The Aegean Cooking Class

A Taste of Santorini: The Aegean Cooking Class Experience

Imagine stepping into a lively, welcoming kitchen in Santorini, where you are greeted by the smell of freshly baked bread and the warmth of expert chefs eager to share their secrets. For around $115 per person, you get approximately three and a half hours of hands-on cooking, led by skilled local chefs, with the chance to learn how to prepare traditional Cycladic dishes. The tour begins at Ftelos Brewery, where you’ll meet your guide, a professional chef, and dive into a culinary adventure that ends with you savoring the very meal you created. This experience is perfect for food lovers, curious travelers, or anyone wanting to bring a delicious piece of Greece home.

What we love most about this class is the personalized instruction from knowledgeable chefs, making complex recipes approachable, and the unique brewery setting that adds a relaxed, modern twist to traditional Greek cuisine. Plus, the inclusion of local ingredients and craft beer makes the whole experience feel authentic and special.

One consideration worth noting is the small group size—a maximum of 10 travelers—which is wonderful for intimacy and personalized attention but can fill up quickly, so booking well in advance is advisable. Also, since the class takes place in Santorini, you’ll want to consider transportation arrangements to and from the brewery.

This hands-on cooking class suits travelers who enjoy culinary experiences, want to learn practical skills, and love tasting and sharing good food. It’s especially recommended for those who appreciate local produce and a relaxed, friendly atmosphere—plus, it’s a fantastic way to meet fellow foodies from around the world.

Key Points

• Authentic Cooking Experience: Learn to prepare traditional Cycladic dishes with professional guidance.
• Unique Venue: Ftelos Brewery offers a modern yet cozy setting, combining craft beer culture with local cuisine.
• Inclusive Menu: The class includes ingredients, supplies, and a delicious 4-course meal to enjoy.
• Small Group Setting: Max of 10 travelers ensures personalized attention and interaction.
• Excellent Reviews: Consistently high ratings for food quality, ambiance, and knowledgeable staff.
• Value for Money: At $115, you receive a comprehensive, memorable culinary experience.

Why This Cooking Class Stands Out

Santorini is famous for its stunning vistas, sunsets, and volcanic history, but its culinary scene offers equally compelling delights. The Ftelos Cooking Workshop takes you beyond simply eating local food; it teaches you how to recreate it. Imagine impressing your friends back home with Cycladic recipes, or simply elevating your own cooking repertoire with authentic Greek techniques.

The class’s 3.5-hour duration strikes a nice balance—long enough to cover multiple dishes, yet not so long as to be overwhelming. You’ll start by meeting your chef and quickly get into the kitchen, where the atmosphere is relaxed and encouraging. The focus is on hands-on learning, so you won’t be passively watching; instead, you’ll chop, mix, and cook, gaining confidence in executing these dishes yourself.

The menu is designed to showcase local ingredients like cherry tomatoes, capers, and dry onions. You might be preparing cod croquettes in beer batter, a fresh salad, and pork fillet with a local stout and mustard-rosemary sauce. These are dishes that truly reflect Santorini’s flavors—simple, fresh, and satisfying.

Post-cooking, you’ll settle into a state-of-the-art brewery area, where you can enjoy your meal in a modern, inviting space. The experience includes a welcome craft beer and mineral water, with the meal comprising bread, salad, a main course, and a delightful dessert. Several reviews note the high quality of the food, with comments like “the food was also amazing” and “the food we prepared was delicious.”

What to Expect: A Step-by-Step Breakdown

Meeting at Ftelos Brewery

Your journey begins at the MALT Restaurant in Ftelos Brewery in Karterádos. The location is accessible, close to public transportation, and offers parking options, which is helpful if you’re staying outside the town center. The small group size, often only three to ten people, guarantees a more personalized experience, allowing your chef to give individual tips and attention.

The Cooking Session

Once settled, you’ll be introduced to your chef, “Chef Mike” in many reviews, who will guide you through preparing four classic Cycladic dishes. Expect a hands-on approach, with clear instructions, tips on local ingredients, and perhaps some stories about the dishes’ origins—adding depth to your learning experience.

The recipes are designed to be approachable, even for culinary novices, but also satisfying for seasoned cooks. The ingredients, sourced locally, ensure authenticity, and the supplies provided will help you execute each step smoothly. As you cook, you’ll pick up useful techniques, like how to prepare the perfect batter or balance flavors typical of Greek cuisine.

Sampling and Dining

Following the cooking, you’ll move to the brewery’s high-end, intimate dining area. Here, you will enjoy your self-made 4-course meal, complemented by a craft beer and mineral water. This part of the experience is as much about savoring your effort as it is about sharing the joy of good food in a convivial setting.

Reviews consistently describe the meal as “delicious,” with many highlighting the bread, salads, and main courses. One guest noted that the beer was very good, which makes sense given the brewery setting. The atmosphere is described as “top notch” and “welcoming,” making it a perfect place to relax and discuss your culinary creations.

Wrap-up and Reflection

After your meal, the experience concludes back at the starting point, leaving you with not only new cooking skills but also fond memories and, possibly, some new friends. The entire process is designed to be fun, relaxed, and educational—a true taste of local life with a friendly, professional team guiding the way.

Authenticity and Value

Many travelers appreciate how this experience combines learning with tasting. Unlike typical cooking classes that might feel rushed or overly commercialized, this one receives high praise for its informative yet relaxed atmosphere. The small group size ensures you get plenty of interaction and personal attention, which many reviews find valuable.

Considering the price of $115, you’re getting more than just a meal—you’re gaining practical skills, local knowledge, and a memorable experience. The inclusion of local ingredients, supplies, and a craft beer adds to the perceived value, creating an experience that’s both educational and enjoyable.

Who Should Book this Experience?

This class is ideal for foodies, anyone interested in Greek cuisine, or travelers who want to bring a piece of Santorini home through their cooking. It’s perfect for small groups or couples looking for an intimate, engaging activity that combines learning, tasting, and socializing. If you enjoy interactive experiences and want to understand what makes Cycladic dishes special, this is a solid choice.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is the tour suitable for vegetarians?
While the menu features meat dishes like pork fillet, you might find vegetarian options or alternatives, but this isn’t explicitly stated, so it’s best to ask when booking.

How long does the class last?
The cooking activity itself takes around 3 hours and 30 minutes, including the meal afterwards.

Where does the experience start and end?
It begins and ends at Ftelos Brewery, Karterádos, Greece, making it convenient if you’re staying nearby or using public transportation.

Are drinks included?
Yes, each participant gets a craft Ftelos Beer at the start, along with bottled water. Other drinks are not included.

Can I book this experience last minute?
The average booking is made about 69 days in advance, so last-minute reservations might be challenging, especially during peak seasons.

What if the weather is bad?
The class is held at an indoor or outdoor spot, depending on weather conditions, so it should proceed as scheduled.

Is this experience accessible for service animals?
Yes, service animals are allowed, making it accessible for travelers with disabilities.

Are there parking options nearby?
Yes, parking is available, which is helpful if you’re driving.

What is the group size?
The maximum is 10 travelers, ensuring a personal and engaging experience.

What’s the cancellation policy?
This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed after booking. If the minimum number isn’t met, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This?

If you’re looking to dive into Greek cuisine and want a fun, interactive, and authentic experience, this cooking class checks all the boxes. It’s perfect for those who appreciate local ingredients, small-group intimacy, and learning practical skills they can take home. With consistent rave reviews about the delicious food and friendly atmosphere, it offers good value for travelers eager to deepen their culinary understanding of Santorini’s flavors.

While it might not be ideal for those seeking a large, touristic experience or with strict dietary restrictions without prior arrangements, it remains one of the best ways to connect with local culture through food. For food lovers or curious travelers, this class offers a memorable slice of Santorini life—one that’s tasty, educational, and fun.

In summary, the Ftelos Cooking Workshop is a delightful way to spend a few hours in Santorini. It combines hands-on learning, local flavors, and a welcoming brewery setting, making it a worthwhile addition to your trip if you want to bring home more than just photographs. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a complete beginner, you’ll leave with new skills, a full belly, and some great stories to tell.