Polignano a Mare is famous not just for its stunning cliffs and crystal-clear waters, but also for its authentic Puglian cuisine. This charming seaside town offers some excellent opportunities to learn about and taste traditional pasta, especially orecchiette and cavatelli—the region’s signature shapes. We particularly love the Pasta Making Cooking Class with Drink because it combines hands-on cooking with local wines, making it a fun and tasty way to experience Apulian food culture. If you’re interested in making pasta yourself, you’ll appreciate how this class emphasizes traditional techniques taught by a local chef.
Another standout is the Guided tour of Bari through the streets of pasta with pick-up. It offers a blend of city exploration, historical insights, and a chance to learn how to make pasta from a local grandmother. This tour includes a visit to Bari’s bustling fish market and seafront while sampling pasta paired with Primitivo wine, providing a full-day immersion into Apulian culinary traditions.
Below, we break down the details of each experience, helping you choose the perfect pasta adventure in Polignano a Mare.
1. Polignano a Mare: Pasta Making Cooking Class with Drink
At number one on our list, this Pasta Making Cooking Class offers a two-hour session where you’ll learn how to make authentic Apulian orecchiette and cavatelli. The class is led by a local chef who guides you through traditional techniques used in the region for generations. What’s special here is the focus on hands-on participation—you’re not just watching, but actively creating pasta with your own hands.
After mastering the dough, you’ll enjoy your handmade pasta paired with typical Apulian ingredients, complemented by drinks and fine Puglian wines. The experience is relaxed and social, perfect for food lovers who enjoy good company and authentic flavors. Many visitors praise the instructor, Daniele, for his knowledge and fun approach, making even beginners feel comfortable. The class also features a lively aperitivo with taralli and preserved veggies, adding a true taste of local culture.
The price of around $56 per person offers excellent value, especially considering the quality of instruction and the opportunity to create a meal from scratch. This experience is ideal for travelers who want a practical, memorable cooking lesson and enjoy sharing food and wine in a friendly setting.
Bottom Line: A perfect choice for hands-on learners seeking an in-depth pasta experience, topped with local wine and a friendly atmosphere.
2. From Polignano: Guided tour of Bari through the streets of pasta with pick-up
For a broader cultural experience, the Guided tour of Bari combines city sightseeing with a hands-on pasta lesson. This 3.5-hour tour kicks off with pick-up in Polignano and takes you into Bari, where you’ll explore historic sites like the Basilica of San Nicola, the Norman Castle, and the bustling fish market—each spot revealing a piece of local life.
An authentic highlight is the pasta-making lesson with a local grandmother, who teaches you how to craft orecchiette in a warm family setting. The tour’s smaller group size makes for a personalized experience, away from crowds yet full of local flavor. You also get to taste your freshly made pasta paired with Primitivo wine, a regional specialty.
What makes this tour unique is its blend of city history, traditional food, and local stories. It’s particularly suitable for travelers interested in culture and cuisine but who also want to see Bari’s streets and markets. The itinerary includes stops at Bari’s major landmarks, providing a comprehensive taste of the city.
Bottom Line: A great pick for those who want a well-rounded cultural and culinary adventure, especially if you enjoy street markets and local stories.
How to Choose Your Pasta Experience in Polignano a Mare
When deciding between these options, consider your priorities: Do you prefer an interactive cooking class with a focus on learning and tasting, like the Pasta Making Cooking Class? Or are you more interested in a city tour with a pasta twist, exploring Bari’s streets and markets while learning from locals, as with the Guided tour of Bari?
If your goal is to learn how to make pasta from scratch and enjoy a relaxed, social experience with wine, the cooking class is your best bet. On the other hand, if you want a wider cultural experience that includes sightseeing, history, and a hands-on pasta lesson in a family setting, the city tour provides excellent value.
Both experiences are ideal for those who want an authentic taste of Apulian life. Remember to check availability and book early—these popular tours fill up quickly, especially in peak season.
Final Thoughts
Polignano a Mare offers a fantastic range of pasta experiences that suit different interests. For a fun, hands-on cooking lesson, the Pasta Making Cooking Class delivers authentic techniques and local wines, perfect for foodies. Meanwhile, the guided city tour of Bari combines history, street food, and a family pasta lesson for those wanting a broader culture.
If you’re short on time but want a memorable experience, the cooking class offers excellent value and a chance to bring home a new skill. For travelers craving a blend of sightseeing and cuisine, the Bari tour provides an insightful and personable day out. Booking early is wise, as these popular experiences tend to sell out during busy months.
No matter which you choose, you’ll walk away with a better appreciation for Puglian pasta and the flavors that make this region so special.
