Chic, trendy, and fashionable, Marbella is Spain’s Saint-Tropez… Marbella is easily accessible from most French airports. It boasts first-class hotels, restaurants (some with a Michelin star), designer boutiques, and a selection of the most significant golf courses in Spain. This makes it an ideal destination for your corporate retreats as it has something to offer culture enthusiasts, thrill-seekers, foodies, and sun-lovers. Marbella is also very close to the trendy Puerto Banus and just a stone’s throw from Ronda, one of Andalusia’s most historic cities. With many majestic buildings, small shops, art galleries, bars, and bistros, it’s a hub of activity day and night offering many options for your team to relax, discover, and have fun.
The beaches of Marbella
No matter what time of the year you visit Marbella, a visit to the beach is a must. The Costa del Sol boasts miles of sandy beaches, one of the best being located just a 10-minute drive east of Marbella, in the Cabopino area. Along these beaches, you’ll find charming beach bars, known as chiringuitos, serving drinks and typically Mediterranean cuisine, on the sand.
2. Playa de San Pedro de Alcántara
The area around Marbella is known for its magnificent beaches, enjoyed by hundreds of people every day in summer. San Pedro beach is one of the most popular seaside resorts, just a few kilometers from the city. Awarded the Blue Flag in 1992 for the excellence of its facilities and cleanliness.
The area is also adorned with numerous beach bars and restaurants. With a length of one kilometer and a width of 35 meters, its large size means it never seems too overcrowded; and with bike paths for those more active on the beach, it’s a great place to relax during your team retreat in Marbella.
3. Old Town
The oldest part of Marbella is a real find. It’s a maze of pedestrian streets with red tiles and crazy paving. The buildings are all whitewashed and topped with terra cotta roofs, many dating from the Renaissance. Some are wrapped in bougainvillea. Indeed, the entire area is lit up with flowers. The old quarter is ideal for showing your colleagues the city’s “old” architecture. A moment of relaxation and discovery during your offsite in Marbella.
4. Museum of Contemporary Spanish Engravings
Founded in 1992, this museum is the first of its kind in Spain. Located in the old town of Marbella, this 16th-century building once housed Mayor Don Alonso de Bazán and is now recognized as a protected building of cultural interest (BIC). The building still harmonizes with the original Renaissance style of the 16th century.
It is dedicated to Spanish prints and graphic works from the 20th and 21st centuries but also houses the offices of the Marbella cultural delegation. The works include those of Picasso, Chillida, and Tapies. Over two hundred exhibitions have been presented, and the museum also organizes the National Engraving Awards each year. Every year, the awards showcase a variety of Spanish art in mediums such as engravings, lithographs, and woodcuts.
5. Puerto Banus
Whether you’re a jet-setter or just want to get a feel for how the rich and famous play on the sunny Costa del Sol, Puerto Banus is undoubtedly the place to go.
Spain’s most fashionable marina, located just 6 km southwest of Marbella, offers everything from sandy beaches to luxury shops, exclusive restaurants, and vibrant nightlife.
Here, you’ll find streets casually lined with renowned boutiques; spectacular multi-million dollar yachts moored in the harbor; as well as a plethora of elegant party venues to entertain you day and night.
The Hermitage of Santiago
The Ermita de Santiago is the oldest Christian parish church in Marbella. Dating back to the 15th century, following the conquest by the Catholic Monarchs, the site was previously a mosque.
The design is very simple, featuring a rectangular nave covered with Moorish tiles and a statue of the Apostle Saint James. The side of the church overlooks the Orange Square in Marbella’s old town and is close to many restaurants and shops, convenient for a cultural and relaxation day during your team retreat in Marbella.
The Santiago Chapel is also placed next to the church, where the offices of the Brotherhood of the Holy Christ of Love, Mary, Charity, and San Juan Evangelista are found.
7. Fontanilla Beach
Among the urban beaches of Marbella, Fontanilla Beach is just a few steps from the city center and is popular with tourists and locals. Stretching from Marbella’s marina to the promenade and with countless bars and restaurants nearby, this area is perfect for a day of relaxation.
It is 1,000 meters long and 30 meters wide, offering plenty of room for your colleagues on a beach classified as “high occupancy”. Many also choose to try out a number of activities offered here, with jet skiing being a popular choice.
8. Ralli Museum
Located along Marbella’s famous Golden Mile, the Ralli Museum houses a comprehensive collection of works by contemporary Latin-American artists. It actually claims to be home to Europe’s most significant collection of Latin-American art. It’s one of five Ralli museums; however, it is the only one in Europe.
The Marbella Ralli Museum specializes in surrealist style works, although it also features other contemporary works in both permanent and temporary exhibitions. There are ten art rooms to admire, including works by famous European artists such as those by Miró and Dalí.
9. Golf Courses
The pleasant climate all year round, along with the abundance of high-quality golf courses and resorts dotting its breathtaking landscapes make Marbella one of the leading golf destinations in Europe.
Marbella’s golf valley is home to more than 15 high-quality golf clubs, most featuring courses designed by the finest artists in the field. Among the most prestigious are La Quinta Golf Club, Los Naranjos Golf Club, and the legendary El Paraiso, but there are also excellent newcomers that will delight all golf enthusiasts, whether they are experienced or beginners. A relaxing moment for your corporate retreat in Marbella.
10. Avenida del Mar
This beautiful promenade leads from Alameda Park to Venus Beach, next to Marina Marbella. It is a wide pedestrian avenue adorned with palm trees, meticulously trimmed hedges, and several public art works. The bronze sculptures were designed by the surrealist Salvador Dalí in the 20th century. You could easily spend a few minutes admiring them, perhaps from one of the beaches along the way.