Positano: Cooking class and tasting with a view of the Galli Islands

If you’re looking to blend culinary adventure with breathtaking scenery during a trip to the Amalfi Coast, the Positano cooking class with a view of Li Galli offers an experience that’s both authentic and memorable. This roughly four-hour journey, led by a family passionate about their roots, invites you into their home and farm, where you’ll learn to prepare traditional recipes handed down through generations. It’s perfect for those who want more than just sightseeing, craving a taste of local life combined with a good dose of spectacular scenery.

Two things I really like about this experience are the personal touch of the family guiding the class—highlighting recipes based on grandmother’s classics—and the stunning views of the Galli Islands that serve as a backdrop throughout the day. The opportunity to personally pick ingredients from the estate’s gardens adds a genuine farm-to-table feel that elevates the whole experience. One possible consideration is that it’s a small group activity limited to ten participants, which means it’s quite intimate but may not suit larger groups or those with mobility issues, as the tour involves some walking around the estate.

This experience manages to combine gastronomy, tradition, and fun in a way that’s accessible and heartfelt. If you’re eager to connect with local culture, learn authentic recipes, and enjoy a memorable view, this class checks all those boxes. Just be prepared for some hands-on participation—it’s not a passive dining experience!

Key Points / Takeaways

• Authentic Family Recipes: The cuisine is rooted in grandmother’s traditions, offering a genuine taste of local cooking.
• Farm-to-Table Experience: You pick ingredients directly from the estate’s gardens, making the meal personal and fresh.
• Stunning Views: The class takes place in a beautiful garden outside Positano, overlooking the Li Galli islands.
• Hands-On Learning: You prepare pasta and eggplant parmigiana step by step, guided by your hosts.
• Local Products Tasted: From extra virgin olive oil and jams to cheeses, cured meats, and artisanal liquors like limoncello.
• Small Group Setting: Limited to ten participants, ensuring a relaxed, personalized atmosphere.

The Experience in Detail

A Warm Welcome and Family Introduction

You’ll start your journey with a warm reception, including a welcome drink and an aperitif featuring products from the farm—think extra virgin olive oil, jams, and local specialties. It’s a chance to relax, get to know your hosts, and feel the familial vibe that makes this experience stand out. The hosts emphasize the importance of sharing their roots, which sets the right tone for a day of authentic learning.

Guided Tour of the Estate: Agriculture and Ingredients

Next, you’re taken on a guided visit of the estate’s citrus groves, olive trees, vegetable gardens, and vineyards. This isn’t just a stroll; the hosts share insights into cultivation and local production, giving you a taste of rural life on the Amalfi Coast. What makes this particularly engaging is the opportunity to gather ingredients yourself—fresh herbs, vegetables, or fruits—that will feature in your cooking later. It’s a tangible connection to where your meal originates, a highlight that makes the experience feel very real.

Mozzarella-Making Demonstration

One of the most popular parts of the day is the mozzarella workshop. Watching and participating in the artisanal process of cheese-making adds a hands-on element that many guests find memorable. It’s a window into traditional craftsmanship and offers a chance to ask questions directly to your hosts. I love the authenticity this adds—no pre-made cheese here, just fresh, locally made mozzarella.

Cooking from Scratch: Pasta and Eggplant Parmigiana

Here’s where the fun really kicks in. Under guided instruction, you’ll learn to make fresh pasta—perhaps ravioli or tagliatelle—and cook classic eggplant parmigiana. The step-by-step guidance ensures everyone, regardless of cooking skill, can follow along and feel accomplished. The focus on simple, local ingredients means the dishes are flavorful and authentic. The relaxed, convivial atmosphere encourages sharing tips and stories, transforming cooking into a social event rather than a chore.

The Tasting: Savoring What You’ve Made

After all the effort, you’ll sit down to enjoy your creations. The meal includes two courses and a dessert, served with house wines and unlimited water. The hosts are attentive to personal preferences, with wine choices paired to enhance each dish. The reviews highlight that the local wines and artisanal liquors like limoncello and nocino make the tasting especially memorable. One guest remarked, “The food was delicious, and we learned so much,” emphasizing the value of this shared meal.

A Thoughtful Send-Off

As the experience winds down, participants receive a certificate of participation—a small yet meaningful souvenir—plus the recipes used during the class. It’s a lovely way to remember the day and potentially recreate some of the magic back home.

Logistics and Practicalities

Duration, Group Size, and Accessibility

The experience lasts about four hours, with specific start times depending on availability. It’s designed for small groups—limited to ten people—ensuring personalized attention and a relaxed environment. The pick-up service from key points along the Sorrento Peninsula makes logistics simple, and a good tip is to arrive a few minutes early.

Cost and Value

This experience includes everything from the estate tour, ingredient gathering, cooking, tasting, and a full meal with wine, plus recipes and a certificate. While it might seem like a premium priced activity, the value lies in the authentic family atmosphere, the scenic setting, and the hands-on nature of the experience. You’re not just watching a chef; you’re actively participating in a local tradition, which is worth a lot when you consider the memories and skills gained.

What’s Not Included

Other drinks outside the included wines and liquors are not covered, so if you prefer craft beers or spirits, you might want to bring your own.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This class is perfect for travelers who want to connect with local culture through food. It suits those who enjoy hands-on activities, scenic settings, and authentic, home-cooked cuisine. It’s especially appealing if you’re interested in learning family recipes, tasting regional wines, or simply soaking in the peaceful atmosphere of a garden outside Positano. Not ideal for those with mobility issues or wheelchair users, as the estate involves some walking and uneven surfaces.

Price and Logistics: Is It Worth It?

While the cost might be higher than a simple cooking demo, remember that you’re getting a full immersive experience—a tour of the estate, ingredient gathering, cooking lessons, a full meal, and local wine. The small group size and personalized attention add to the value. Plus, the stunning view of Li Galli makes this a memorable setting for a culinary day you’ll talk about long after your trip.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Consider This?

If you’re after a meaningful, relaxed, and authentic way to enjoy Positano’s culinary traditions, this class fits the bill. It’s ideal for food lovers eager to learn family recipes and for those who appreciate beautiful scenery paired with good company. The experience strikes a fine balance between fun, education, and relaxation—an excellent way to deepen your connection with Italy’s culinary soul.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, transfers from key points along the Sorrento Peninsula are included, making logistics simple and stress-free.

How long does the experience last?
About four hours, with start times subject to availability. It’s a well-paced, manageable length for most travelers.

Are dietary restrictions accommodated?
This isn’t explicitly mentioned, but since the meal is prepared with local ingredients and recipes, it’s best to communicate any specific needs ahead of time.

What’s the group size?
Limited to ten participants, ensuring a cozy, personalized atmosphere.

What is included in the fee?
Welcome drinks, estate tour, ingredient gathering, cooking lesson, full meal with wine, recipes, and a participation certificate.

Is it suitable for children?
The experience is geared toward adult participants; children’s participation isn’t specified, and the activity involves some physical movement and cooking.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations are accepted up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What language is spoken?
The classes are offered in Italian and English, accommodating most travelers.

Is there Wi-Fi or parking?
Yes, Wi-Fi and parking are available during the experience.

This Positano cooking class with a view offers a genuine slice of local life, paired with stunning scenery and delicious food. It’s a chance to step beyond typical sightseeing and create lasting memories through hands-on cooking and shared stories. Whether you’re a foodie, a traveler craving authenticity, or simply someone who loves a good view with their meal, this experience is well worth considering.