Cinque Terre isn’t just a postcard of colorful villages clinging to cliffs and crystal-clear waters. It’s also a fantastic place to learn authentic Italian skills—whether it’s how to make perfect pasta, craft pesto by hand, or taste local wines surrounded by stunning scenery. These classes aren’t just about food; they’re about experiencing the region through its flavors, traditions, and genuine hospitality. We especially love the intimate Small group Pasta and Tiramisu class in Riomaggiore, where a local cook will teach you family secrets in a private home. It’s hard to top learning the art of Italian desserts with a glass of prosecco in hand, all in a setting that feels like visiting friends.
For travelers who want a quick yet rich culinary experience, the options range from traditional cooking lessons to wine tastings paired with vineyard visits. Whether you’re into hands-on pasta classes or want to walk away with new wine knowledge, Cinque Terre offers plenty of ways to add flavor to your trip.
1. Small group Pasta and Tiramisu class in Riomaggiore
At number one, this small group pasta and tiramisu class in Riomaggiore stands out for its highly personalized, hands-on approach. Limited to just 12 participants, it takes place in a private home where a local chef or Cesarina welcomes you like family. The focus is on mastering two types of homemade pasta—such as trofie or tagliatelle—along with a classic Italian tiramisu. What makes this class special is the intimate setting, which allows for personalized tips and shared stories about regional cuisine. Expect about three hours of instruction, with plenty of time to taste your creations and sip sparkling wine or soft drinks.
Guests consistently praise the warmth of the hosts and the authentic recipes they learn to recreate at home. One reviewer notes, “Barbara made the experience incredible—lots of amazing food and wine, like being in a real home.” This tour is perfect for food lovers who want a genuine, memorable experience cooked up by local insiders. The price is $208.15 per person, a fair value considering the personalized attention and delicious results.
Bottom Line: This class offers a true taste of local life, ideal for travelers eager to learn authentic Italian cooking in a cozy setting.
2. Pasta, Pesto and Tiramisu class Riomaggiore, Cinque Terre
For around $137.57, the Pasta, Pesto and Tiramisu class in Riomaggiore offers a shorter, more intimate experience. Hosted in a XVI-century private house, this class begins with a glass of prosecco to set the mood before jumping into creating your own pasta and pesto. The focus here is on producing a well-rounded Italian meal, including the region’s signature basil pesto and tiramisu, while enjoying views from a terrace overlooking the sea.
Luca, the host, is praised for sharing both the history and techniques behind each dish. Guests describe the class as “fun and informative,” with many feeling confident they can replicate the recipes at home. The smaller group size makes it easy to ask questions and bond with fellow travelers, which enhances the experience. Duration is about 2.5 hours, making it a great choice for those short on time but eager for a high-quality, authentic cooking lesson.
Bottom Line: This is a wonderful option for those who want a cozy, hands-on experience with a focus on pasta, pesto, and regional flavors with beautiful sea views.
3. BarCa Winery Cinqueterre Trekking & Wine Tasting & Pesto Class
If wine and scenic views are your idea of a perfect day, the BarCa Winery Cinqueterre Trekking & Wine Tasting & Pesto Class delivers both. For just $68.78, this 90-minute tour combines a vineyard walk through the Barrani-Capellini family’s historic vineyards with a tasting of their DOC Cinqueterre wines, including Rosaluna rosé and Memento cru white. You also get to visit the cellar, where you’ll learn about the winemaking process from grape to bottle.
The highlight is the chance to taste wines directly in the vineyard, then participate in a pesto class at the same site. The host, Andrea, is praised for his knowledge and genuine enthusiasm. Guests rave about the experience: “Trekking through the vineyard while listening to the winemaker’s stories was very enjoyable.” This tour is ideal for travelers who want a relaxed, educational session that combines wine, food, and stunning vistas.
Bottom Line: A compact, value-packed experience for wine lovers who want to combine vineyard exploration with hands-on pesto making.
4. Home Cooking Class & Meal with a Local in Riomaggiore
At number four, this Home Cooking Class & Meal with a Local in Riomaggiore offers a private, immersive experience. For about $207.07, you’ll join a local host in their kitchen to learn and prepare three traditional dishes from the region—likely including fresh pasta, pesto, and a dessert—then sit down to enjoy a festive, homemade meal with wine.
What sets this apart is the flexibility of a private lesson tailored to your group’s age and skill level. Reviewers emphasize the warmth and friendliness of the hosts, describing the experience as “relaxing, authentic, and very special.” The three-hour duration ensures you get hands-on practice, plus plenty of conversation about local life.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers craving an intimate, personalized introduction to Cinque Terre cuisine, with the bonus of a full meal afterward.
5. Cinque Terre: Gnocchi & Pesto Class with Seaview in Riomaggiore
For $224.12, the Gnocchi & Pesto Class in Riomaggiore combines hands-on cooking with breathtaking scenery. This three-hour session includes creating traditional gnocchi and Genovese pesto in a home with sweeping sea views. Afterward, you sit down to enjoy your creations while sampling local wines and fresh fruit or dessert prepared by your Cesarina host.
The class is highly praised for its picturesque setting and interactive format. Some reviewers mention the challenging walk uphill from Riomaggiore, but most find the effort worthwhile for the memorable experience. Guests appreciate the opportunity to learn authentic recipes in a friendly environment. It’s an excellent pick for those wanting a comprehensive cooking experience paired with spectacular vistas.
Bottom Line: A memorable, scenic cooking class ideal for those who want to combine culinary skills with stunning coastal views.
6. Pesto Class and Wine Tasting in Vernazza, Cinque Terre
This Pesto Class and Wine Tasting in Vernazza offers an authentic, hands-on experience of Liguria’s signature sauce. For just $72.01, you’ll learn how to make pesto by hand in a traditional cellar, then taste it with local wines and cheeses. The instructor guides you through the process of grinding ingredients with a mortar and pestle, which enhances the flavor and gives you real insight into regional cooking.
Guests find the experience both fun and educational; one reviewer calls it “delicious and very informative,” noting that the instructor’s passion shines through. The small-group format makes it personal, and the accompanying wine tasting complements the cooking lesson perfectly. It’s suited for travelers who want a quick, engaging activity that deepens their appreciation for Ligurian cuisine.
Bottom Line: Great for foodies who want to learn the art of pesto making paired with local wines in an intimate setting.
7. Cinque Terre Pesto Making Class, Boat Tour and Lunch
For a full-day adventure, the Cinque Terre Pesto Making Class, Boat Tour and Lunch offers an immersive experience from Manarola. At $335.55, it combines a pesto class, a scenic boat cruise along the coast, and a delicious lunch, with the option of vegetarian meals. You’ll start with a pesto demonstration, then hop on a boat to see the coastline from the water, ending in Vernazza with free time to explore.
This tour is perfect for those who want a mix of hands-on activity and sightseeing. The boat ride adds a special touch, giving you a different perspective of Cinque Terre’s colorful villages and rugged coast. Guests love the seamless combination of learning, leisure, and local flavor, though some mention the boat ride can be slow due to regulations. Still, the experience is memorable and family-friendly.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers seeking a well-rounded, active day with food, scenery, and a splash of adventure.
8. Cesarine: Trofie, Pesto, Tiramisu Class by the Sea in Cinque Terre
Finally, this Trofie, Pesto, Tiramisu Class by the Sea offers an authentic regional experience in Riomaggiore. Priced at $231.55, it combines making traditional trofie pasta, a fresh pesto, and mastering tiramisu—each a regional specialty—while enjoying the sea views. The class lasts about 2.5 hours and provides a hands-on approach, with participants actively involved in each step.
Though it has only one review, the description emphasizes a detailed, professional approach to regional dishes, perfect for those eager to learn both pasta and dessert techniques in a seaside setting. It’s best suited for travelers who want a focused, regional culinary experience.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for those wanting to deepen their culinary skills with authentic recipes by the sea.
$231.55 per person
How to Choose the Right Workshop in Cinque Terre
Picking the best culinary experience depends on your interests, schedule, and how much you want to spend. If you’re after a deeply personal, home-based lesson, the Small group Pasta and Tiramisu class is hard to beat. It’s perfect for foodies eager for an authentic, intimate encounter. For a shorter, scenic class that combines learning and stunning views, the Gnocchi & Pesto class offers a lot of value in just three hours.
Those interested in wine should consider the Vineyard and wine tasting tour, which pairs vineyard walks with tastings and pesto making. For a full-day experience with sightseeing, Pesto, boat, and lunch is perfect. Budget travelers or those looking for quick insights might prefer the Vernazza pesto and wine class, which offers a compact yet rich experience.
When booking, consider the location and physical effort involved—some classes require a steep walk or climbing stairs. Most experiences are best booked in spring or early summer, when weather is mild and scenic.