Valencia: Paella Cooking Class & Algiros Market Tour

Summary

Learn paella in valencia with chefs market visit wine lunch

You’ll join locals at Algiros Market to pick out ingredients before learning to cook traditional Valencian paella with expert chefs. Taste local wines as you make classic dishes like potato omelette and sweet coca en llanda cake. Lunch is shared around the table — laughter included — before you leave with recipes and your own diploma as a keepsake.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed at Mercado Algirós was the sound — not loud exactly, but sort of busy and warm, like everyone had something important to say about tomatoes. Our guide, Marta, waved us over to a stall where the air smelled sharp with fresh herbs and just-cut vegetables. She let us touch the beans (they’re firmer than I expected), and explained why Valencian paella needs this specific kind. I tried asking for “garrofó” myself — Li laughed when I butchered it in Spanish, but the vendor smiled anyway and handed me a handful. It felt like being let in on a small secret.

Back at the cooking school, sunlight was pouring through the windows and there were aprons everywhere — some too big, some too small. We chopped onions together (I cried more than anyone else), sipped white wine from a local vineyard that tasted almost salty, and listened as Chef Paco explained why you never put chorizo in real paella Valenciana. He was patient with my questions about rice texture; apparently it’s all about timing and trust. I still think about how he checked the pan by listening for a certain crackle — not something you read in recipes.

We made potato omelette too (mine was kind of lopsided), and then coca en llanda for dessert — soft cake with milk ice cream that melted fast in the afternoon heat. Eating together at the long table felt like being part of someone’s family for an afternoon. There was laughter, a little spilled sangria, people swapping stories in English and Spanish. At the end they handed us diplomas with our group photo — mine’s already wrinkled from my backpack but I’m keeping it anyway.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Market visit and paella workshop

• Visit Mercado Algirós market
• Buy fresh Mediterranean ingredients
• Attend Valencian paella cooking workshop
• Prepare potato omelette and coca en llanda
• Enjoy local wines during cooking
• Eat the prepared meal with wine and sangria
• Receive diploma and paella recipe

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Valencia paella class?

No, hotel pickup is not included; guests meet at the cooking school.

Does the tour include a visit to Algiros Market?

Yes, morning groups visit Algiros Market except during August when it is closed.

Are vegetarian options available for Valencian paella?

Yes, vegetarian paella can be requested by messaging ahead of time.

Is this Valencia cooking class wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible.

What dishes will we prepare besides paella?

You’ll also make potato omelette and coca en llanda cake with milk ice cream.

Are alcoholic beverages included in this paella workshop?

Sangria and local wines are included for guests aged 18 or older.

How long does the Valencia paella class last?

The experience typically lasts several hours including cooking and lunch.

Will we receive recipes after the class?

Yes, you’ll get printed recipes plus a diploma with your group photo.

What’s included

Your day includes a guided walk through Algiros Market (for morning groups), all ingredients for making authentic Valencian paella plus potato omelette and coca en llanda cake, local wines and sangria during lunch, chef-led instruction in English or Spanish, your own printed recipe set to take home, and a group photo diploma at the end.