Paella Cooking Class in Marbella — Private Groups, Family Recipe Since 1972
A 3-hour private culinary experience at a finca in the Sierra de las Nieves, led by Chef Paco — third generation, same fire.
Why This Paella Cooking Class Is Different
There's a finca tucked into the hills above Marbella, where the air smells of rosemary and orange blossom. No road signs, no neon. Just a stone terrace overlooking the Sierra de las Nieves, a mosaic-tiled Andalusian table set under the olive trees, and a kitchen garden where Paco picks the vegetables himself that morning.
This is where Chef Paco learned to cook from his grandfather. Not from a recipe book, but from watching, tasting, adjusting. The way the sofrito darkens to the right shade of amber. The exact moment to stop stirring the rice. The sound the socarrat makes when you tap the pan with a wooden spoon. Three generations of the Siles family have worked in food — as restaurateurs, as caterers, as cooks — since 1972. The paella cooking class at the finca is the purest expression of that tradition: one chef, one group, one fire.
Your cooking class starts with a cold glass of wine or sangria on the terrace, a few tapas, and a slow conversation. No schedule pressure, no strangers joining mid-session. Whether you're a couple or a group of thirty, the experience is exclusively yours. When the moment feels right, Paco invites you to gather around the paella station and the real show begins.
No cooking skills required. No shared groups. Just an appetite and a front-row seat to a family recipe that's been perfected over three generations.
How Your Private Cooking Class Unfolds
🥂Welcome & Aperitivo~40 min
You arrive at the finca, settle onto the terrace with a glass of white wine, sangria, beer, or a soft drink. Paco brings out tapas — tortilla, seasonal salad, aioli — and lets you take in the view. No rush.
🔥The Show Cooking~60 min
Paco invites everyone to gather around the paella station. He builds the paella step by step, narrating every decision. The sofrito, the broth, the rice, the heat control. You're close enough to feel the warmth and smell the saffron hit the pan.
🍽️La Comida~50 min
The paella comes to the table straight from the fire — served on the beautiful mosaic Andalusian table with bread, aioli, and whatever Paco has added that day. A long, relaxed lunch with seconds encouraged.
☕Despedida~20 min
After lunch, take your time — relax on the terrace, enjoy the views, wander the garden. Before you leave, Paco shares the recipe so you can try it at home (plus video instructions sent after the class).
This is a show cooking class — Paco does the cooking while you watch, learn, and enjoy. If guests want to get involved (stirring, seasoning), they're welcome to, but there's absolutely no obligation.
Choose Your Paella Recipe
Paella Valenciana
The original. Chicken, artichokes, fava beans, rosemary, Vera pepper, garlic, saffron — cooked the way Valencia has cooked it for centuries.
Paella Mariscos
Squid, gambones (king prawns), clams, mussels, peppers, saffron, and traditional aioli. The Costa del Sol on a plate.
Paella Végétarienne
Artichokes, fava beans, garrofons, Vera pepper, garlic, rosemary, saffron, pimientos del piquillo. Many of the vegetables come straight from our kitchen garden.
Paella Royale
Squid, gambones, clams, mussels, lobster, peppers, saffron, and traditional aioli — the full spread.
Prices vary by group size (1–30 guests): €90/pp for 1–3, €85 for 4–9, €80 for 10–14, €75 for 14–20, €70 for 20–30. Royale: €120/pp. Children 4–10: €45 flat rate. Under 4: free.
What's Included
Included
- ✓Welcome aperitif: white wine, sangria, beer, soft drinks & water
- ✓Tapas: tortilla, seasonal salad & aioli
- ✓3-hour private show cooking led by Chef Paco — your group only
- ✓All ingredients, many from our own kitchen garden and the Ojén market
- ✓Full paella meal with bread and aioli
- ✓Recipe booklet + follow-up video instructions
- ✓Exclusive use of the finca and terrace — no other groups
Not Included
- ✗Transport to the finca (optional: €20/person within 30km of Ojén, quote beyond)
- ✗Gratuities (appreciated but never expected)
What Our Guests Are Sharing
★ 4.9 on Google · 21+ reviews
“Best thing we did in Marbella. Paco is a natural entertainer and the food was incredible. We’ve already booked again for next year.”
Sarah T., London
“We’ve done cooking classes in Italy, Thailand, and Mexico. This was the best one. The setting, the atmosphere, the food — everything felt real.”
James & Laura, Sydney
“Took my mum here for her 60th birthday. She still talks about it. The paella was better than any restaurant we went to that week.”
Maria G., Dublin
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready for a Private Paella Experience?
3 hours · Private finca in Ojén · Your group only, 2–30 guests
Free cancellation up to 48hWeather protection guaranteedOnly 30% deposit to book