Malaga isn’t just about beaches and Picasso; it’s also a fantastic place to learn how to cook authentic Spanish dishes. Its vibrant markets, lively food scene, and passionate chefs make it ideal for hands-on culinary experiences. We especially love classes like the Spanish Cooking Workshop with Paella and Sangria, which combines modern kitchens with expert instruction, and the Paella Cooking Class in Malaga, which offers a full market tour and a chance to make your own paella while tasting regional specialties. These experiences are perfect for travelers wanting to dive into local flavors with a friendly, participatory approach.
Malaga’s cooking tours span a variety of cuisines and formats, including traditional tapas, authentic Italian dishes, sushi, and even a beach-side sardines grilling show. Whether you’re after a quick, family-friendly class or an immersive market tour, the options cater to different tastes and schedules. Below, you’ll find detailed descriptions of each experience to help you choose the best fit.
1. Málaga: Spanish Cooking Workshop with Paella and Sangria
This class offers a lively, 3-hour session where you’ll cook authentic Spanish dishes while sipping homemade sangria. Guided by chefs Laura, a Le Cordon Bleu graduate, and Diego, an Andalusian cuisine expert, you’ll find yourself in a modern, very comfortable kitchen located just 5 minutes from the Atarazanas market. The class is highly participatory—no passive watching here—making it perfect for families or groups wanting an interactive experience.
Guests consistently praise the warm, engaging atmosphere and the detailed insights shared by Diego about regional ingredients and food stories. One reviewer called it “a delicious and educational experience for the whole family,” emphasizing how Diego’s storytelling made the class memorable. The class’s balance of hands-on preparation and cultural storytelling makes it stand out, with reviews rating it 4.9 out of 5 based on over 400 reviews. At just $75 per person, it offers excellent value for a fun, authentic culinary experience in Malaga’s historic center.
Bottom Line: This class is ideal for those who want to learn Spanish cooking in a friendly setting, with expert guidance, and enjoy a delicious meal paired with local wine or beer.
2. Paella Cooking Class in Malaga
For around $87, the Paella Cooking Class in Malaga provides a 3.5-hour hands-on experience that includes a visit to the lively Atarazanas Market. Guided by a chef, you’ll pick out fresh ingredients, sample local delicacies like extra virgin olive oils and roasted almonds, and learn how to cook both traditional paella and gazpacho. The highlight is making your own authentic paella with expert assistance, then sitting down with other participants to enjoy your creations.
This class earns a perfect 5-star rating from 190 reviews, with visitors commenting on the enthusiasm of Chef Jose and the engaging market tour led by Anais. The small-group setting and market visit make it particularly appealing for foodies who want a comprehensive experience—shopping, learning, and tasting in one package. Guests love the quality of ingredients and the practical tips they take home. Considering the market visit, cooking, and tasting, it offers excellent value at this price point.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those who want a thorough, interactive introduction to Spanish ingredients and paella, with a lively market experience and expert guidance.
3. Malaga Tapas Cooking Class
This 3-hour, approximately 3-hour class focuses on Malaga’s diverse tapas culture. You’ll visit Atarazanas Market to select fresh ingredients, then learn to prepare several traditional tapas such as cod tostón, ensalada malagueña, and Spanish tortilla. The class combines market shopping with hands-on cooking, with an included wine or beer pairing to enhance the tasting experience.
Rated 5 out of 5 from 81 reviews, guests rave about the lively guide and the chance to learn regional recipes. One reviewer said it was a great way for families to enjoy local flavors while also having fun cooking together. The class is well-suited for travelers interested in regional cuisine, food lovers who want to try multiple dishes, or those who enjoy pairing food with local drinks. The focus on variety and regional specialties makes it stand out.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for those eager to explore Malaga’s tapas scene and learn how to prepare a range of classic dishes, all in a friendly atmosphere.
4. Malaga: Authentic Paella Cooking Class with Sangría
This 3.5-hour class in the artistic SOHO district is a hands-on experience led by an expert chef who guides you through creating perfect Spanish paella. The experience includes a brief tasting of extra virgin olive oil, a homemade gazpacho or salmorejo, and regional wines or sangria. Participants receive a special gift—a Kulinarea apron—to remember the fun.
Guests emphasize the interactive nature of the class, which is ideal for beginners and seasoned cooks alike. The chef’s clear instructions and the chance to eat your own paella make it incredibly rewarding. The class’s reputation for authenticity and personalized guidance, combined with a relaxed atmosphere, makes it a top-rated experience.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those seeking an immersive, hands-on paella lesson with regional flavors and a welcoming vibe.
5. Paella Cooking Class with English Guide in Malaga
This 4-hour class offers a true Spanish culinary immersion in English, featuring a market visit, paella making, and tasting. Led by Chef Pepo, the class emphasizes using fresh, local ingredients and traditional spices, culminating in a shared meal. The guide Anais ensures a smooth experience, enriched with local insights.
Rated 5/5 from 31 reviews, visitors highlight the friendly guidance and the delicious food. One reviewer appreciated how the class was suitable for both experienced cooks and beginners, emphasizing Pepo’s skill at explaining techniques clearly. The inclusion of typical regional ingredients and the personal touch makes this class a reliable choice for English-speaking travelers.
Bottom Line: A well-rounded, authentic experience that caters to English speakers, combining market shopping, cooking, and convivial dining.
6. Málaga: Paella and Sangria Cooking Class with Market Visit
This 3-4 hour experience combines learning the secrets of Spanish cuisine, a visit to Malaga’s famous market, and a cooking session focusing on paella and other regional dishes. The class offers insight into local ingredients and culinary traditions, with tastings of regional delicacies.
Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 18 reviews, participants enjoyed the lively market walk with Jorge and Alba, and the delicious meal they made themselves. The class is especially suited for travelers interested in cultural context as well as cooking, with the market visit making it more immersive. The price includes tasty regional ingredients and a shared meal, offering good value.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers who want to combine cultural exploration with hands-on cooking in a relaxed setting.
7. Tapas Cooking Workshop & Market Visit
A 4-hour participatory workshop where you’ll visit Atarazanas Market to buy ingredients before preparing four traditional tapas. The class emphasizes learning traditional recipes and the cultural significance of each dish.
Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 9 reviews, the class is praised for its friendly guide and delicious results. It’s particularly suitable for those interested in Spain’s iconic tapas and eager to pick up practical skills directly from local experts. The focus on market shopping combined with cooking makes it a well-rounded experience.
Bottom Line: Great for foodies wanting a concise yet rich introduction to Malaga’s iconic tapas, with a local guide to enhance the experience.
8. Malaga – Italian Cooking Class: La Domenica Italiana
This 3-hour class invites you to learn authentic Italian recipes from scratch with an Italian chef. With no specific review data, the focus is on hands-on preparation and enjoying your dishes with a glass of wine, making it perfect for travelers craving a different cuisine.
Guests learn traditional recipes passed down through generations, gaining practical skills and cultural insights. It’s ideal for Italian food lovers or those wanting a break from Spanish cuisine.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers interested in mastering Italian dishes and enjoying a relaxed, authentic cooking experience.
9. Malaga: Japanese Cooking Class Sushi
In this 3-hour class, you’ll learn to make maki, uramaki, and nigiri sushi with a private chef. At the end, you get to enjoy your sushi alongside a glass of wine. While reviews aren’t available, it appeals to those seeking a fun, interactive culinary adventure with a Japanese twist.
Suitable for solo travelers, couples, or friends, this class offers a different cultural flavor and a break from traditional Spanish fare. It’s especially appealing for sushi lovers wanting a hands-on experience.
Bottom Line: An enjoyable option for sushi enthusiasts or those eager to learn Japanese culinary techniques in Malaga.
10. Malaga: Sardines on Skewers Show Cooking on the Beach
This 3-hour experience combines learning the art of grilling sardines with a scenic beach setting. Perfect for those interested in local seaside traditions and seafood cooking, it offers a cultural insight into Andalusian coastal life.
While there are no reviews available, the focus on “espetar” (skewering sardines) and the beachfront location makes it unique. It’s ideal for travelers who enjoy outdoor activities and want an authentic taste of Andalusian coastal cuisine.
Bottom Line: A memorable, scenic way to connect with Malaga’s maritime culture through food.
11. Malaga: Truffle Cooking Class ‘Sua Maestà il Tartufo’
This 3-hour class invites you into the world of gourmet truffle cuisine with an Italian chef guiding you through transforming simple ingredients into elegant dishes. Paired with a glass of wine, this experience is perfect for food connoisseurs.
While reviews aren’t provided, the focus on truffle secrets and gourmet cooking makes it appealing to those wanting to elevate their culinary skills and impress with sophisticated flavors.
Bottom Line: Suited for culinary enthusiasts interested in refining their skills with a luxurious ingredient like truffle.
12. Malaga: Tapas Cooking Class with Local Grandmother/Abuela
Taught by a local 82-year-old abuela, this 2.5-hour class offers an authentic taste of Andalusian home cooking. You’ll learn secret recipes for traditional dishes, with the friendly grandmother guiding you step by step.
The reviews aren’t available, but the personal touch of cooking with a local elder makes this experience uniquely charming. It’s perfect for travelers eager to connect with local culture and learn family recipes firsthand.
Bottom Line: A heartfelt, authentic experience ideal for those seeking culture and a taste of true Andalusian hospitality.
How to Choose the Right Cooking Class in Malaga
When deciding between these options, consider your budget, time availability, and interests. For a comprehensive market and paella experience, the Paella Cooking Class in Malaga offers great value. If you want to focus on regional tapas, the Malaga Tapas Cooking Class provides a tasty variety.
For those craving a gourmet experience, the Truffle Cooking Class might be perfect. And if you’re interested in non-Spanish cuisines, both the Italian and Japanese sushi classes are excellent choices.
Booking early is advisable, especially for popular classes like the Paella with Sangria and the market tours, which fill quickly during peak seasons.
Final Thoughts
Malaga’s variety of cooking classes offers something for every culinary curiosity—from traditional Spanish dishes to international flavors. If you’re after an all-in-one experience with market visits and hands-on cooking, options like the Paella with Market Visit or the Tapas workshop might suit you best. For a more authentic, local touch, the Grandmother-led class offers genuine cultural insights.
No matter your choice, these classes promise a memorable way to connect with Malaga’s rich culinary traditions. Be sure to book early, gather your appetite, and prepare for a delicious adventure in one of Spain’s most inviting food scenes.
