Alicante: Paella Cooking Class, Tapas & Market Tour

Summary

Paella from scratch in Alicante’s lively market with chef tips

You’ll wander Alicante’s bustling market with a local guide, pick out fresh ingredients side by side with vendors, then roll up your sleeves for a hands-on paella cooking class led by a real chef. Taste local wines, share laughter over homemade tapas, and leave with recipes (and maybe new friends) you’ll want to revisit back home.

What’s the experience like?

We’d barely stepped into Mercado Central when the smell hit me — tomatoes, fresh bread, something sharp and green I couldn’t place. Our guide, Marta, waved us over to a stall where the vendor was already slicing jamón with this slow, practiced rhythm. She joked about how even locals argue about which olive oil is best (I still can’t tell the difference). The whole place buzzed — old men arguing about soccer near the peppers, a kid tugging on her mother’s sleeve for sweets. It felt like we’d crashed someone else’s morning routine.

I’ll admit I was nervous about making paella — my only experience before was burning rice at home. But our chef, Luis, made it feel easy. He handed me a tomato to grate (I got juice everywhere) and explained why saffron costs more than gold here. We sipped wine while chopping peppers; someone tried to say “cebolla” right and everyone laughed. The kitchen smelled like garlic and sea air by the time we started layering everything in the pan. There’s something weirdly calming about stirring rice while stories bounce around in two languages.

Lunch was just us crowded around a long table, sharing tapas and our slightly uneven paellas (mine had a crunchy bit but nobody cared). Sangría flowed; someone from Denmark asked for seconds. Luis told us his grandmother’s trick for crispy socarrat — he winked but didn’t give away all her secrets. I left full but also kind of proud — like I’d actually been part of Alicante for an afternoon. Walking out into the sun after that meal felt different somehow.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Market visit and paella cooking class

• Visit local market for fresh ingredients
• Learn about Mediterranean cuisine history
• Participate in hands-on paella cooking
• Enjoy traditional tapas with local drinks
• Savor homemade paella with group

Top questions

Is this paella cooking class in Alicante suitable for beginners?

Yes, all skill levels are welcome and the chef guides you through each step.

Does the tour include visiting Alicante’s central market?

Yes, you start with a guided visit to Mercado Central to buy fresh ingredients.

Are drinks included during the cooking class?

Yes, local wines, sangría, beer and soft drinks are included.

Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?

Yes, vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options are available if requested at booking.

How long does the Alicante paella cooking experience last?

The activity includes both market visit and cooking session; plan for several hours total.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas including transportation are wheelchair accessible.

Will I get recipes to take home?

Yes, recipes are provided so you can recreate dishes later.

Is lunch included in this Alicante cooking class?

You’ll eat what you cook along with traditional tapas as lunch.

What’s included

Your day includes a guided stroll through Alicante’s main market to select ingredients together with your group and guide; all food for your hands-on paella cooking class; traditional tapas; local wines or sangría plus other beverages; recipes to take home; English or Spanish-speaking chef guidance; and options for meat, seafood or vegetarian dishes—all wrapped up in good company before heading out into Alicante again.