Is prior cooking experience required?

No. This course is designed for all skill levels, from beginners to food enthusiasts.

Can children participate in the pesto course?

Yes, children aged 6 and older are welcome to join and learn alongside adults.

What languages are the classes offered in?

Classes are held in English, Italian, or Spanish, depending on group composition.

Are dietary restrictions accommodated?

Please inform Arbaspaa in advance if you have allergies or dietary needs to ensure a suitable experience.

How much pesto will I take home?

You will leave with a freshly made jar of pesto created during the course, enough for several meals.

Is the venue wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the location is stroller and wheelchair accessible.

Pesto Making in La Spezia with Arbaspaa | Food Tour

La Spezia, a vibrant coastal city in Liguria, Italy, offers more than just gateway access to the Cinque Terre. Here, Arbaspaa brings the region’s culinary roots to life with its unique Pesto course, held right in La Spezia’s historic center on Via Fiume. This immersive one-hour class invites visitors to step into the kitchen traditions once guarded by Ligurian grandmothers, discovering how to craft an authentic pesto Genovese—the verdant, aromatic sauce recognized worldwide.

The setting itself enhances the experience: a few steps from the central train station, the studio combines urban accessibility with the charm of Ligurian culture. On arrival, participants are greeted with a refreshing basil and lemon drink that pairs perfectly with crisp local focaccia slathered in pesto. The class swiftly moves into hands-on preparation using traditional mortars, encouraging every participant to engage fully with the ingredients—fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, Ligurian olive oil, and Pecorino cheese—while sharing stories tracing pesto’s history back through Liguria’s culinary evolution.

Arbaspaa’s approach makes this more than a cooking lesson—it’s a doorway into the region’s heritage and gastronomy. The course is welcoming to all skill levels, accessible to children as young as six, and designed to deliver practical skills alongside cultural insight. After the session, guests leave with their own jar of pesto and a detailed recipe to replicate the flavors at home.

For travelers drawn to authentic regional experiences that blend food and culture, Arbaspaa’s pesto course distinguishes itself as a must-do in La Spezia. It’s a genuine taste of Ligurian life, perfectly suited for food lovers eager to bring home more than just souvenirs.

About Arbaspaa

Arbaspaa is an activity and tour operator based in Manarola, Liguria, offering a broad range of guided experiences across Cinque Terre and the Gulf of Poets. Specialties include cooking classes, marine activities, photographic workshops, wine and food tastings, boat and kayak tours, e-bike routes, and diving sessions inside protected marine areas.

Arbaspaa collaborates with qualified local instructors and professionals: sea activities are led by marine biologists and certified diving instructors, photography tours are taught by a professional Nikon photographer, and some wine tastings are guided by an AIS professional sommelier. Experiences range from short, focused sessions—such as a three‑hour cooking lesson and two‑hour photo walks—to multi‑hour boat trips, half‑day kayaking, and full e‑bike excursions. Activities depart from Manarola, Monterosso, La Spezia, and Porto Venere depending on the trip.

Many tours include provided equipment, local ingredients, or onboard meals like BBQ fish lunches and aperitivi with wine and focaccia. Arbaspaa also offers private tours, self‑guided hiking packages, and specialty courses such as pesto and kneading classes in nearby towns. Safety and respect for local environments are emphasized through operations in Marine Protected Areas and guided snorkeling and diving protocols. Booking options cover small groups and private bookings. For travelers seeking authentic Ligurian food, coastal exploration, photography coaching, or active sea adventures, Arbaspaa provides locally grounded, professionally guided options across the Cinque Terre and surrounding Liguria coastline. Sample activities include cooking lessons, snorkeling, diving, kayak and boat tours, photography walks, e‑bike routes, pesto and bread courses, and guided wine tastings across Liguria.