At El Carligto, we strive to exceed the expectations of our discerning guests by creating distinctive experiences that enrich your luxury holiday and make the most of your precious time in Málaga. We celebrate the produce, heritage and landscapes of Andalusia, bringing you into direct contact with the producers, chefs and hosts who share a genuine passion for the culture and cuisine of the region.
One such immersive experience is our Málaga market tour and paella cooking course.
The iconic Atarazanas Market is worth a visit for its architecture alone. Its striking design brings together elements of Málaga’s Moorish past with 19th-century ironwork and magnificent stained-glass windows that illuminate the market’s central hall. The original 14th-century Moorish arch at the entrance survives from the days when the site served as a shipyard. Centuries of transformation culminated in a major renovation in the 19th century, when iron—then the material of choice—was incorporated while preserving the building’s distinctive Moorish character.
And that is only the beginning of this feast for the senses.
Your resident chef will guide you through the bustling market, introducing you to an extraordinary selection of local produce fresh from both land and sea. Some ingredients may be familiar; others may leave you wondering quite what you are looking at. That is all part of the experience, and your chef will be delighted to share his knowledge, recommendations and passion along the way. Colourful, lively and wonderfully authentic, the market has an infectious energy all its own.
The excursion also offers a glimpse into the fascinating history of Málaga itself. Situated on the edge of the old town, the market is an ideal starting point from which to appreciate a city first founded by the Phoenicians and subsequently shaped by Roman and Moorish cultures whose influence remains visible today.
Together with your chef, you will select the finest seasonal ingredients for lunch before returning to your private Andalusian hideaway. Once there, the experience can be as hands-on or as leisurely as you wish. Join the chef in preparing the meal and learn the techniques behind each dish, or simply observe, ask questions and enjoy an aperitif while lunch comes together.
At the heart of the experience is paella, one of Spain’s most celebrated dishes, prepared with ingredients chosen that morning and accompanied by starters of fresh seafood, jamón and other local delicacies according to the season and your preferences.
Long after your holiday has ended, the experience travels home with you. Recreate an authentic taste of southern Spain for family and friends, put your newly acquired culinary skills to good use, and relive the flavours, stories and memories of your time in Andalusia.