Palma de Mallorca: Cooking Class in 16th-Century Windmill

Summary

Spanish flavors come alive as you cook & share stories in Palma’s old windmill kitchen

You’ll step into Palma’s oldest windmill for a hands-on Spanish cooking class led by locals who love sharing stories as much as recipes. Prepare classic dishes like tortilla and paella together, then gather at the long table for local wine and laughter. It’s not just about food—it’s about feeling part of Mallorca for an afternoon.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what it feels like to cook paella where the walls are older than your country? I didn’t, honestly — until we ducked into this old flour windmill in Palma de Mallorca. The air inside was cool and smelled faintly of flour dust and olive oil. Ricc greeted us with a grin and an apron (“Don’t worry, you’ll get messy,” he said). We were maybe eight or nine people, all a little shy at first, but then someone spilled the paprika and everyone laughed. That’s when it started to feel like a real kitchen.

We chopped onions for the Spanish tortilla while María explained how her grandmother used to test if the potatoes were soft enough — “with her fingers, always!” she said, wiggling them in the air. I tried to say “sobrassada suquet” properly but Li (from our group) just shook her head and grinned; I probably butchered it. The private cooking class Mallorca style meant we learned not just recipes but little tricks — like why you never rush the paella rice, or how Catalan cream should jiggle just slightly when you tap the dish. The smell of saffron and garlic stuck to my hands long after.

After all that chopping and stirring (and sneaking bites), we sat around this big table under wooden beams, glasses clinking with local wine. Someone told a story about their first trip to Spain; Ricc poured more wine and nodded along. There was something about eating what you’ve made together that makes strangers feel less strange. I still think about that moment when everyone went quiet for a second before digging in — just happy, I guess. And yeah, I took photos of my paella even though it looked nothing like María’s.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hands-on Spanish cooking experience

• Arrive at historic flour windmill
• Put on aprons and prepare menu
• Cook local sobrassada suquet starter
• Make authentic Spanish tortilla
• Prepare traditional mixed paella
• Cook Catalan cream dessert
• Enjoy meal together with wine

Top questions

Where is the cooking class held in Palma?

The class takes place inside a restored 16th-century flour windmill in central Palma de Mallorca.

Is this a private cooking class in Mallorca?

The experience is small-group but very personal, with direct guidance from local hosts.

What dishes do we cook during the class?

You’ll prepare sobrasada appetizer, authentic Spanish tortilla, mixed paella (adaptable), and Catalan cream dessert.

Are drinks included during the cooking session?

Yes, unlimited drinks are included throughout the experience.

Can vegetarians join this Palma cooking class?

Yes—vegetarian options are available if requested at booking.

Is there an age minimum for participants?

The minimum age is 6 years old to join the activity.

How long does the cooking experience last?

The session covers preparation and shared meal time; allow several hours for everything.

Is public transportation available nearby?

Yes—public transportation options are close to the windmill location.

What’s included

Your day includes hands-on guidance from local hosts inside a historic windmill kitchen, all ingredients and equipment for preparing four classic Spanish dishes together, unlimited drinks (open bar), plenty of food tasting along the way, plus time to sit down with your group over local wine after cooking—and you can request vegetarian options when booking.