Cinque Terre isn’t just about breathtaking views and colorful villages; it’s also a fantastic place to learn new skills and indulge in authentic regional flavors. Whether you’re interested in mastering Italian pasta, exploring local wines, or making pesto with a view, the area offers a variety of hands-on experiences. We particularly love tours like the Small group Pasta and Tiramisu class in Riomaggiore for its intimate setting and expert home cooks, and the Pesto Class and Wine Tasting in Vernazza for its perfect pairing of flavors and scenery. These experiences give you more than just a taste—they connect you with local traditions and authentic ingredients.
Cinque Terre’s workshops span a range of culinary skills and cultural insights, from traditional Ligurian pesto to Gnocchi and Trofie pasta, often combined with wine or boat tours. Whether you prefer a relaxed cooking class in a local home or a quick, lively pesto lesson, there’s something for every kind of traveler. Below, we’ll walk through each of our top picks, highlighting what makes them special, practical tips, and who they’re best suited for.
List of the Best Workshops & Classes in Cinque Terre
Our list features a mix of culinary classes, wine tastings, and combined experiences that focus on regional specialties. These tours stand out for their authentic approach, intimate group sizes, and the opportunity to learn directly from local hosts. Each offers a unique way to dive into the flavors and traditions of Liguria. You’ll find classes that range from an hour-long pesto lesson to comprehensive pasta and tiramisu workshops, often including meals or tastings. Now, let’s explore each experience in detail.
1. Small group Pasta and Tiramisu class in Riomaggiore
At number one, this small group pasta and tiramisu class in Riomaggiore takes you into a local home for a hands-on culinary experience. Cap at just 12 participants, it’s a chance to learn authentic Italian recipes while enjoying a warm, welcoming atmosphere. During this 3-hour workshop, you’ll prepare two types of homemade pasta and a classic tiramisu, guided by a local cook in their private kitchen. It’s a rare opportunity to see how Italians really cook—without the touristy flair—and taste your creations with a sparkling wine aperitivo and soft drinks.
What makes this class stand out is its personalized approach. The host shares family secrets and cooking tips, making it more than just a lesson—it’s a genuine cultural exchange. Reviews highlight the friendly hosts, with many noting the delicious food and fun atmosphere. The price of around $208 per person is reasonable considering the intimate setting, quality instruction, and tasting of your own handiwork.
Bottom line: Perfect for food lovers who want an authentic, small-group experience that leaves them with recipes to take home.
2. Manarola: Authentic Pesto Making Class at Cinque Terre
For those who want to focus on one iconic Ligurian specialty, this Pesto Making Class at Manarola offers a quick but rich experience. In just 1 hour, you’ll learn how to prepare the signature Liguria pesto from a local chef. The class includes tasting your freshly made pesto paired with homemade focaccia and a glass of local wine—an excellent way to get a real taste of the region’s flavors.
This tour is especially appealing because of its authentic focus—you’ll use traditional ingredients and methods, like crushing basil with a mortar and pestle. It’s great for travelers short on time who still want a meaningful culinary experience. The reviews praise the convivial atmosphere and the delicious results.
Bottom line: A practical, tasty snapshot of Ligurian cuisine, ideal for those interested in a quick, focused cooking lesson and local wine.
3. Pasta, Pesto and Tiramisu class Riomaggiore, Cinque Terre
This Pasta, Pesto, and Tiramisu class in Riomaggiore offers a comprehensive experience in a XVI-century private house. Starting with a glass of prosecco, you’ll work alongside your host to cook three classic dishes—pasta, pesto, and tiramisu—and finish with a meal on a terrace overlooking the sea. It’s a perfect combination of learning, eating, and enjoying the views.
The class is about 2.5 hours and is praised for its warm, intimate setting and detailed instruction. Luca, the host, is noted for sharing the history of each dish and individual ingredient, making it informative as well as delicious. It’s best suited for travelers who want a full meal with a cultural touch and enjoy a relaxed, beautiful environment.
Reviews mention the engaging host and the quality of the food, with one saying, “The food was very good that we made and Luca was good about the history.” The price of about $138 offers good value for an immersive, all-in-one experience.
Bottom line: Ideal for foodies who want an in-depth, multi-course cooking experience with sea views.
4. BarCa Winery Cinqueterre Trekking & Wine Tasting & Pesto Class
At number four, this Wine and Pesto experience at BarCa Winery combines vineyard tours, wine tasting, and a pesto class in the hills above Cinque Terre. For about $69, you’ll trek through historic vineyards, learn about heroic viticulture and the winemaking process from grape harvest to bottling, and sample multiple wines, including the BarCa Cinqueterre DOC.
This experience is special because of its combination of outdoor activity and tasting. It’s great for wine lovers or those interested in how local wines are made and enjoyed. The tasting includes rosé, white, and other regional wines, paired with local snacks. The reviews highlight the stunning views and genuine passion of the winemaker, Andrea.
Bottom line: Best suited for travelers who want a relaxed, educational wine adventure with some scenic trekking and a pesto tasting thrown in.
5. Home Cooking Class & Meal with a Local in Riomaggiore
This Home Cooking Class & Meal with a Local offers a private, immersive taste of Cinque Terre life. In about 3 hours, your host guides you through making three traditional recipes—from a seasonal starter and fresh pasta to a classic dessert—then you sit down to enjoy your meal with wine.
What sets this experience apart is its private, personalized approach. The hosts tailor the class to your skill level and interests, making it perfect for families or small groups. Reviews praise the warm hospitality and the chance to learn family recipes directly from locals, with one saying, “Barbara and Stefano made our trip very special.”
The price of around $207 makes it a more intimate, high-value experience, especially for those wanting an authentic connection with local hosts.
Bottom line: Best for travelers seeking a private, hands-on experience with a true local family.
6. Cinque Terre: Gnocchi & Pesto Class with Seaview in Riomaggiore
This Gnocchi & Pesto Class in Riomaggiore combines two classic dishes with stunning sea views. Over roughly three hours, you’ll learn to make homemade Gnocchi and Genovese Pesto in a fully equipped kitchen in a local home, then enjoy your meal with wine and seasonal fruit or dessert.
Guests love the spectacular setting and the friendly hosts. The class’s standout feature is its combination of instructional skill and a beautiful hillside view. The price, about $224, is reasonable for the quality and scenery, though the walk uphill can be challenging for less mobile travelers.
Bottom line: Ideal for those who want to learn Italian cooking with a view and don’t mind a bit of a climb.
7. Pesto Class and Wine Tasting in Vernazza, Cinque Terre
In Vernazza, this Pesto and Wine Tasting offers a cozy cellar experience. You’ll learn to make pesto by hand using traditional tools, enjoy a wine tasting paired with local foods, and finish with pesto gnocchi. It’s an hour and a half of hands-on fun in a historic setting.
Reviewers enjoy the informative instruction and the excellent pairing of wines and cheeses. While the instructor’s accent can be a bit thick, the authenticity and flavor more than compensate. With a cost of just over $72, it’s an affordable, intimate way to taste Liguria’s most famous sauce.
Bottom line: Perfect for travelers on a budget who want a genuine, small-group culinary experience.
8. Cinque Terre Pesto Making Class, Boat Tour and Lunch
This Pesto, Boat Tour & Lunch combines a pesto lesson with a scenic boat cruise and a generous lunch. Over four hours, you’ll travel by train and boat between villages, learn to make pesto, and enjoy a meal onboard or in Vernazza.
It’s a good pick for those who want a combination of land and sea, plus a leisurely lunch. The boat ride offers a different perspective of the coast, and the class includes a full meal. Reviewers love the stunning scenery and the relaxing pace, though the boat ride can be slow due to regulations.
Bottom line: Suitable for travelers seeking a mix of culinary and scenic experiences, with an emphasis on relaxing travel.
9. Cesarine: Trofie, Pesto, Tiramisu Class by the Sea in Cinque Terre
Finally, this Sea-side Trofie, Pesto, and Tiramisu Class in Riomaggiore offers a focused culinary journey. In about 2.5 hours, you’ll learn to make trofie pasta, classic pesto, and tiramisu—three staples of Ligurian cuisine—while enjoying the seaside location.
The class is unique for its culinary depth in a short time and the chance to learn from local Cesarine hosts. One reviewer notes the experience was “very authentic and engaging,” making it a great choice for those who want a concentrated taste of regional flavors.
Bottom line: Perfect for travelers who want a quick yet comprehensive hands-on cooking class with a scenic view.
How to Choose the Right Workshop or Class in Cinque Terre
Selecting among these options depends on your interests and travel style. If you’re a foodie eager to learn multiple recipes, the Small group Pasta and Tiramisu class or the Pasta, Pesto, and Tiramisu class are excellent choices. For a quick, focused lesson, the Pesto Making Class in Manarola is perfect.
Travelers interested in pairing food with wine should consider the BarCa Winery Trekking & Wine Tasting. Those seeking a private, hands-on experience can’t go wrong with the Home Cooking Class. And if scenic boat rides are your thing, don’t miss the Pesto Making Class, Boat Tour, and Lunch.
Consider your budget, mobility, and how much time you want to dedicate. Most classes are small, intimate, and designed to give you a genuine taste of Liguria, often with the chance to taste your own creations.
Final thoughts
Cinque Terre offers a surprising variety of hands-on culinary and wine experiences that turn a simple trip into a meaningful learning adventure. Whether you want a quick pesto lesson or a full dinner with local recipes, there’s something that fits your style. Booking early is recommended—spots fill quickly, especially during peak season. With these authentic classes, you’ll leave with new skills, great stories, and maybe even a new favorite recipe to share at home.
