Greek Cooking Classes: Learn to Cook Authentic Greek Food in Greece

Discover the Joy of Greek Cooking

Cooking is at the heart of Greek life — a blend of heritage, hospitality, and the simple joy of sharing food. On Gastronomy Tours, you can do more than taste Greek cuisine — you can learn to cook it yourself. Each cooking class is structured as a course, guiding participants through a series of traditional Greek recipes. From olive-covered hills in Crete to bustling markets in Athens, Greek cooking classes invite you into authentic kitchens, where you’ll prepare traditional dishes alongside passionate local cooks. The experience creates a genuine, welcoming atmosphere for all participants.

Participants will use fresh ingredients sourced from local markets and farms as they learn to prepare classic Greek dishes.

Why Join a Greek Cooking Class

Food is the most delicious path to understanding Greek culture. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned home chef, cooking in Greece offers a hands-on way to connect with the country’s landscapes, ingredients, and people.

Top reasons to join a class:

• Hands-on cooking guided by local experts
• Visits to village markets, farms, or olive groves
• Learning traditional techniques passed through generations
• Small, friendly groups — everyone cooks, eats together, and shares meals in a communal setting
• Learn to prepare healthy dishes inspired by the Mediterranean diet
• Meals paired with local wines and stories of the region
• A great way to make new friends while sharing food and stories

Travel tip: The best classes are often set in family kitchens, farms, or vineyards — not just city studios.

Cooking Classes Across Greece

Athens & Central Greece — Market to Table

In Athens and the mainland, cooking experiences often start at local markets filled with fresh herbs, olives, and cheeses. You’ll shop for ingredients, then cook classic dishes such as moussaka, dolmades, tzatziki, and phyllo-based pies or pastries. Classes are hands-on, lively, and full of insight into daily Greek life — an ideal introduction to the country’s culinary traditions.

Highlights:

• Market-to-table experiences
• Home-cooked meals shared with locals
• Perfect for first-time visitors or short stays

Crete — The Soul of the Mediterranean Diet

Crete is often called the birthplace of the Mediterranean diet, and for good reason. Cooking classes here are rooted in the island’s natural bounty — extra virgin olive oil, mountain herbs, and local cheeses. Many classes source fresh herbs and vegetables directly from the garden, allowing participants to cook outdoors under olive trees or in traditional stone homes, preparing dishes like dakos, staka, or herb-roasted lamb.

Highlights:

• Authentic farm, garden, and vineyard settings
• Olive oil and herb workshops
• Cretan hospitality and seasonal ingredients

Cyclades Islands — Cooking with a Sea Breeze

On islands like Naxos, Santorini, or Paros, cooking classes combine sea views with local specialities such as tomato fritters, fava purée, and grilled fish. Many sessions include visits to small farms or family-run wineries — a perfect blend of culture and cuisine. These classes are also ideal for a romantic date night centred around Greek cuisine, where couples can enjoy preparing dishes together.

The experience often concludes with a shared dinner overlooking the sea, featuring the dishes prepared during the class.

Highlights:

• Island-grown produce and seafood
• Breathtaking settings and warm local hosts
• Ideal for romantic or leisurely travellers, and a memorable date

Northern Greece — Rustic Flavours and Mountain Traditions

In the northern regions, such as Epirus and Macedonia, the cuisine reflects the mountains and forests — hearty, earthy, and deeply satisfying. Cooking experiences often feature local cheeses, handmade pies, and smoked meats carefully prepared using time-honoured techniques in traditional wood-fired ovens.

Highlights:

• Rich, mountain-inspired cuisine
• Hands-on pastry and pie making
• Ideal for autumn or winter travellers

Peloponnese — Olive Oil, Wine, and Heritage Cooking

The Peloponnese is a paradise for food lovers — a land of olive groves, vineyards, and citrus orchards. Cooking classes here often include culinary excursions to local farms, olive oil presses, and vineyards, offering immersive experiences as you prepare local favourites such as gemista (stuffed vegetables), pastitsio, and lemon-roasted chicken.

Highlights:

• Olive oil tastings and vineyard tours as part of culinary excursions
• Farm-to-table experiences
• Strong connection between food and history

Meet the Experts — Chefs and Instructors Who Bring Greek Cuisine to Life

Step into the Greek kitchen and meet the passionate chefs and instructors who make every cooking class a true celebration of Greek culture. At the heart of our team is Diane Kochilas, a world-renowned authority on Greek cuisine and the Mediterranean diet. Alongside Diane, our expert instructors bring years of experience, a deep love for their country’s rich history, and a genuine joy for sharing the secrets of Greek cooking with guests from around the world.

Whether you’re learning to cook in Athens, on the sun-drenched Greek islands, or in a cosy village kitchen, our chefs create a warm and welcoming atmosphere where everyone feels at home. Each class is designed to be both fun and informative, blending hands-on cooking with stories that bring Greece’s culture and history to life. You’ll discover the importance of fresh herbs, seasonal ingredients, and traditional techniques as you prepare delicious main courses, vibrant salads, and classic desserts.

Our instructors are not only skilled cooks but also excellent storytellers, eager to share the background and significance of every dish. Many have appeared on PBS and have written extensively about Greek food, making them trusted guides on your culinary journey. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, you’ll gain new skills, confidence, and a deeper understanding of the Mediterranean diet—plus plenty of recipes to recreate in your own kitchen.

Join our team of experts and experience the joy of cooking classes that are filled with laughter, learning, and the unforgettable flavours of Greece. With every class, you’ll take home more than just recipes—you’ll carry with you the spirit of Greek hospitality and a lasting connection to this magical country.

What You’ll Learn to Cook

Before diving into the dishes, let’s discuss the tradition of the meze table, where conversation and sharing are central to the Greek dining experience.

Every region of Greece has its own signature flavours, but most classes include a mix of:

• Starters: Tzatziki, fava spread, cheese pies, dolmades
• Main courses: Moussaka, grilled fish, lamb with herbs, gemista
• Salads: Greek salad, Cretan dakos, lentil salad
• Desserts: Baklava, yoghurt with honey, semolina halva

These recipes speak to the vibrant flavours and traditions of Greek cuisine. Each session includes generous tastings and a shared meal with wine or raki — because no Greek table is complete without conversation.

More Than Cooking — A Cultural Experience

Greek cooking classes aren’t only about ingredients and recipes. They’re about connection — with people, tradition, and the land. You’ll hear stories from local hosts, learn the origins of age-old dishes, and gain insight into why the Greek diet is considered one of the healthiest in the world. In regions like Ikaria, renowned for the longevity of its residents, the traditional Greek diet and lifestyle are closely linked to long, healthy lives.

Travel Tips for Culinary Travellers

1. Book early — classes fill quickly, especially in summer.
2. Ask about group size — smaller groups mean a more personal experience.
3. Check the price per person when booking a class to understand the total cost.
4. Look for classes with flexible scheduling or recipes that can be adapted for busy travellers.
5. Confirm how to purchase or book your spot in advance, especially for popular classes.
6. Bring curiosity — you’ll learn best when you ask questions and get hands-on.
7. Combine experiences — pair a cooking class with a wine or olive oil tasting for a full gastronomic day.
8. Save your recipes — many hosts share take-home booklets, a delicious souvenir from Greece.

Join a Greek Cooking Class with Gastronomy Tours

At Gastronomy Tours, every cooking class is a window into Greek life — from the laughter shared around the table to the aromas of olive oil and herbs filling the kitchen. Honestly, these classes are some of the most memorable and enriching experiences you can have, thanks to the warmth and passion of the hosts. It’s a lovely way to immerse yourself in Greek culture and cuisine, whether you’re cooking by the sea, in the mountains, or in a bustling city. You’ll discover the soul of Greece one recipe at a time.Explore all Greek Cooking Experiences: www.gastronomytours.com/experiences