Alicante: Cooking Class with Private Chef and Local Wine

Imagine spending an afternoon in Alicante, not just as a tourist, but as an active participant in its culinary culture. For around $168 per person, you get a three-hour hands-on cooking experience, led by a private chef who also doubles as a licensed tour guide. This experience is hosted right in your own accommodation within Alicante or nearby towns within a 50 km radius, making it a truly personalized way to explore Spanish cuisine.

What we love most is the opportunity to prepare and enjoy dishes made from fresh local ingredients—learning techniques and recipes that can stay with you long after your trip ends. Plus, pairing these courses with carefully selected Alicante wines elevates the entire meal, giving you a taste of the region’s best wines alongside traditional dishes.

A small caveat: this experience isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, which is worth noting if accessibility is a concern. It’s ideal for travelers looking for an authentic, intimate culinary adventure in a relaxed setting. Whether you’re a food lover, a wine enthusiast, or someone eager to learn local recipes in a fun way, this class offers a practical, memorable experience that goes far beyond just eating out.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

Personalized Experience: Hosted in your own accommodation, making it a very private and relaxed setting.
Authentic Cuisine: Focus on local Alicante dishes and tapas with fresh ingredients.
Expert Hosts: Chefs and guides who know Alicante’s food and wine scene inside out.
Wine Pairings: Carefully chosen Alicante wines to complement your meal.
All-Inclusive: Ingredients, preparations, table service, and cleanup are included—no stress, just fun.
Flexible Availability: Check the schedule for a time that works for you, with options to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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A Practical Dive into the Experience

Location and Coverage

This cooking class takes place within Alicante province, covering towns like Torrevieja, Benidorm, Altea, La Zenia, and Orihuela. The experience is designed to suit travelers staying in or near these areas, providing a convenient way to indulge in local cuisine without having to navigate unfamiliar restaurants or markets.

The host, a licensed tour guide and seasoned food lover who has traveled and cooked across South America and Europe, promises an authentic taste of Alicante’s culinary traditions. This dual expertise—both as a guide and chef—means you’ll get insights into regional ingredients, food customs, and wine pairings that you might not find in a typical restaurant.

What’s Included and What’s Not

For $168, you get a comprehensive package: a private chef to lead the cooking, a licensed guide to enrich your understanding, all ingredients, menu design, transportation (within the specified radius), and clean-up. The only caveat is that hotel pickup isn’t included—so you’ll need to be at your accommodation or a designated meeting point to start.

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Timing and Duration

The experience lasts around three hours, with starting times that vary, so be sure to check availability. This duration is perfect for a leisurely afternoon, giving you ample time to learn, cook, and enjoy your meal without feeling rushed.

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The Itinerary: What You’ll Actually Do

Once you’re settled in, your hosts will lead you through the process of preparing an Alicantino meal that begins with a selection of local tapas. These small bites are the perfect way to introduce you to regional flavors, seasoned with local herbs and prepared with fresh ingredients.

Next, you’ll move on to a main course—a traditional dish from Alicante—crafted with your own hands. The chef will share techniques and tips, making it easy for you to replicate these recipes at home. The meal culminates in a light dessert, paired with Alicante wines specifically chosen to match each course.

Authenticity and Quality

Reviews highlight the knowledgeable guides and excellent wine choices, which elevate the experience. One reviewer, Irma Bos, shared, “Super nice building with nice people, delicious cooked and eaten! We really enjoyed it!!” That sense of warmth and authenticity is exactly what makes this experience stand out.

Why It Works

The benefit of a private, in-home setting is that it removes the typical restaurant atmosphere—no crowds or noise—allowing you to focus entirely on the food, the wine, and the hosts’ stories. Plus, you walk away with new cooking skills and a deeper appreciation for Alicante’s culinary traditions—both of which can be a lasting souvenir of your trip.

The Value

Compared to dining out, this experience offers a more immersive and educational approach, combined with the pleasure of sharing a meal you helped create. The inclusion of local wines makes it a well-rounded tasting adventure, and the fact that everything (ingredients, preparations, cleanup) is taken care of means you can simply relax and enjoy.

Who Should Take This Tour?

This class is perfect for solo travelers, couples, or small groups eager to learn authentic Spanish recipes in a relaxed setting. It suits food lovers who enjoy interactive experiences and wine enthusiasts who want to explore Alicante’s regional wines. Since it’s hosted in your own accommodation, it’s especially appealing for those wanting a personalized, private experience rather than a noisy tourist attraction.

If you’re seeking a fun, educational, and intimate way to explore Alicante’s culinary scene, this class hits all those marks. Just keep in mind the accessibility considerations if mobility is an issue.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included?
No, the experience starts at your accommodation within Alicante province. You’ll need to be on-site or arrange to meet the hosts at a designated spot.

How long is the experience?
It lasts about three hours, which is enough time to cook, learn, and enjoy your meal without feeling rushed.

What’s included in the price?
All ingredients, menu design, transportation (within the specified radius), table service, and cleanup are included. The hosts also provide a private chef and a licensed guide.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility for your travel schedule.

Is this experience suitable for all diets?
The description emphasizes traditional local dishes and tapas, but it’s best to contact the provider directly to discuss any dietary restrictions.

What kind of wines are served?
The wines are specifically chosen to pair with your courses, highlighting the best of Alicante’s local wine scene.

Is this experience accessible for wheelchair users?
No, this experience is not suitable for wheelchair users, so plan accordingly.

Final Thoughts

This Alicante cooking class offers a delightful blend of authentic cuisine, expert guidance, and regional wines—all in a cozy, private setting that feels like a visit to a friend’s home. It’s a fantastic way to connect with local culture in a hands-on manner, perfect for those who want more than just a meal out and prefer to learn and participate.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a curious beginner, you’ll appreciate the personalized attention and delicious results. The fact that the experience is hosted by knowledgeable guides who genuinely care about sharing their love for Alicante makes it genuinely special.

In the end, if you’re looking for an authentic, intimate, and educational taste of Alicante, this experience ticks all the boxes—delicious food, fine wine, and a warm, welcoming environment.