Ioannina isn’t just a city for history and lakes—it’s a lively place to learn about Greek cuisine in authentic settings. From cooking traditional pies in a village bakery to exploring local flavors in a city walking tour, these classes offer more than just recipes; they provide a taste of local life. Our favorite? The Zagori Adventure Off-Road & Cooking Experience combines hearty off-road thrills with an outdoor cooking session in Zagori’s stunning wilderness, making it a memorable mix of adventure and gastronomy. For those seeking a deeper cultural dive, the Ioannina Food & Culture Tour with Cooking Lesson offers a fantastic introduction to Epirus’ traditions and flavors. And if baking is your passion, the Zitsa: Traditional Pies Cooking Class delivers expert guidance on classic Greek pies, paired with visits to local wineries.
Below, you’ll find a quick overview of these four top-rated experiences, each with its own flavor and focus, to help you choose your perfect culinary adventure in Ioannina.
1. Zagori Adventure Off-Road & Cooking Experience
At number one, the Zagori Adventure Off-Road & Cooking Experience combines off-road exploration with a traditional cooking session in one of Greece’s most picturesque regions. This 8-hour tour immerses you in Zagori’s stone bridges, lush forests, and mountain villages. The journey kicks off with visits to iconic sites like Kokkori Bridge and the Vikos Gorge, all accessible by the sturdy 4×4 vehicle. After a scenic drive, there’s a 20-minute hike to the Iliochori waterfall, where you can cool off with a swim—a refreshing break amid nature.
The highlight is the cooking in the woods at Sarakatsanoi settlement, where you’ll prepare a meal using local ingredients. This hands-on experience is perfect for travelers who love outdoor adventures paired with authentic local food. The guide’s knowledge of Zagori’s history and nature adds depth. With a high rating of 5.0 based on five reviews, it’s clear this tour offers a well-rounded mix of scenic beauty, cultural insight, and culinary fun.
Bottom line: If you enjoy combining adventure with authentic Greek cooking in a stunning natural setting, this tour is hard to beat.
2. Ioannina Food & Culture Tour with Cooking Lesson
At number two, the Ioannina Food & Culture Tour with Cooking Lesson is a condensed but rich experience. Lasting around four hours, it offers a walk through Ioannina’s alleys, showcasing local shops, markets, and hidden culinary gems. Along the way, you’ll sample traditional flavors, try local wines, and taste tsipouro, gaining insight into the region’s gastronomical heritage.
The highlight is the hands-on cooking class, where you’ll learn to prepare some of the city’s traditional dishes. This tour is ideal for travelers who want a city-centric experience that combines sightseeing, tasting, and practical cooking skills. The guide’s friendly approach makes it accessible for all levels, and the compact schedule fits nicely into a busy day of sightseeing.
Reviewers appreciate the relaxed pace and the chance to “live like a local for a few hours,” with the opportunity to take home your culinary creations.
Bottom line: Perfect for urban explorers who want to explore Ioannina’s flavors and culture without a full-day commitment.
3. Zitsa: Traditional Pies Cooking Class
Number three on our list is the Zitsa: Traditional Pies Cooking Class, offering a cozy, hands-on baking experience. Over around four hours, you’ll visit Zitsa village—famous for its small historic houses and wine—and learn the secrets of making both savory and sweet pies. The class is led by Kostas and Anna, whose warmth and fluency in English make the atmosphere inviting.
This experience is especially well-suited for those interested in regional culinary traditions. You’ll not only bake pies but also explore the local wineries, sampling the Debina wine and learning about the area’s wine-making history. The reviews mention how delicious everything turned out—”more than enough to take home,” one describes—and the hosts’ genuine hospitality.
The value lies in the combination of hands-on baking, culture, and wine tasting, all in a picturesque village setting. This tour is perfect for foodies who love baking and want to learn in a relaxed, friendly environment.
Bottom line: An excellent choice for baking enthusiasts and wine lovers seeking an intimate, regional experience.
4. Ioannina: Valia Calda Off-Road & Cooking Experience
Finally, number four is the Ioannina: Valia Calda Off-Road & Cooking Experience, which rivals Zagori’s adventure for its blend of nature, hiking, and authentic cooking. Spanning about eight hours, this tour takes you into the Pindus mountains, with a private off-road drive to Valia Calda’s remote forests and mountain lakes.
Highlights include a short hike, swimming in natural pools, and a picnic with local wine and seasonal fruits. You’ll also have time to explore nearby Vovousa village or relax by the Aoos river. The tour’s unique appeal is its combination of mountain air, outdoor cooking, and a peaceful escape from the city.
Rated highly with a 5.0 rating, travelers mention how the experience of cooking and relaxing in the forest feels authentic and immersive. The tour is well suited for active travelers who want to combine nature, adventure, and local flavors in one day.
Bottom line: If you’re craving a full-day escape into nature with a culinary twist, this private tour offers a memorable mix.
$248 per person
How to Choose the Best Cooking Class in Ioannina
When deciding between these experiences, consider your interests and schedule. If you love adventure and outdoor cooking, Zagori’s off-road trip or Valia Calda’s mountain experience are perfect. For a city-based, culture, the Ioannina Food & Culture Tour offers a lively walk through the city’s flavors. And for baking enthusiasts or wine lovers, Zitsa’s pies and winery visits provide a cozy, regional focus.
Budget is also a factor: the Zagori adventure and Valia Calda are longer, more expensive experiences, while the city tour and pie class are shorter and more affordable. Booking early is recommended, especially during peak travel months.
Final Thoughts
Ioannina offers a fantastic variety of cooking classes and culinary experiences suited to different tastes and interests. Whether you’re after an outdoor adventure in Zagori, a cultural city walk, or a hands-on baking session in Zitsa, there’s something to satisfy every foodie. The Zagori Off-Road experience stands out for its blend of nature and tradition, while the Ioannina city tour is ideal for those who want to explore urban flavors. Lastly, the pie class provides a cozy, authentic taste of regional baking and wine.
If you’re planning a trip, consider booking early to secure your spot. Each of these experiences promises not just great food, but a deeper connection to the land and people of Greece’s Epirus region.