Rhodes isn’t just about sunbathing or ancient ruins — it’s also a place where you can get hands-on with local culture through engaging workshops and classes. We love the cooking and wine tasting experience because it offers an authentic taste of Rhodian life, from rural village scenes to wine varieties you won’t find elsewhere. The stand-up paddleboarding lesson at Stegna Beach appeals to adventure seekers eager to explore the coast with a splash of fun, while the food and wine tour with an 11-course lunch combines culinary skills with the chance to sample some of the island’s best wines and dishes. Each of these experiences provides a genuine way to connect with Rhodes beyond typical sightseeing.
If you’re looking to deepen your understanding of Greek cuisine, local wines, or simply want a memorable outdoor activity, these workshops deliver authentic insights and fun. Whether you want to cook traditional dishes, glide across the water, or indulge in a multi-course feast, Rhodes offers options for all interests and energy levels. To help you choose, we’ve ranked these three top experiences based on their uniqueness, reviews, and what makes them special. Let’s dive into what each has to offer.
1. Rhodes: Cooking Lesson and Wine Tasting with Lunch
This 4-hour experience takes you to a rural Rhodian village where you’ll learn to cook local dishes alongside a professional cook. The tour includes visits to a women’s agricultural cooperative and a traditional Greek Kafeneion, giving you a glimpse of everyday life. What sets this apart is the opportunity to taste regional wines at a small local winery and learn about grape varieties directly from the winemaker. After your class, you’ll sit down to enjoy a flavorful lunch you prepared yourself.
The guides here are passionate and knowledgeable, with reviews praising their ability to share local traditions effortlessly. One reviewer called the guide “a lot of knowledge,” and many appreciated the chance to experience “the real Rhodes” outside the tourist spots. The tour’s mix of culinary skills, wine tasting, and village exploration makes it a well-rounded culture. The small-group setting ensures personalized attention, making this ideal for food lovers or anyone wanting a peaceful escape into Rhodian life.
Bottom Line: If you enjoy cooking, wine, and authentic village visits, this tour offers a memorable, hands-on experience that combines all three. It’s perfect for those who want a relaxed but enriching half-day out.
2. Rhodes: Stegna Beach Stand Up Paddleboarding Lesson
For those craving a physical activity combined with stunning scenery, this 2-hour paddleboarding lesson at Stegna Beach is a winner. Led by experienced instructors, this tour introduces you to stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), a fun way to see Rhodes’ coastline from the water. Once you learn the basics, you’ll venture out into the crystal-clear Mediterranean waters, enjoying views that are as impressive as the exercise itself.
What makes this experience stand out is its simplicity and focus on fun. Reviewers highlight the friendly guides and emphasize how beautiful the photos taken during the session are. If you’re a beginner or just want a light, outdoor activity, this is a solid choice. The ability to take a refreshing swim and capture memories with a GoPro adds extra value.
Bottom Line: Perfect for active travelers or water sports newcomers, this paddleboarding lesson combines fresh air, scenic beauty, and a dash of confidence-building fun. It’s ideal if you want a quick, memorable outdoor adventure.
3. Food & Wine Tour: 11-Course Lunch, Cooking Class, Wine Tasting
This 4-hour tour is a food lover’s dream, featuring a vineyard and distillery tour, a cooking class, and a grand 11-course lunch with unlimited wine. Starting at a family-owned vineyard, you’ll learn how wine, souma, and tsipouro are made, then enjoy a tasting session with a certified sommelier. Next, you’ll move to the cooking classroom to prepare local dishes, and finally sit down to enjoy your creations paired with on-site wines.
Guests rave about the beautiful setting and the quality of the wine and food. One reviewer noted that the cooking was “fun,” and the lunch was “delicious but not overwhelming,” making it accessible even to those with smaller appetites. The tour emphasizes learning in an intimate setting with a friendly family, which adds authenticity to the experience.
This tour offers great value for money considering the multiple activities and unlimited wine. It’s well-suited for travelers eager to understand Rhodian wine culture, try their hand at cooking, or simply indulge in a relaxing, foodie-filled afternoon.
Bottom Line: If you want a comprehensive taste of Rhodes’ culinary and viticultural traditions in a relaxed atmosphere, this tour provides a fantastic, all-in-one experience.
How to Choose
When selecting between these workshops, consider your interests and how much time you want to dedicate. If you love cooking and wine, the Rhodes: Cooking Lesson and Wine Tasting with Lunch offers a deep dive into local traditions with a relaxed pace. For outdoor enthusiasts, the Stegna Beach paddleboarding is an active, scenic way to enjoy the coast. Foodies who want a full gastronomic experience should opt for the Food & Wine Tour, which combines tastings, cooking, and a multi-course feast.
Budget-wise, the food and wine tour is affordable and offers lots of value with multiple activities included. If you prefer a shorter, more relaxed outing, the paddleboarding is ideal. For a comprehensive cultural and culinary immersion, the cooking and wine tour is hard to beat.
Final Thoughts
Rhodes has a wonderful variety of workshops and classes that allow you to taste, create, and explore like a local. Whether you’re a foodie eager to learn traditional recipes, an adventure lover ready to paddle along the coast, or a wine enthusiast interested in local varieties, there’s something here for you. The cooking and wine experience stands out for its authenticity and relaxed small-group setting, perfect for those wanting a genuine taste of Rhodian life. Meanwhile, the paddleboarding lesson provides a refreshing outdoor activity, and the comprehensive food and wine tour offers a full-day culinary adventure.
To ensure a spot on your preferred date, it’s wise to book early, especially in peak season. These experiences promise not just fun, but a deeper connection to Rhodes that you won’t find in guidebooks—or in typical sightseeing. Pick what suits your style, and enjoy your time on this beautiful island.