The Aegean Cooking Class

A Delicious Look at the Ftelos Cooking Class in Santorini

When traveling in Santorini, one of the most memorable ways to connect with the local culture is through its food. The Ftelos Cooking Class offers an engaging experience: for about 3.5 hours, you’ll learn to prepare traditional Cycladic dishes alongside professional chefs, all within a lively brewery setting. The class costs roughly $115 per person and is designed for small groups—no more than 10—ensuring plenty of personal attention. Given its consistent popularity, booked about 69 days in advance on average, it’s clear this experience hits a sweet spot for visitors.

Two things I particularly like about this experience are the welcoming atmosphere and the quality of the cooking instruction. The class begins by meeting a skilled Ftelos chef, who guides you through creating a four-course meal filled with local ingredients like cherry tomatoes, capers, and flavorful pork fillet. The chance to cook both indoors and outdoors, depending on the weather, means you get to enjoy Santorini’s wonderful climate while learning. Then, instead of just eating on a plate, you get to indulge in your creations in a modern brewery area, enhanced by a cold Ftelos craft beer—what better way to celebrate your new culinary skills?

A possible consideration is that the class is non-refundable and requires booking well in advance. If your plans change unexpectedly, you might lose the fee. Plus, since it’s a small, intimate class, it could fill quickly—so booking early is wise if this experience appeals.

Key Points

• Authentic Greek Cooking: Learn to prepare traditional Cycladic dishes, a perfect souvenir for your kitchen.
• Small Group Setting: With a maximum of 10 attendees, expect personalized attention and a relaxed vibe.
• High-Quality Venue: The class takes place at Ftelos Brewery, providing a modern, comfortable environment to cook and dine.
• Expert Guidance: Chef Michael and the staff are praised for their knowledge, friendliness, and making the experience fun.
• Delicious Meal & Drinks: You’ll eat your own creations paired with local craft beer, bread, and mineral water.
• Pre-booking Needed: The experience is popular, often booked 2+ months out, with a strict non-refundable policy.

The Experience in Detail

Starting Point at Ftelos Brewery

Your culinary adventure begins at the Ftelos Brewery, located in the heart of Santorini’s Karterádos area. The venue itself, especially the high-end, industrial-style setting, sets a modern yet welcoming tone. Meeting your chef, often Chef Michael or Katarina, feels informal but professional—perfect for a cooking class that prioritizes fun over formality.

The Cooking Journey

What makes this class stand out is the focus on Cycladic cuisine: simple, flavorful, and rooted in local ingredients. You’ll start by preparing a variety of dishes, including a salad with cherry tomatoes, capers, and caper leaves, along with cod croquettes in beer batter and a Santorini split-pea dip. The instructors emphasize approachable recipes—something I appreciate because it makes recreating these dishes at home both feasible and satisfying.

The highlight for many is the pork fillet cooked with Malt n Marvel Stout and mustard-rosemary sauce. The chefs demonstrate cooking techniques while sharing insights into their ingredient choices, offering a genuine glimpse into the local culinary culture. As the reviews suggest, Chef Katarina’s knowledge and friendly approach make the session lively and informative, encouraging even novice cooks to feel confident.

Dining and Drink Experience

Once the cooking is complete, the group gathers in a dedicated section of the brewery to enjoy the fruits of their labor. This isn’t just a meal—it’s a celebration, with each dish accompanied by a craft Ftelos beer as a welcome drink, refreshing bottled water, and fresh homemade bread. The combination of the fresh, cooked dishes and the brewery’s high-quality beverages makes for a truly satisfying experience.

Many reviewers rave about the delicious food and great beer, often noting the relaxed atmosphere. One said, “the food was also amazing,” and another described the evening as “relaxing, fun, and informative.” The atmosphere, paired with the expert guidance, creates a memorable moment that goes beyond just cooking—it’s about connecting with Santorini’s culinary roots in a lively setting.

Who Will Love This?

This class is especially suited for travelers who enjoy hands-on activities, food lovers who want to take home authentic recipes, and those interested in a more relaxed, small-group experience. It’s also a perfect choice if you want a break from typical sightseeing and prefer an activity that combines learning, eating, and drinking—all in one place.

Considerations and Practical Details

The class lasts about three and a half hours, making it a solid half-day activity. It’s conveniently located near public transportation and offers parking, which helps reduce travel stress. As for cost, at around $115, it provides good value considering the personalized instruction, local ingredients, and a full meal with drinks. Keep in mind the non-refundable policy — booking early is essential, especially in high season.

Who Is This Experience Best For?

If you’re looking for an authentic taste of Santorini’s food culture paired with engaging instruction, this class is a top pick. It suits solo travelers, couples, or small groups eager to learn and taste their own handiwork. Food enthusiasts and those wanting a tangible connection to the local cuisine will find it especially rewarding. It’s also perfect if you enjoy brewery atmospheres or want a relaxed environment to cook and dine.

However, if your travel plans are uncertain or you prefer free-form exploring, you might want to consider booking with flexible options or planning ahead. Similarly, for those with dietary restrictions, it’s best to clarify in advance, though the menu appears fairly traditional.

Final thoughts

The Ftelos Cooking Class offers more than just a meal—it’s a chance to really get involved with Santorini’s culinary traditions in a friendly, intimate setting. The combination of expert guidance, high-quality ingredients, and a lively brewery ambiance makes for an experience that’s both educational and fun. You’ll leave with new recipes, new skills, and a deeper appreciation for Cycladic cuisine.

This activity is especially fitting for food lovers, small groups, or anyone who values authentic, hands-on experiences. It’s a worthwhile addition to any Santorini itinerary, providing a taste of local life that you can recreate back home. Just remember to book early, come with an appetite, and be ready to enjoy a relaxed, flavorful slice of Greek culture.

FAQs

How long does the Ftelos Cooking Class last?
The class is approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes, giving you plenty of time to cook, learn, and enjoy your meal without feeling rushed.

Where does the experience start?
It begins at Ftelos Brewery in Karterádos, Santorini, with the meeting point at the brewery’s MALT Restaurant.

What’s included in the price?
Your fee covers local ingredients, supplies, and equipment, one craft Ftelos beer as a welcome, bread, mineral water, and a four-course meal cooked during the class.

Can I expect to cook outdoors?
Yes, weather permitting, the class takes place in either an indoor or outdoor setting, making the most of Santorini’s pleasant climate.

Is this experience suitable for dietary restrictions?
While specific details aren’t provided, it’s best to contact the provider directly if you have special dietary needs. The menu seems traditional, but communication helps ensure a good fit.

Is this a family-friendly activity?
While not explicitly stated, the small group setting and focus on simple, approachable recipes suggest it could be enjoyed by older children and teenagers with an interest in cooking.

What if I need to cancel?
The booking is non-refundable, so plan accordingly. If the minimum number of travelers isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date or full refund.

To sum it up, if you’re after an authentic culinary experience that marries learning with local flavor, the Ftelos Cooking Class in Santorini delivers on many fronts. It’s a warm, engaging way to dive into Cycladic cuisine, meet new friends, and enjoy a delicious meal in a lively brewery setting. Perfect for the curious cook and food lover alike, it’s a memorable addition to any Greek island adventure.