Chefcooking Paella from our Andalusian Grandmother at a Family Farm

A Taste of Andalusia: Cooking Paella with La María on a Family Farm in Marbella

Imagine spending an afternoon on a picturesque farm overlooking the Mediterranean, where a talented chef guides you through the secrets of traditional Andalusian paella. For just over $105 per person, this 3-hour experience offers more than just cooking—it’s a genuine glimpse into local culture, family stories, and age-old culinary traditions. Led by María José, affectionately known as La María, you’ll get to learn, taste, and even take home a recipe book to recreate the magic at home.

What makes this tour special? First, the personal touch of María José’s expertise—she’s a Haute Cuisine Chef educated at the Culinary Institute of Barcelona, with roots that run deep through Andalusia. Second, the authentic setting on a family farm with stunning views of Sierra Bermeja and the Mediterranean provides a real sense of place that elevates the experience beyond a simple cooking class.

A potential consideration? The group size is limited to just four travelers, which is wonderful for intimacy but might feel a bit crowded if more guests show up unexpectedly. Still, this small-group approach ensures plenty of personal attention and a warm, family-style atmosphere.

This experience is perfect for food lovers eager to learn authentic recipes, travelers craving an immersive cultural activity, or anyone who appreciates a relaxed, scenic setting to enjoy good company and great food. If you love stories about family farms, fresh local ingredients, and a lively, interactive lesson, this tour will fit the bill.

Key Points

• Authentic Setting: Enjoy a scenic farm with views of Sierra Bermeja and the Mediterranean.
• Expert Guidance: Learn from María José, a chef with formal culinary training and deep Andalusian roots.
• Local Ingredients: Taste and cook with seafood from nearby markets, garden produce, and mountain ingredients.
• Cultural Insights: Discover stories of local farmers, fishermen, ranchers, and traditional Andalusian recipes.
• Inclusive for Dietary Restrictions: Vegetarian options and adaptations for allergies are available.
• Delicious Extras: Start with traditional starters, a refreshing homemade Sangria, and finish with Colombian coffee and cake.

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

The Location: Farm Las Marías and Scenic Views

This tour begins at Las Marías, a family-owned farm in Estepona, just a short drive from Marbella. The setting is idyllic—rolling farmland with a backdrop of Sierra Bermeja, and glimpses of the shimmering sea. This natural environment isn’t just a pretty background; it actively influences the flavors and ingredients used in the dishes. We loved the way María José explained how the farm’s garden and local produce connect with the regional cuisine.

The farm tour itself offers a peek into the local agricultural lifestyle, with stories about the farmers, fishermen, and hunters who have supplied ingredients for generations. It’s a tangible reminder of how food traditions are rooted in community and environment.

The Cooking: Making Paella Step-by-Step

The core of this experience is the hands-on preparation of Paella de la Abuela Andaluza. María José patiently takes you through each step, sharing tips and secrets gathered from her family’s traditional recipes. You’ll learn how to handle fresh seafood, such as mussels and local fish, and how to balance the rice with the right amount of saffron and broth.

The class is designed to be practical, so you actively participate rather than watch passively. As María José explains the process, you can sample starters like cheeses, olives, Iberian ham, and artisanal bread, all served with your choice of drinks, including a homemade Sangria made with local wine and citrus.

Several reviews mention how knowledgeable and careful María José and her team are—she’s described as kind and thoughtful, making sure everyone understands each step. One guest noted, “Paella is pretty technical, and María, Rafael, and Sebastian were so knowledgeable and careful to explain.”

Tasting and Relaxing: The Authentic Meal

Once your paella is cooked, it’s time to sit down and enjoy the fruits of your labor. The meal is complemented by traditional starters, drinks, and a dessert, often Colombian coffee and a homemade cake. The quality of the ingredients shines through, and many reviewers rave about the deliciousness of the food, with comments like “the paella was perfection” and “the food was delicious and plentiful.”

The tour also emphasizes local drinks—the homemade Sangria is a highlight, made with fruits from María José’s orchard, adding a personal touch that elevates the experience. Several guests appreciated the variety of beverages, including wines, beers, and cocktails of María José’s own creation.

Special Touches and Cultural Stories

What sets this tour apart is María José’s storytelling. She shares the history of local farmers and the traditions that have shaped regional cuisine. We loved hearing about how ingredients were often bartered—fishermen trading seafood for farm produce—and how these stories are woven into every dish. It’s a genuine cultural connection that enriches the tasting.

Vegetarian and Dietary Options

The hosts are very accommodating, offering vegetarian options and being flexible with allergies or restrictions. This inclusivity ensures most travelers can enjoy the experience fully.

The Final Details: What’s Included and What’s Not

For $105.74, you receive a full meal: paella with fresh seafood or vegetarian alternative, starters, dessert, and all drinks including soda, water, wine, beer, cocktails, and coffee. The experience lasts around three hours, starting at 1:00 pm.

Not included are private transportation, so plan accordingly. The small group size—max four travelers—means your experience is intimate but may feel crowded if more guests arrive unexpectedly, as some reviews noted.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience suits culinary enthusiasts, especially those wanting to learn authentic regional dishes. It’s also ideal for travelers seeking culture—the farm setting and storytelling create a much richer experience than a standard cooking class. If you enjoy scenic views, good company, and delicious food, you’ll find this tour a delightful way to spend an afternoon.

It’s especially recommended for those who value personal attention and a more relaxed pace. The small group setting fosters conversation and makes the experience feel like visiting a friend’s farm rather than a commercial tour.

Worth Considering

If you’re vegetarian or have specific allergies, confirm beforehand to ensure the accommodation. Also, keep in mind that the tour involves participating in a cooking process, so a willingness to get your hands dirty adds to the fun.

The Sum Up

This paella tour at Las Marías Farm offers an authentic slice of Andalusian life, deeply rooted in family tradition. María José’s warmth, combined with the farm’s scenic setting and fresh ingredients, creates a memorable afternoon that’s both educational and delicious. Whether you’re a serious foodie or simply looking for a meaningful cultural experience, you’ll come away with new skills, tasty memories, and a deeper appreciation for regional cuisine.

The value here isn’t just in the meal—it’s in the stories, the setting, and the chance to connect with local traditions in a personal way. Perfect for those who want more than just sightseeing and prefer to learn, taste, and experience like a local.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
It lasts about 3 hours, starting at 1:00 pm, allowing plenty of time for cooking, eating, and storytelling.

What’s included in the price?
You get a full meal with paella and starters, desserts, all drinks (including sangria, wine, beer, and soda), Colombian coffee, and a recipe book to take home.

Are dietary restrictions accommodated?
Yes, vegetarian options are available, and the hosts can adapt for allergies or other dietary needs if informed in advance.

Is transportation included?
No, private transportation isn’t part of the package. You’ll need to arrange your own way to the meeting point at Las Marías farm.

What’s the group size?
The experience is limited to a maximum of 4 travelers, making it intimate and personalized.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start, for a full refund.

Will I get some cultural insight?
Absolutely. María José shares stories about local farmers, the history of the ingredients, and regional food traditions, enriching the cooking experience.

In summary, this hands-on paella experience combines scenic beauty, cultural storytelling, and culinary skill-building, making it one of the most authentic and memorable ways to connect with Andalusian cuisine in Marbella. Whether you’re a passionate cook or simply eager to enjoy a relaxed afternoon in beautiful surroundings, you’ll find it well worth the price.