The “Hands-on in Spilinga” cooking class is a gastronomic experience organised by Capovaticano Resort to discover the authentic flavours of Calabria. Accompanied by a local chef, guests prepare traditional Calabrian dishes using typical local ingredients such as the famous ’nduja from Spilinga, Monte Poro pecorino, extra virgin olive oil and Tropea red onion. The activity takes place in the countryside of the Poro plateau, just a few kilometres from the resort, and is suitable for couples, families and groups.

What is ’nduja from Spilinga and why you should try it

’Nduja from Spilinga is a spicy spreadable salami typical of the town of Spilinga, in the province of Vibo Valentia. It is made with finely minced pork cuts (cheek, pancetta and lard), spicy Calabrian red chilli pepper and salt, then stuffed into a natural casing and aged for several weeks. The result is a creamy, deep-red cured meat, commonly used on bruschetta, pasta, pizza and in many other recipes. During the cooking class with Capovaticano Resort, guests can learn how to use ’nduja in traditional recipes, guided step by step by the chef.

Typical products from Spilinga and Monte Poro

In addition to ’nduja, Spilinga and the Monte Poro plateau are renowned for their rich gastronomic tradition. Monte Poro pecorino is an aged cheese appreciated throughout Italy. Fileja, fresh handmade pasta shaped around a thin iron rod, is one of the area’s signature dishes. Other local specialities include extra virgin olive oil, white beans from Caria and curijcchi, egg-dough taralli coated with sugar icing, traditionally prepared for local festivities. During the resort’s cooking class, guests can prepare some of these specialities and take home both the recipes and the memory of an authentic experience.

What to see in Spilinga: further information

Spilinga is a village in the province of Vibo Valentia, located at around 450 metres above sea level on the Monte Poro plateau, in the heart of Tyrrhenian Calabria. Its name derives from the Greek “spelunga” meaning cave, a reference to the many natural cavities in the area. The Sanctuary of Madonna delle Fonti is one of the most evocative places: a church carved into the rock and surrounded by greenery, especially popular with pilgrims on 21 May. In the historic centre, along Corso Garibaldi, stands the Church of San Giovanni Battista, with a simple façade and richly decorated interiors. Also worth visiting is the 19th-century rural aqueduct built in cut stone, about 2 km from the village, recalling the style of ancient Roman aqueducts. For food lovers, the unmissable event is the ’Nduja Festival, held every 8 August: a gastronomic and folkloric celebration attracting thousands of visitors, with stands, music and the traditional parade of papier-mâché Giants. Spilinga is about a 20-minute drive from Capovaticano Resort.

Book your cooking class and excursion to Spilinga with Capovaticano Resort.

Time: from 12:00 PM
Duration: approximately 3 hours 30 minutes

Programme:
Welcome buffet on arrival with typical products “from Pollino to the Strait”

Cooking class with chef (ITA/ENG, amateur level):
Sila potato flan with ’nduja
Traditional gnocchi with tomato and provola cheese

’Nduja workshop: visit and explanation of the production process

To conclude, guests can independently visit the Sanctuary of Madonna della Fontana, just a few metres from the workshop

Notes:
Private room, not open to the public
Complete experience, lunch included
Min. 6 guests – Max. 22 guests

Price: €91 per person

Car: €50.00
Van: €90.00
E-bike: €20.00 half day – €30.00 full day – round trip