Amalfi Coast Cooking Class & Beach Club – The Perfect Day

Planning a trip to Italy’s Amalfi Coast? If you’re craving a blend of hands-on culinary fun and relaxing seaside views, this Cooking Class & Beach Day experience might just be what you’re looking for. While I haven’t taken this exact tour myself, I’ve seen enough travelers rave about it to give you a detailed, honest overview of what to expect.

What really caught my eye is how this experience combines learning to make traditional Italian dishes—like pasta and tiramisù—with hanging out at an exclusive beach club overlooking the coast. Plus, the fact that it starts with a scenic boat ride from Positano or Marina di Praia is a definite highlight. A couple of things worth considering: the tour is limited to just six people, which makes it more intimate, but also means booking early is a smart move. This experience suits those who love food, scenery, and a bit of adventure wrapped into one memorable day.

Key Points

• Hands-on cooking with step-by-step guidance from expert chefs.
• Beautiful boat transfer from Positano or Marina di Praia.
• Includes a delicious, self-made Italian lunch with Prosecco and limoncello.
• Relaxing time at a beach club with crystal-clear waters and stunning views.
• Limited to small groups for a more personalized experience.
• Free cancellation makes booking with confidence easier.

What the Experience Offers

Imagine starting your day with a boat trip from Positano or Marina di Praia — a charming way to kick off the day, offering spectacular views of the coast and the Li Galli Islands. You’ll arrive at La Gavitella, a local restaurant and beach club in Praiano, where a warm welcome from the hosts and chefs sets the tone for what’s to come.

The tour is designed for a small group—only up to six travelers—which makes it easy to ask questions and get personalized attention. After a quick coffee and cornetto (think of it as a mini Italian breakfast), you’ll don your apron and hat, ready to roll up your sleeves.

The Cooking Class

The heart of this experience is the hands-on cooking lesson led by expert chefs. They guide you through creating two types of pasta—ravioli and tagliatelle—with a focus on authentic techniques. The ravioli is prepared with a simple tomato sauce, and the tagliatelle features zucchini and shrimp, giving you a taste of local flavors.

What I love here is the detailed instruction—you’re given real tools and step-by-step guidance, making it accessible whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner. Plus, there’s plenty of Prosecco and limoncello flowing during the class, which helps add to the fun environment.

As a dessert, learn how to make tiramisù, a classic Italian favorite that’s always a hit. The chefs emphasize traditional methods, so you’ll walk away with skills you can try at home.

The Lunch and Scenery

Once the dishes are prepared, it’s time to sit down and enjoy the fruits of your labor. The lunch takes place with stunning views of Positano, Li Galli Islands, and the Faraglioni rocks in the background—completely unforgettable scenery that amplifies the meal. The food is served with Prosecco and limoncello, making it a true toast to your culinary effort.

Many reviewers highlight how delicious the food is, noting that it’s a real highlight of the day. One traveler said, “It was a highlight of our trip! Everyone loved getting hands-on with pasta and dessert.”

Relaxation at the Beach Club

After lunch, the adventure shifts to relaxation. The tour includes access to an exclusive beach club at La Gavitella, where you can unwind by the water, swim, or just soak up the sun. The beach is praised for its clear waters and beautiful setting, perfect for regenerating after a busy morning of cooking.

You have free time until sunset, which is ideal for taking photos or simply enjoying the scenery. The experience ends with a shuttle boat ride back to the original meeting point—another chance to admire the coastline from the water.

Value and Practicalities

At $215.49 per person, this tour offers a lot: boat transfers, a cooking class, a delicious lunch, drinks, and beach access. Considering the small group size, personalized attention, and stunning setting, many find this to be great value. The inclusion of photos, recipes, and a certificate of attendance also adds a memorable touch.

However, note that beverages at the beach club are not included, so you might want to bring some cash or a card if you wish to buy drinks or snacks there. Also, hotel pickup and parking are not included, but the meeting point is easily accessible near San Gennaro church in Praiano.

What Travelers Are Saying

One reviewer shared, “We had a fantastic time during our cooking class and beach day with our family, including our 10- and 15-year-old. Everyone loved getting hands-on with making pasta and dessert — it was a highlight of our trip!” This highlights how family-friendly the experience can be, especially if you’re traveling with teens or older kids who can participate in the cooking.

Another traveler called it “an authentic and unforgettable experience,” noting that the boat ride and views exceeded expectations. The small group size was also appreciated for its intimacy and personalized vibe.

Who is This Experience Best For?

If you enjoy cooking and good food, this tour will satisfy your appetite for authentic Italian dishes. It’s also perfect if you want to combine a bit of adventure (boat ride) with relaxation (beach club). Travelers who value stunning scenery and a small, friendly group will find this experience particularly rewarding.

However, if your main goal is sightseeing or history, you might prefer a different type of tour. Also, if you’re traveling solo and prefer more social options, the small group setting might feel intimate but cozy.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, vegetarian options are available upon request, so you can enjoy the cooking class and lunch without worry.

What is included in the price?
You get round-trip boat transfers from Positano or Marina di Praia, a welcome coffee and cornetto, hands-on lessons for pasta and tiramisù, a delicious lunch, Prosecco and limoncello, photos, recipes, and a certificate.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the experience. Cancellations less than 24 hours before are not refundable.

What should I bring?
Just bring your enthusiasm! The tour provides all the tools, aprons, and hats. If you want to buy extra drinks at the beach club, bring some cash or a card.

How do I get to the meeting point?
The tour starts at La Gavitella in Praiano, accessible near San Gennaro church or via the shuttle boat from Positano or Marina di Praia.

How long does the whole experience last?
Approximately 7 hours, including boat transfers, the cooking class, lunch, and beach time.

Is there a maximum number of travelers?
Yes, only up to six people per group, ensuring a more personal experience.

Final Thoughts

This Amalfi Coast cooking class paired with a relaxing beach day offers a well-rounded, genuine taste of local life. Combining learning to prepare traditional dishes in a scenic setting with chilling at a gorgeous beach, it strikes a balance between activity and relaxation. The small group size and expert guidance make it feel cozy and personal, perfect for food lovers and those wanting a memorable, authentic experience.

If you’re after a day that includes scenic boat rides, delicious food, and stunning coastal views, this tour has a lot to offer. It’s especially suited for travelers who enjoy hands-on activities, picturesque surroundings, and a bit of pampering. Just remember to book early—small groups fill up quickly—and prepare for a day packed with flavor, fun, and fantastic scenery.

Feel free to ask if you want more tips or insights!