From Sitges: Paella Masterclass with Drink and Bike Ride

If you’re visiting Sitges and craving a day packed with local flavors, scenic views, and a touch of cultural exploration, this tour offers a compelling mixture. It combines a leisurely bike ride through Catalan vineyards, an insightful winery visit, and a hands-on paella cooking experience led by a family with generations of culinary tradition. The entire experience is designed to be immersive yet relaxed, making it accessible to most travelers — even those who don’t consider themselves cyclist or master chefs.

What really stands out is the authenticity of the family-run winery and the personalized approach to cooking paella. Plus, the inclusion of a guided tour of the cava-making process adds a unique local touch. A slight downside might be the duration — five hours might feel a bit tight if you’re looking for a slow, unstructured day — but it certainly is packed with memorable moments. This tour suits food lovers, wine enthusiasts, and anyone eager to explore Catalonia beyond the beach.

Key Points

• Authentic experience: Hands-on paella cooking with a family recipe.
• Scenic cycling: Easy 15 km bike ride through vineyards, suitable for all ages.
• Wine & cava insights: Visit a historic winery with a nine-generation history.
• Local storytelling: Guides share engaging stories about the region and wine-making process.
• Balanced schedule: Combines activities without feeling rushed.
• Ideal for: Those seeking a mix of outdoor activity, culture, and culinary fun.

A Well-Rounded Day of Flavors and Views

This tour offers a well-paced blend of outdoor adventure, cultural discovery, and culinary mastery—all set in the charming Penedès wine region, just outside Sitges. It’s a perfect snapshot of Catalan rural life, peppered with scenic vistas and authentic local stories.

Starting with a hotel pickup, the group heads to the vineyards, where the bike ride begins. The ride itself is meant to be leisurely—about 15 km—making it accessible for most ages and fitness levels, according to reviews. It’s more of a gentle stroll than a rigorous workout, with ample stops to admire the views and learn about the grape varieties and the cava-making process. Tour guides like Alex and others are praised for their knowledge and friendliness, making the journey feel personal and informative.

The Vineyard & Cava Experience

The highlight for many is the visit to a family-run winery with a nine-generation history. The Romagosa Torne family opens their doors to curious visitors eager to learn how cava, Spain’s beloved sparkling wine, is crafted. Expect stories about the family heritage, the traditional methods still used today, and, of course, tastings. Travelers like Triston appreciated the opportunity to sip cava at a family winery, feeling like they were hanging out with old friends rather than just travelers.

The winery visit offers a chance to see the production process, from vine to bottle, and learn about the region’s significance in sparkling wine production. The tasting session is friendly, with reviewers noting the quality of the wines and cava, and the chance to broaden your understanding of Spain’s wine culture.

The Paella Masterclass: Authentic and Practical

After the sightseeing and tasting, it’s time to get down to business in the kitchen. The paella masterclass is designed to be hands-on, with participants following a family recipe that has been passed down through generations. Reviewers like Don found it to be a delightful blend of cooking, eating, and learning, though some described it more as a guided demonstration rather than a fully interactive cooking session.

You can choose from four types of paella: Seafood, Meat, Vegetarian, or Black Paella (rice with squid ink). The Seafood paella is noted as a classic, loaded with prawns, calamari, and fresh fish, appealing to those wanting a true taste of Spain. Vegetarian options cater well to plant-based diets, with seasonal vegetables and a flavorful broth. Black paella, made with squid and ink, offers a more specialized regional flavor that’s less common among travelers but genuinely authentic.

The experience includes ingredients to make paella and a glass of wine or cava to complement the meal. After cooking, you get to enjoy your creation, soaking in the satisfaction of having prepared a dish that you can recreate at home. Many reviewers appreciated the tips and tricks shared, which make it more than just a demonstration but a skill you can take back with you.

The Overall Value

At $125 per person, this experience offers a lot for the price. You get a well-rounded day of scenic views, cultural insight, and practical skills, topped with good-quality meals and drinks. The inclusion of hotel pickup and drop-off adds convenience, especially for those staying in Sitges.

While some reviews mention that the paella class isn’t entirely “hands-on” in the strictest sense, the overall experience remains engaging and memorable. The small group size—limited to eight participants—ensures a more intimate and personalized atmosphere, which many travelers find enhances the experience.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for food lovers eager to learn traditional recipes, wine and cava enthusiasts wanting insight into local production, and outdoor lovers looking for a scenic, relaxed bike ride. It’s particularly suitable for travelers who appreciate a balanced itinerary—not too rushed, with plenty of opportunities to take photos, ask questions, and enjoy regional delicacies.

It’s also perfect if you want a fun, engaging way to spend a day outside of Barcelona, combining the countryside’s beauty with authentic local flavors. The experience suits all ages, given the easy bike ride and flexible schedule, making it a hit for families, couples, or groups of friends.

This tour from Sitges truly captures the essence of Catalonia’s culinary and vinicultural gems. The guided visits, scenic cycling, and hands-on cooking class all work together to create a memorable, well-paced day. We loved the chance to learn about cava at a family-run winery and to try our hand at making authentic paella, gaining skills we can recreate back home.

The small group setting and knowledgeable guides ensure a warm, personalized experience. Everything is designed to be accessible, enjoyable, and educational—making it a wonderful choice for those wanting a deeper connection to local traditions without long, tiring days. Whether you’re a foodie, a wine lover, or simply curious about Catalan culture, this experience offers genuine value and a taste of regional life.

Is the bike ride suitable for all ages?
Yes, the bike ride is described as easy and suitable for all ages. It’s more of a pleasant stroll through vineyards rather than a strenuous cycling tour.

What’s included in the tour price?
The tour includes bicycle, helmet, hotel pickup and drop-off, ingredients for the paella, and a glass of wine or cava. Additional drinks are available for purchase.

Can I choose a different type of paella?
Yes, you can select from four options: seafood, meat, vegetarian, or black paella, depending on your preference.

How long is the entire experience?
The tour lasts about five hours, including travel, the bike ride, winery visit, and cooking class.

Is the tour guided in English and Spanish?
Yes, the tour is offered in both languages, with guides sharing stories and insights throughout.

Do I need prior cooking experience to enjoy the paella class?
No, the class is designed for all levels, and participants receive guidance to help follow along and learn.

What’s the best time of day for this tour?
Availability varies, so check the schedule for starting times, but typically it’s a morning or early afternoon experience.

Is transportation provided?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included, making it easy to relax and focus on enjoying the day.

This tour offers a balanced mix of scenic beauty, cultural learning, and culinary fun—perfect for travelers who want to enjoy Catalan traditions without overdoing it.