The Algarve Cataplana Cooking Class is a private hands-on experience where you will learn to prepare the most emblematic dish of Algarve gastronomy.
In a welcoming Algarve Gourmet space overlooking the vineyard, participants discover the secrets of the traditional cataplana — a symbol of Mediterranean heritage and the Moorish influences that shaped Algarve cuisine.
With step-by-step guidance from our chef, you will learn to cook with fresh seasonal ingredients, discover traditional techniques, and understand the connection between local products, the territory, and the region’s gastronomic culture.
While the cataplana cooks slowly, stories, traditions, and tastings of regional products are shared.
The experience culminates around the table in a relaxed and intimate setting, where you will enjoy the cataplana you prepared, paired with carefully selected Algarve wine, followed by a delicious signature traditional dessert.
Cook.
Share.
Celebrate.
From €143 Per Person
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- Hands-on cooking class in a rural setting with vineyard views
- Learn how to prepare an authentic Algarve Cataplana
- Choose between three versions of the dish for your group
- Step-by-step guidance from an experienced local chef
- Use of fresh, seasonal, locally sourced ingredients
- Tastings of regional and signature products during the experience
- Enjoy the meal you prepared, accompanied by two glasses of Algarve wine
- Non-alcoholic options available upon request
- Stories and insights about Algarve gastronomy and culture
- Private format for personalised attention
● Optional exclusive transport with pick-up and drop-off at your accommodation
Discover the Algarve through its gastronomy by taking part in a cooking class dedicated to the region’s most iconic dish: The Cataplana.
The Algarve Cataplana Cooking Class takes place in a peaceful rural setting, where the Algarve Gourmet kitchen becomes a way to explore local culture, products, and culinary traditions.
Guided by our local chef, you will participate in every stage of preparing the cataplana, learning traditional techniques and working with fresh seasonal ingredients.
Participants can choose between three versions of the dish:
- Fish and Seafood Cataplana
- Meat and Seafood Cataplana
- Vegetarian or Vegan Cataplana
During the preparation, you will learn about the history of this traditional dish as well as the unique cooking utensil used to prepare it.
The ingredients that define Algarve cuisine will also be presented: fresh fish from the sea, responsibly sourced meats, seasonal vegetables, natural aromatic herbs, and high-quality extra virgin olive oil.
While the cataplana slowly cooks in the traditional copper pot, participants enjoy tastings of regional products and signature specialities in a relaxed atmosphere of sharing and discovery.
The experience culminates in a final moment around the table, where the journey is celebrated in an informal and genuine atmosphere.
No previous cooking experience is required — only curiosity, a love of food, and a desire to discover Algarve gastronomy.
At the end of the experience, each participant receives the cataplana recipe to take home and recreate this dish.
Options for dietary restrictions or intolerances are available upon prior request, according to our pricing (see Important Information section).
For complete comfort, Algarve Cataplana Cooking Classes may include dedicated transport from your accommodation to the experience location, with return at the end.
- Experience lasting approximately 2h30
- Active participation in the preparation of the cataplana accompaniment by a local chef
- Introduction to regional products and use of fresh and seasonal ingredients
- Aprons and kitchen utensils
- Tastings of regional products and signature specialties
- The meal you prepared, served at the table
- Two glasses of selected Algarve wine
- Non-alcoholic beverages available
- Water
- Recipe to take away
- Experience in Portuguese, English or Spanish
- Optional exclusive transport (pick-up and drop-off service).
Programmes may occasionally be adjusted to maintain and enhance the experience.
Meeting Points:
If you don’t choose our transport option, you should head to the Algarve Gourmet location in Lagoa
Arrival Location: Tasting room next to the main house.
Identification: Hosts wearing Algarve Gourmet signage.
Days: Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday | Sunday
Schedule: 10.30am
Number of Participants: Maximum: 12
Prices:
1-4 pax: 1.001€ | 5 pax: 1.101€ | 6 pax: 1.201€ | 7 pax: 1.301€ | 8 pax: 1.351€ | 9 pax: 1.401€ | 6 pax: 1.451€ | 7 pax: 1.573€ | 8 pax: 1.716€
Extras:
- Private Transport:
- Vehicle Type: Car / Minivan
- Vehicle Capacity: Up to 8 passengers
- Pickup Locations:
Location | Price for Transport | Day | Time |
Carvoeiro, Ferragudo and Lagoa | 150€ | From Wednesday to Sunday | Morning: 10:15am |
Portimão and Alvor | 180€ | From Wednesday to Sunday | Morning: 10:00am |
Porches, Armação de Pêra, Galé and Salgados | 210€ | From Wednesday to Sunday | Morning: 10:00am |
Albufeira and Olhos D’Água | 240€ | From Wednesday to Sunday | Morning: 9:45am |
Lagos and Praia da Luz | 240€ | From Wednesday to Sunday | Morning: 9:45am |
Vilamoura, Quarteira, Vale Lobo and Qta Lago | 300€ | From Wednesday to Sunday | Morning: 9:30am |
- Return Pick-Up:
- 1pm
- In some cases, transport is provided by our team – the vehicle and guide will be clearly identified with Algarve Gourmet signage or clothing.
- When transport is provided by partners, drivers will verbally identify themselves as Algarve Gourmet representatives.
- Pick-up and drop-off times may vary depending on passenger numbers and locations. Any changes will be communicated via available contact channels.
What to bring
- Printed or electronic ticket
Gastronomic Selection
- The experience Gastronomic Selection is fixed and includes:
- Tastings of regional and signature products
- Cataplana prepared by you
- Select one of the following cataplana options when booking:
- Option 1: Fish Cataplana with seafood
- Option 2: Meat Cataplana with seafood
- Option 3: Vegetarian / Vegan Cataplana
- The Gastronomic Selection may be subject to minor changes depending on product seasonality and availability.
Dietary Restrictions and Intolerances
- These must be communicated at the time of booking.
- The preparation of a second Cataplana option different from the one originally selected due to dietary restrictions or intolerances will incur an additional minimum cost of €70 per 2 participants, payable directly on site, and must be made at least 48 hours in advance.
Non-Alcoholic Options
- Participants who do not consume wine may choose lemonade, fresh juice, or water at the time of booking at no additional cost.
Accessibility and Mobility
- Please inform us at the time of booking if you have reduced mobility or specific accessibility needs.
Pet Policy
- Pets are permitted only in outdoor areas and must always be kept on a short lead or in an appropriate carrier.
- Access may be refused to animals that may disturb other guests, staff, or the activity due to their behaviour, health condition, or hygiene.



The Algarve Cataplana Cooking Class is an exclusive product from the Algarve Gourmet company.
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+351 961 975 014
(Telephone calls to the national landline network)
- info@algarvegourmet.com
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Estrada Nacional 124-1 - Poço Partido
8400-557 Carvoeiro Lga