Andalucía is no stranger to the Incentives & Events sector with its outstanding network of communications, cutting-edge facilities, modern infrastructure and high standard of hotel brands. But in many ways it goes beyond that. Southern Spain has managed to become a place where entertainment and business can coexist in perfect balance – something we’re always striving for when arranging a corporate incentive. 

So read on for our Business Traveller’s Guide of all the experiences you simply can’t miss when planning your next travel incentive in Southern Spain. 

Tours and Cultural Activities in and around the Costa del Sol: 

One of the best ways to immerse yourself in the South of Spain’s incredible landscape is with a private tour that takes you off the beaten track and into the heart and soul of the destination – from local gastronomic experiences to historic tours.  

Take Part in a Living History & Private Museum Tour in Malaga 

Really get under the skin of Andalucía and its diverse culture with a tailor-made private tour through Malaga’s historic quarter and museum centre. Enjoy culture-vulture favourites from Museo Picasso and Museo Carmen Thyssen before heading to Alcazaba Fortress for a sunset tour of the fortress, brought to life through the words of the people who once inhabited the historic site.  

Explore Malaga’s Top Sights by Bike, Segway and Tuk Tuk 

See Malaga through the eyes of a local and explore Costa del Sol’s vibrant capital by bike, segway or electric tuk tuk as your guide takes you for a whistle-stop tour of all of Malaga’s top sights including Malaga Cathedral, the Alcazaba, the Roman Theatre and many other incredible monuments.  

Discover the Archaeological Sites in Marbella 

Turn the pages back and uncover Marbella’s historic past with a private tour of the city’s archaeological remains including the Roman villa in Río Verde, Medusa’s remarkable mosaics, La Basilica de Vega del Mar, The Roman Baths and Torre de las Bóvedas. A truly remarkable slice of Andalucía’s past, it’s a perfect chance to show your clients the world beyond Marbella’s beach bars.  

Andalucían Percussion Workshop: 

Create an incentive like no other and take your delegates outside of their comfort zone with an authentic Andalucían percussion workshop. The perfect way to break the ice, stimulate the mind and bond with colleagues, delegates will find themselves immersed in the sounds of castañuelas, cajón and palmas! 

Gastronomic Experiences:  

One of the best ways to immerse yourself in a new destination is through its cuisine. Delve into the flavours and rich aromas of Andalucían home cooking and you’ll soon catch a glimpse of its complex heritage and foreign influence. So, let your clients explore Andalucía through a new lens this year with 8 of these unique gastronomic experiences.  

Organic Produce Workshop 

Treat your clients to a walk among the fruit and citrus trees and unravel the secrets of organic agriculture as you taste freshly picked citrus fruits and vegetables from the garden. Enjoy a natural cosmetics workshop, a locally sourced breakfast and learn about the agricultural land which has built up Costa del Sol’s gastronomy scene. 

A day in the life of a Malaga goat shepherd 

Walk the footsteps of a local shepherd and enjoy a day out in the countryside with a native herd of Malaga goats before diving into an interactive cheese-making workshop. A chance to bring together tradition, nature and gastronomy in the heart of the Costa del Sol, it’s a great option for corporates looking to try something new and really immerse themselves in Andalucían culture. 

Ibérico Ham or Cavier tasting  

Treat your clients to a once-in-a-lifetime immersive experience visiting an organic caviar company, watching the work that goes behind its production and indulging in a spoonful of Cavier themselves. Otherwise, why not take a walk down the countryside and visit the famous Ibérico pics that have become the heroes of Spanish cuisine.  

Espetos and pescaíto frito: 

Synonymous with Andalucían cuisine and a firm favourite among locals, “pescaíto frito” is by far the most authentic dish you’ll get in Costa del Sol. So, why not get involved in a workshop during your time in the province and uncover the hidden secrets to the dish that only a local could know. What better way to immerse yourself in their rich culinary culture! 

Olive Oil Mills: 

The ultimate gastronomic experience, head to the aromatic olive oil mills of the Costa del Sol and learn about the fascinating production process that has become one of the greatest gastronomic treasures in the whole of Andalucia and Spain. Discover the exquisite flavours of Malaga’s famous olives and enjoy the outdoors with your fellow colleagues.  

Local Winery tours: 

Who doesn’t love a tour of a winery? A classic choice for a European incentive, and perfect pairing to a corporate event, wine tasting and vineyard tours are some of the best ways to really get under the skin of a new destination and to treat your top-performing employees. A chance to savour traditional products and digest the beautiful scenery from its trailing vineyards to the calm holm oaks, it makes for an incredible afternoon activity and relaxing end to a busy itinerary. For the best tailor-made visits and experiences, head around the Serranía de Ronda area.  

Local Markets: 

Walk the roads less travelled and embark on a journey through the province’s hidden treasures with a tour through Malaga’s local markets. Meet with chefs and stall holders alike and watch with awe as they welcome you into their world for the day and show you their finest products and dishes. Combine this with a traditional dine around and you’ll have an experience your colleagues won’t forget. 

Michelin-Starred favourites in Marbella: 

Luxurious gastronomy has long been a selling point for incentives in Marbella and with three Michelin-starred restaurants on show, it’s clear to see why. So, treat your clients to a once-in-a-lifetime experience by booking a table at one of Marbella’s sell-out Michelin-Starred restaurants. Choose from El Lago (seasonal Andalucian cuisine using zero-mile produce), Messina (European and Latin American Fusion), Nintai (Japanese cuisine) and Skina (traditional Andalucian cuisine with a modern spin) and prepare for an evening spectacular. 

Sports, Adrenaline and the natural world:  

For a truly unforgettable incentive, take your clients out of their comfort zone with an itinerary that’ll encourage them to try something new and engage with their surroundings. 

Paddle surf and kayaking: 

Put your balance to the test and navigate new waters with an exciting afternoon of water sports on the coast. The perfect way to soak up the beautiful Andalucian scenery while staying active, it’s the perfect pairing to any cultural immersion. Head to the Maro cliffs and waterfalls in Nerja for the best spots.  

Regattas: 

Liven up your itinerary and get your team’s pulses racing with a race across Malaga’s coastline - regatta-style. Let them feel the wind rush through their hair and embrace the hit of adrenaline as they compete as a crew and put their teamwork to the test. What better way to break the ice!  

High-octane adventure:  

Set your sights higher and test your clients’ limits with adrenaline-fuelled incentives that are bound to give them stories for years to come. From go-karting races and 4x4 trails to canyoning, via ferrata, abseiling and ziplines, there’s a whole host of adventures on hand for your team to enjoy. 

Hiking in the great outdoors: 

Malaga and the Costa del Sol boasts an impressive number of beauty spots with its 180km of coastline and vast inland, perfect for sports of all assortments. Head to Senda Litoral for picture-perfect walks or La Gran Senda de Málaga for a tour through Malaga’s best natural parks and conservation areas. 

Fishing Experiences: 

Discover the Costa del Sol’s long fishing tradition with a wide range of immersive fishing experiences off the Estepona coast. See the fishermen at work and find out more about the traditions and cultural heritage that go into preparing pescaíto frito from the boats that arrive on shore to the catch of the day sold that afternoon at the local fish market.  

Fighting Bulls: 

Appreciate the full meaning of the word “toros bravos” with an afternoon delving into the history of bull fighting. The Costa del Sol is home to specialist breeding estates and during their time there, employees can spend time finding out all about the process and the traditions that have fascinated onlookers for years.  

Andalucian horses: 

Ride the trails your ancestors once rode or enjoy impressive equestrian shows as you find out more about Andalucia and why horses have become the symbol of Spanish culture. A great chance for your clients to head outdoors and explore the region in a new and exciting way, it’s a great group activity and makes for a memorable visit.  

Special thanks go to our three destination event partners: Andalucía, Marbella and Costa del Sol for their contribution to this article. These recommendations just hit at the surface of all the region has to offer, so meet with them in person as we head to Marbella later this month and you’ll have everything you need to create a truly once-in-a-lifetime travel Incentive.