Santorini isn’t just about postcard sunsets and whitewashed buildings — it’s a place where you can truly learn about local culture through hands-on experiences. Whether you want to learn how to cook authentic Greek dishes, taste world-class wines, or get your adrenaline pumping with windsurfing lessons, Santorini offers a rich variety of workshops and classes that make your trip memorable in a different way. We’re especially fond of the Private Santorini Cooking Class & Wine Tasting Tour, which combines in-depth wine tasting with personalized cooking lessons in a small-group setting. It’s a fantastic way to connect with the island’s flavors, with knowledgeable guides and intimate experiences.
If you’re craving something active, the Santorini Windsurfing lessons are a superb choice — perfect for beginners eager to catch their first wind or for windsurfing enthusiasts looking to refine their skills. For those who prefer a relaxed, scenic day, the Santorini: Cooking Class & Easy Hike offers a delightful blend of trekking along volcanic vineyards and culinary discovery. Whatever your style, these experiences provide authentic ways to enjoy Santorini beyond the usual sightseeing.
Quick Overview of Top Workshops & Classes in Santorini
Our list includes a broad spectrum of experiences to suit different interests and energy levels. The Private Santorini Cooking Class & Wine Tasting Tour earns high praise for its small-group intimacy, detailed wine tastings, and hands-on cooking. The Santorini Windsurfing lessons deliver personalized coaching on a popular water sport, ideal for adventurous travelers. For a more scenic, relaxed activity, the Santorini: Cooking Class & Easy Hike combines outdoor exploration with culinary fun. For a comprehensive culinary experience with vineyard visits, the Santorini: Vineyard and Winery Tour with Cooking Class offers a superb blend of wine and food. Each of these options brings a different taste of Santorini’s culture and landscape, so read on for the detailed scoop.
1. Private Santorini Cooking Class & Wine Tasting Tour
Starting at number one on our list, this half-day experience combines visits to two acclaimed Santorini wineries with a hands-on Greek cooking class. It’s a great pick for those who love wine and food in equal measure. The tour begins with a guided visit to Estate Argyros, where you’ll sample four wines, including Assyrtiko, and learn about how volcanic soil influences grape growing. Next, at Santo Winery, another four wines await, with tastings and a quick look at their facilities. The highlight, however, is the visit to Anhydrous Winery, where you enjoy a wine tasting, participate in a cooking class, and feast on a freshly prepared lunch.
What makes this tour special is its personalized small-group size — limited to just eight people, ensuring you get plenty of attention from your guide and chef. The cooking session covers classic Greek dishes like Greek salad and caramelized pork, giving you practical skills to recreate at home. Guest reviews praise the comprehensive nature of this experience, noting the educational value in both wine and cuisine. At $592.46 per person, it’s an investment, but the depth of tasting, learning, and tasting makes it worthwhile for wine lovers and foodies alike.
Bottom Line: This tour offers a rich, intimate taste of Santorini’s wine and culinary scene, perfect for travelers wanting a full sensory immersion.
2. Santorini: Private Cooking Class and Wine Tasting Tour
In second place, this private experience is designed for couples or small groups who want to indulge in Santorini’s culinary and viticultural delights without distractions. For about $1,073 per group (up to two people), you get a customized six-hour tour with exclusive attention. It includes visits to two wineries in the countryside, where you learn about local wine production from passionate guides, tasting up to eight different wines — perfect for wine connoisseurs. The highlight is a cooking class held at a traditional restaurant, where you prepare and enjoy your own meal.
This experience shines with its personalized approach and the opportunity to learn directly from a professional chef. Guests rave about the enthusiastic guides and the ability to sample a lot of wine in a relaxed setting. The private nature makes it ideal for honeymooners or travelers seeking an intimate, tailored experience. The emphasis on tasting authentic wines and preparing typical Greek dishes makes it a memorable cultural highlight.
Bottom Line: For a private, all-encompassing day focusing on wine and cuisine, this tour is a top choice, especially for those wanting exclusivity and personalized attention.
3. Santorini Windsurfing lessons
If water sports excite you, number three on our list, the Santorini Windsurfing lessons, is a great way to learn a new skill or improve your technique. Priced at around $139.33 per person for roughly two hours, this small-group lesson is perfect for beginners and intermediate windsurfers. Your instructor, Harry, is known for his patience and ability to get learners up on their boards, often within the first session. Equipment is provided, and the lesson takes place on a calm part of Santorini’s coast.
What makes this experience stand out is the personalized instruction and the chance to make quick progress. Reviewers mention how Harry’s expertise and the use of radio helmets for communication help learners feel confident. The lesson is suitable for most fitness levels, and even if you’re a bit nervous, you’ll find the supportive environment perfect to try windsurfing for the first time or refine your skills.
Bottom Line: For those seeking a fun, active way to enjoy Santorini’s waters, windsurfing lessons offer a practical and engaging introduction to this exciting sport.
4. Santorini : Cooking Class & Easy Hike
At number four, this combo experience blends outdoor exploration with culinary crafting. For about $178.62, you’ll trek through vineyards and old chapels along Santorini’s south coast, with fantastic views of the volcanic caldera. The hike ends at a secluded beach, where you’ll join a local family chef for a cooking lesson. Under their guidance, you prepare traditional Greek dishes, then sit down to enjoy your homemade meal. Afterward, you can relax, swim, and soak up the scenery.
What sets this tour apart is its combination of nature and cuisine. Reviews highlight the scenic hike and the warm, friendly atmosphere during the cooking session. It’s ideal for travelers who want a gentle physical activity combined with cultural and culinary immersion. The small-group size ensures a relaxed pace and personal interaction.
Bottom Line: This experience suits travelers looking for a scenic walk coupled with authentic Greek cooking, making it a well-rounded day of fun and relaxation.
5. The Aegean Cooking Class
For those who want to bring a piece of Santorini home, the The Aegean Cooking Class offers a hands-on opportunity to learn about Cycladic cuisine in a relaxed setting. Priced at $115.24 for approximately 3.5 hours, this class focuses on local ingredients and traditional recipes, guided by knowledgeable staff. It’s a small-group experience where you learn to prepare dishes that you can recreate later.
Guests praise the informative and fun atmosphere and highlight that the recipes are simple yet delicious. It’s perfect for travelers who enjoy cooking and want a tangible souvenir from their trip. The class’s affordability and focus on authentic flavors make it an excellent value.
Bottom Line: If you want a relaxed, practical cooking experience that centers on Cycladic cuisine, this class delivers a memorable and tasty lesson.
6. Santorini: Greek Cooking Class with Wine Tasting
Next, the Greek Cooking Class with Wine Tasting combines culinary skills with a deep dive into local wines. For around $271, this five-hour experience includes visiting a renowned winery for tastings of Assyrtiko and Nykteri, followed by a cooking class led by a local chef. The focus on wine and food pairing is ideal for oenophiles and food lovers alike.
Guests appreciate the unlimited wine tastings and the chance to learn about the history of Santorini’s vineyards. The small-group size enhances the personal experience. This tour is particularly well-suited for travelers who want to combine a wine education with hands-on cooking, ending with a delicious meal paired with the wines they learned about.
Bottom Line: For a full sensory experience of wine and food, this tour offers an engaging, flavorful journey into Santorini’s culinary scene.
7. Santorini: Cooking Class with a Professional incl. Full Meal
This intimate, home-based cooking class is perfect for those seeking a genuine Greek family experience. For about 2.5 hours, you cook with Chef Anna in her home, using organic, locally sourced ingredients. She shares traditional recipes passed down through her family, making it a personal and authentic experience.
Reviews tell us that Anna’s warmth and simplicity make you feel like part of her family. The class emphasizes healthy, straightforward dishes, and dinner is served with the freshly prepared food. It’s an ideal choice for travelers who want an immersive, friendly atmosphere. The only downside is the limited availability, as the class is small and popular.
Bottom Line: If authentic home cooking and personal attention appeal to you, this class provides a heartfelt taste of Greek hospitality.
8. Santorini: Vineyard and Winery Tour with Cooking Class
Finally, our eighth pick combines vineyard visits and a cooking workshop in a single four-and-a-half-hour tour. Visiting two traditional wineries, you learn about Santorini’s unique viticulture and explore their cellars. The tour includes a cooking class where you prepare traditional dishes, then enjoy your creations with wine from the wineries.
Guests appreciate the comprehensive nature of this experience, which balances wine history, tasting, and culinary skills. The tours are well-organized, and the guides focus on local traditions. At $260 per person, it’s competitive considering the depth of experiences packed into this tour.
Bottom Line: For travelers wanting a detailed look at Santorini’s wine country combined with hands-on cooking, this tour ticks all boxes.
How to Choose the Right Workshop or Class in Santorini
When selecting your experience, consider your budget, interests, and activity level. If you’re serious about wine and cuisine, the Private Santorini Cooking Class & Wine Tasting Tour offers a comprehensive, personalized experience worth splurging on. For a more relaxed, scenic outing, the Santorini: Cooking Class & Easy Hike combines outdoor fun with culinary discovery. Active travelers craving water sports should look at the Windsurfing lessons, perfect for beginners wanting to learn a new skill.
Booking early is advisable, especially for popular small-group classes or private tours. Check availability and consider the time of year — summer months fill up quickly, and some activities are weather-dependent. Think about your interests: food lovers will enjoy the hands-on cooking classes, while wine enthusiasts should consider the tours with vineyard visits. Those seeking adventure might opt for windsurfing or combined hikes and cooking.
Final Thoughts
Santorini’s workshops and classes open a window into the island’s culture, cuisine, and landscape in a way that passive sightseeing can’t match. For a full-blown culinary adventure with wine, the Private Santorini Cooking Class & Wine Tasting Tour remains a top choice. If you prefer active fun on the water, the Windsurfing lessons will get your adrenaline pumping. For a blend of scenic outdoor fun and local flavors, the Cooking & Easy Hike offers a memorable day.
No matter your preference, these hands-on experiences provide a meaningful way to enjoy Santorini beyond its famous vistas. Book early, pick what excites your taste buds or sense of adventure, and get ready to take a piece of Santorini home with you in the form of new skills and delicious memories.