Cooking classes in Matera, Italy’s dramatic cave city, offer authentic hands-on experiences at reasonable prices. The best classes combine market visits with kitchen time, teaching you regional specialties in intimate settings. I especially love the farmhouse classes, where you’ll make fresh pasta the traditional way, and the family-home cooking sessions that feel like visiting Italian relatives. For something special, take a class in a converted Sassi cave – these ancient stone dwellings provide an unforgettable backdrop for learning local recipes.
Expect small groups, personal attention, and plenty of tips about local ingredients. The cave hotel classes tend to be pricier but offer upscale instruction in spectacular settings.
Check out our favorite cooking experiences in Matera:
Key Points
- The Matera Cooking Class offers a hands-on, private culinary experience at a traditional farm, teaching fresh pasta and classic Italian dishes.
- Market Tours and Cooking Classes in Matera provide a 4-hour experience with a local market visit and private cooking class featuring a seasonal four-course meal.
- The Cooking Class in the Cave at Palazzo del Duca Hotel is a 1.5-hour class led by a local chef, focusing on homemade pasta and locally sourced, sustainable ingredients.
- Authentic Culinary Experiences in Matera include a 5-hour market and private cooking class with local families, preparing three regional recipes.
- Specialized Cooking Classes in Matera, such as the Old Farmer Recipe Cooking Class and Authentic Cooking Class at a local’s home, offer immersive experiences with personalized attention.
Matera Cooking Class
The Matera Cooking Class offers a hands-on culinary experience amidst the rural charm of Matera, Italy. With 61 reviews and 100% traveler recommendation, this private class takes you to a traditional farm where you’ll learn to prepare fresh pasta and classic dishes.
Enjoy a leisurely lunch featuring the recipes you’ve crafted, complemented by local antipasti, wine, and water. The class accommodates up to 6 travelers and starts at 10 AM, with pickup and drop-off at the Bari airport bus station.
Priced at £118.34 per person, this all-inclusive experience provides a taste of rural Matera through its olive and orange groves, as well as its vibrant culinary traditions.
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Matera: Market Tour and Cooking Class at a Locals Home
Enjoy the vibrant culinary scene of Matera with a market tour and private cooking class at a local’s home.
This 4-hour experience costs from $146.93 per person and includes a visit to a lively local market, a private cooking demonstration, and a seasonal four-course lunch or dinner.
Learn authentic Italian techniques, discover how to select the best produce, and enjoy regional wines and coffee.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and flexible tour times, this is an authentic and convenient way to connect with local families and savor Matera’s flavors.
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Matera: Cooking Class in the Cave
Nestled within the captivating Palazzo del Duca Hotel & Restaurant, the Matera: Cooking Class in the Cave offers an unparalleled culinary experience.
Priced at £182.46 per person, this 1.5-hour class taught by Chef Mario David immerses you in the rich culinary traditions of Matera. Learn to craft homemade pasta and enjoy a delectable lunch or dinner featuring your creations.
Savor the flavors of locally sourced, sustainable ingredients as you dine in a natural cave or on the panoramic “Via Muro.” With instruction available in both Italian and English, this class caters to solo travelers, couples, groups, and families alike.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance ensures flexibility.
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Matera: Market & Private Cooking Class at a Locals Home
Set out on a captivating 5-hour journey through Matera’s vibrant local market and into the heart of an Italian home for a private cooking class.
Discover genuine connections with local families as you learn to prepare 3 authentic regional recipes. Indulge in the prepared dishes alongside local wines, water, and coffee.
This private cooking experience is perfect for small groups, with flexibility on start times to suit your schedule.
Whether you’re a foodie or simply seeking a unique culture, this market and cooking class offers an unparalleled glimpse into Matera’s vibrant culinary heritage.
Conveniently, you can reserve your spot without upfront payment and cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
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Matera: Old Farmer Recipe Cooking Class in Ex-Sassi Cellar
Explore Matera’s rich culinary heritage with a captivating cooking class set in the historic ex-Sassi cellar.
This 2.5-hour experience offers an immersive journey into the traditional recipes of old Matera farmers. Under the guidance of a local expert, you’ll learn to prepare authentic regional dishes using fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Uncover the secrets behind these time-honored recipes as you cook in the charming setting of a former Sassi dwelling. With a small group size, you’ll enjoy personalized attention and have the opportunity to connect with the host and fellow participants.
Savor the fruits of your labor at the end of the class, relishing the flavors of Matera’s culinary legacy.
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Matera: Authentic Cooking Class at a Locals Home
Enjoy the authentic culinary traditions of Matera with a hands-on cooking class hosted in a local’s home.
This 3-hour private group experience allows you to learn genuine recipes from certified cooks and create a connection with Italian families. You’ll craft a starter, pasta, and dessert, paired with local wines.
The class includes transportation to the host’s home, where you’ll taste the prepared dishes. Classes are offered in the morning or evening, with flexible start times, and dietary requirements can be accommodated.
With a 1/5 overall rating based on a single review, this class may not be the top choice, but it offers a unique opportunity to experience authentic Matera cuisine.
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Matera: Authentic Italian Cooking Class
Take a culinary journey through the authentic flavors of Matera with this 2-hour Italian cooking class. Priced from $200.84 per person, the class offers a short farm tour, hands-on pasta or focaccia making using local ingredients, and a wine-paired meal.
Expand your cooking skills while connecting with Matera’s sustainability-focused culinary practices. The class is held in the charming Rione San Biagio neighborhood, with a recommended walk to the meeting point due to limited vehicle access.
While not suitable for those with mobility issues or food allergies, the class provides a 5-star experience based on customer reviews. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about authentic Italian cuisine.
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Horseback Ride and Cooking Class in Matera
This 1-day tour offers a unique opportunity to experience the captivating blend of nature and culinary traditions in Matera.
You’ll start with a 1.5-hour horseback ride through the scenic Murgia Materana Park, suitable for beginners.
Then, you’ll transfer to a cooking workshop to learn how to make homemade pasta and prepare a traditional Lucanian Sunday lunch.
Afterward, you’ll have free time to explore Matera’s historic Sassi district.
The tour includes round-trip transportation, instruction from expert guides, and tastings of local products.
At $211.41 per person for a group limited to 8 participants, this experience is a must-do for travelers seeking an authentic taste of Matera.
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Matera: Pasta & Tiramisu Cooking Class at a Locals Home
Explore the heart of Matera’s culinary traditions with a hands-on pasta and tiramisu cooking class at a local’s home.
Over 3 hours, you’ll learn to make fresh pasta and the iconic Italian dessert under the guidance of Francesco, a knowledgeable host known for his warm hospitality.
Start with an aperitivo of prosecco and nibbles, then dive into the hands-on experience, picking up tips to recreate the dishes at home.
Enjoy the fruits of your labor, savoring the pasta and tiramisu with local wines.
This immersive class showcases the rich food culture of Matera, offering a delicious taste of la dolce vita.
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Altamura: Cooking Class at a Locals Home
Enjoy the culinary traditions of Altamura with a hands-on cooking class at a local’s home.
You’ll learn three authentic regional recipes from family cookbooks, working at a fully-equipped cooking station.
Taste the fruits of your labor, including a starter, pasta, and dessert, accompanied by local wines, water, and coffee.
The 3-hour, private group class is led in English and Italian by a certified home cook.
Priced at $153.27 per person, you can reserve your spot with a flexible booking and no upfront payment.
The experience can accommodate various dietary needs – just confirm any requirements after booking.
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The Sum Up
Matera offers a range of exceptional cooking classes that allow you to learn about the local culinary traditions. From market tours and home-based sessions to classes in historic settings, you’ll have the opportunity to learn authentic Italian recipes and techniques directly from knowledgeable locals. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, these classes provide a unique and memorable gastronomic experience in this captivating city.