CIEE High School Summer in Alicante, Spain: Culinary Arts Recently Updated

Cook your own tasty Spanish dishes in sunny Alicante.

Get your fix of traditional Mediterranean cuisine in Alicante, known for fresh seafood and delicious arroces (rice dishes). In the kitchen, try local ingredients every week during your hands-on cooking classes. You’ll craft iconic dishes like paella alecantina and turrón while mastering basic cooking techniques. 

Discover Spain’s rich culinary heritage through local produce and spices. Explore Alicante’s Mercado Central and mercadillos (farmers markets)—connect with vendors who will share tips on traditional recipes and contemporary approaches. In the end, team up with other Global Navigators to design a menu and present a meal. 

As evening falls, enjoy strolls along the city’s waterfront palm-tree promenade and go for a swim at San Juan Beach. Visit the island of Tabarca, off the coast of Alicante, and Valencia, known for its famous gastronomy, to further immerse yourself in the country’s food culture. In Alicante, you’ll gain new culinary skills, unforgettable memories, and a deeper appreciation for Spanish cuisine.

Looking for a longer term program? Check out our trimester, semester, or academic year programs for high schoolers.

Graduating high school soon? Visit the CIEE First Year Abroad and CIEE Gap Year Abroad pages to learn more about our post-graduation options.