreat in Bilbao?

May to June and September to October usually offer the best conditions, with temperatures around 18–26°C. Summers are mild compared to southern Spain, while winter is cooler and more suited to indoor-focused retreats.

Which areas are best to stay in Bilbao for a company retreat?

Abando is central and practical for logistics, Casco Viejo offers historic charm and a lively atmosphere, and areas near the river provide modern hotels with easy access to key locations. The best choice depends on your retreat style.

What team-building activities can be organized in Bilbao?

Teams often plan pintxos tours, cooking classes, guided city tours, hikes in the surrounding hills, and day trips to nearby coastal towns like Getxo or San Juan de Gaztelugatxe. The region is especially strong for food and culture-based activities.

How long should a corporate retreat in Bilbao last?

A 3 to 4 day retreat is typical. This gives enough time for meetings, one or two key activities, and social evenings without making the schedule feel rushed.

What makes Bilbao different from other retreat destinations in Spain?

Bilbao stands out for its mix of industrial heritage and modern transformation. The combination of the Guggenheim Museum, Basque culture, and proximity to the coast creates a more distinctive and less tourist-heavy experience.

Can Bilbao support both work sessions and leisure activities?

Yes, the city is compact and well connected. Meeting venues, restaurants, and activity locations are all within short distances, making it easy to structure productive days.

What should companies consider when planning a retreat in Bilbao?

Weather can be less predictable than in southern Spain, so it helps to plan a mix of indoor and outdoor activities. Booking restaurants in advance is also important due to the popularity of the food scene.

What kind of food and social experiences can teams expect?

Teams can enjoy Basque cuisine, especially pintxos, local wines like txakoli, and group dinners in lively bars and restaurants. Social experiences often revolve around food, with evenings spent exploring different neighborhoods.

💛 Wall of love 💛

We recently worked with Surf Office to plan an offsite for our team in Sintra, Portugal and the experience was excellent. Elke went above and beyond throughout the entire process, even driving to visit the location herself to ensure everything was perfect. She was instrumental in securing a restaurant that opened exclusively for our group, making the experience truly special. The hotel was lovely, with breathtaking views that provided the ideal backdrop for both work and relaxation. The space was perfect for connecting, brainstorming, and fostering team collaboration. Every detail was thoughtfully managed. We would wholeheartedly recommend Surf Office to others looking to host memorable and productive retreats!

Natasha
Chief Human Resources Officer

Romane LeBrec-Foulatier was a fantastic partner in planning this event. She did a wonderful job of introducing the planning project via Coda and then was extremely helpful and conscientious in helping us plan toward the event. I always felt that I could depend on her follow-up and she was clear and articulate in her guidance. She was also proactive in flagging items that needed extra consideration or in raising potential issues with the schedule or venue or planning. We really loved the Coda site that she created to for planning and also the Coda dashboard that we shared with the team; the team found it very helpful as well. Lastly, Romane was critical in helping on our last day in France when the taxi drivers were on strike - she very quickly implemented a contingency plan and helped us communicate it to the team through the Coda site. Similarly. Álvaro Pérez-Segnini was very helpful in helping us choose the Chantilly location. He understood the parameters of the offsite and got back to us with multiple proposals in a limited time frame. He helped us understand which option would be the best for us and he helped us negotiate the best space and the best price.

Jen
Operations and Administration

Great offer - hotel did fit perfectly with our expectations. Danielle who took care about our company did a great job, was super available before the event and was a great help to accommodate with every impediment and change we faced and find the best solution for us. Also during the event, she was always available to make our stay a awesome moment.

Jean
Senior Director of Engineering

We had such a fantastic experience working with SurfOffice! It was our very first time getting external support for our company retreat – and we couldn’t have asked for a better partner. From the very beginning, we felt incredibly well taken care of. The regular check-ins helped us go through every detail and made sure nothing was overlooked. And in the end, everything turned out exactly as we had hoped! The implementation was seamless, and the SurfOffice team was always there to support us – even during the retreat itself. A huge thank you for your time, effort, and amazing support. You truly made our retreat an unforgettable experience. We can’t wait to work with you again next year!

Victoria
Operations & Office Manager

We had an amazing experience! Everything was perfectly organized from A to Z. As a vegan company, it’s usually quite difficult to find places that can fully accommodate our needs — but the Surf Office team handled everything with ease. They weren’t afraid of any request, preference, or extra thing we asked for. The communication was smooth, fast, and friendly throughout the entire process. We truly appreciated the attention to detail and how flexible and supportive the team was. We can’t recommend them enough!

Elya
Executive Assistant

I have just wrapped up my fourth annual retreat with Surf Office, this time hosted in Mallorca, and as always they created the perfect experience for myself and my team. Our sales representative Giselle was brilliant, she listened to what we needed and came back with venue options that were perfect for our budget and vibe. Romane was my main contact throughout for the logistics. We had some last-minute changes and she managed everything like a pro, even securing us refunds when we had a cancellation. This is why I keep coming back to Surf Office for our annual event. They actually care about making the retreat something special. It's that personal touch that makes all the difference.

Claire
Head of Operations and Community

We recently worked with Surf Office to plan an off-site retreat for 105 people, and the experience from start to finish was absolutely seamless. From the initial proposal stage, through planning, to on site support, everything went perfectly, and we honestly couldn’t have done it without them. A special thanks to Alvaro and Elke. Alvaro was our initial intro to Surf Office, and working with him on proposals for the retreat was a pleasure. He understood our needs and helped shape the retreat options. Once the planning stage began, Elke took over as our retreat planner. She made everything feel completely in hand and ensured that every detail was looked after. Nothing was ever too much to ask. On site, Fernanda and Bibi were fantastic. With their support, everything ran super smoothly, and we had all the help we could possibly need. The feedback we received was overwhelmingly positive, everyone LOVED the trip! A huge well done to the whole team. We couldn’t recommend them enough.

Kevin
CEO

Our team had an amazing experience working with Surf Office. From the very first conversation, their team was incredibly communicative, organized, and attentive to every detail. They made the entire retreat-planning process smooth and stress-free from venue coordination to activities and logistics, everything was handled with care and professionalism. What really stood out was their responsiveness and ability to anticipate our needs before we even mentioned them. It’s clear they truly understand what makes a company retreat successful. If you’re looking for a partner who combines efficiency, great communication, and genuine hospitality, look no further than Surf Office. We couldn’t recommend them more!

Ierusha
Sr Executive Assistant

I had a wonderful experience working with the SurOffice team. I’d like to specifically highlight Raquel and Giselle, who have been incredibly supportive from day one. They were always proactive in checking in, handling last-minute requests, and doing so with the utmost professionalism and politeness. This was my second time working with the team, and it was an absolute pleasure. I would definitely look forward to collaborating with them again in the future.

Sandhya
HR Operations Manager

Team building activities

The most popular team building activities are surf lessons, SUP lessons and tapas night but there are plenty more to choose from.

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Bilbao

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