Enrolling in a course at the Artisan Culinary School in Spain is simple. Just visit the specific course page you’re interested in—whether it’s charcuterie, artisan bread, pastry, or culinary bootcamps—and click the Enroll button. You’ll be directed to a secure enrollment form where you can provide your details and pay the required deposit to reserve your spot. Once we receive your submission, our team will get in touch with the next steps and confirmation. Early registration is recommended, as most courses have limited availability.
Who can sign up for ACS courses?
Artisan Culinary School courses are open to anyone passionate about food, travel, and hands-on learning. Whether you’re a food artisan, professional chef, culinary student, baker, butcher, farmer, entrepreneur, or an enthusiastic home cook, our immersive programs are designed to welcome all skill levels.
No previous culinary experience is required—just a curiosity for traditional food-making, a love for artisan techniques, and a willingness to learn. From complete beginners to seasoned professionals seeking a deeper connection with authentic food culture, there’s a place for you at our cooking school in Altea, Spain.
What language is spoken at ACS?
All courses at the Artisan Culinary School are taught in English, making them accessible to an international audience of food lovers. Our instructors are fluent English speakers with years of experience teaching students from around the world. In fact, most of our team speaks at least two or three languages, including Spanish, Italian, and French, to ensure smooth communication in and out of the classroom.
If we host guest chefs, local artisans, or outside instructors who teach in another language, we always provide real-time translation to ensure you don’t miss a single word or technique.
Our location in Altea, Spain, is a favorite among international travelers and long-term foreign residents. The town is known for being safe, friendly, and welcoming to foreigners, with many locals speaking English and businesses accustomed to serving international guests. Whether you’re exploring local markets, enjoying a seaside walk, or dining out, you’ll feel at home from day one.
Hablamos español. Parliamo italiano. Nous parlons français.
What is the last date I can apply to participate in an ACS course?
You can apply to any Artisan Culinary School course up until the day before it begins, as long as there are still spots available. However, our courses are limited to small groups to ensure a high-quality, hands-on learning experience—so they tend to fill up well in advance.
To secure your place, we recommend that you apply as early as possible, especially for our most popular programs like the Artisan Salumi Course, Artisan Bread Program, and Cooking Fundamentals Bootcamp.
To check current availability, visit the course page, click “Enroll”, and fill out the form. If the course is already full, we’ll offer alternative dates or place you on a waiting list.
Early registration ensures your spot and gives you time to plan your travel to beautiful Altea, Spain.
How does the sign up process work for ACS courses?
Enrolling in a course at the Artisan Culinary School is fast and easy, thanks to our fully automated system:
Visit the course page: Browse the Courses section of our website to find the program that best fits your goals—whether you’re interested in Italian salumi, French charcuterie, bread baking, cheesemaking, pastry, or our 8-week Cooking Fundamentals Bootcamp.
Click “Enroll”: Each course page has an Enroll button. Click it to access the registration form.
Fill out the form and pay the deposit: If spots are available, you’ll be able to submit your application and pay the deposit immediately to reserve your place. No waiting for manual confirmation.
Instant confirmation: You’ll receive an automated email confirming your enrollment, along with a course summary and next steps.
Provide additional details: In the days that follow, you’ll receive automatic prompts to complete your enrollment by sending:
Passport information
Arrival and departure travel details (so we can arrange airport pickup from Alicante)
Dietary restrictions or allergies
Emergency contact information
If you need help at any point, our team is just an email away at info@artisanculinaryschool.com.
Join passionate food lovers from around the world and get ready for an unforgettable culinary experience in sunny Altea, Spain.
What is the minimum age required to attend?
To join a course at the Artisan Culinary School in Altea, you must meet the following age requirements:
For our one-week or longer immersive courses (including Artisan Salumi, Bread, Pastry, Dairy, Charcuterie, and the 8-week Cooking Fundamentals Bootcamp), participants must be at least 18 years old to attend on their own.
If you’re 16 or 17 years old, you may participate only if accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who is also enrolled in the same course. A signed permission letter and waiver are required before attending.
For shorter courses, such as our half-day or 1–2 day cooking experiences, younger participants are welcome as long as they are accompanied by a parent or guardian. These courses are perfect for families traveling together or teens with a passion for cooking.
Our campus in Altea, Spain, is designed to be inclusive and welcoming, offering a safe and professional environment for all food lovers—whether you’re a beginner, a family, or an aspiring artisan.
What are the basic requirements to attend ACS courses?
To join any of our immersive artisan food courses in Spain you must meet the following basic requirements:
Age requirement: Be at least 18 years old to attend alone. Participants aged 16 or 17 may attend only if accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who is also enrolled in the course. A signed permission letter and waiver are required.
Complete the online enrollment: Fill out the Enrollment Form on our website by clicking the “Enroll” button on your selected course page.
Upload a copy of your valid passport: This is required by Spanish authorities for all students attending professional-level or long-format programs.
Have valid travel insurance: All participants must carry travel medical insurance that is valid throughout the entire duration of the course.
Obtain a Schengen visa if required: If you are a non-EU citizen and your country of origin requires it, you must secure a valid Schengen visa before traveling to Spain.
Pay the course deposit: Once you submit the enrollment form and there are spots available, you will be prompted to pay the deposit. Your spot in the course is only confirmed after payment is received.
No previous culinary experience is needed. Our courses are open to all passionate food lovers—whether you’re a beginner, entrepreneur, artisan producer, or simply someone who wants to learn the true art of traditional European food.
Will ACS assist me if I need a visa to enter the European Union?
If you are required to obtain a tourist visa to enter Spain or the Schengen Area, it is your responsibility to apply for and secure the necessary documentation from the Spanish consulate or embassy in your country of residence.
For courses lasting up to 90 days, most students can enter on a standard Schengen short-stay visa. However, for longer stays, a long-stay visa may be required depending on your nationality.
While the Artisan Culinary School does not sponsor visas, we will support your application by providing official documents and confirmation letters upon request, if required by Spanish authorities as part of your visa application process.
If you are unsure whether you need a visa or have questions about the process, we recommend contacting the nearest Spanish consulate in your country. For document requests or additional questions, please contact us directly at info@artisanculinaryschool.com.
Who attends ACS courses?
Artisan Culinary School welcomes a diverse group of students from all over the world. Our courses appeal to food enthusiasts, home cooks, aspiring chefs, and culinary professionals seeking to refine their skills.
Participants include:
Culinary students and graduates
Professional chefs and kitchen staff
Butchers and meat experts
Artisan food producers
Cheesemakers and dairy specialists
Bakers and pastry chefs
Farmers and agrotourism entrepreneurs
Restaurateurs, food business owners, and entrepreneurs
Bloggers, content creators, and food photographers
Curious travelers with a passion for authentic food experiences
Our students range in age from young adults to retirees, and they come from Europe, North and South America, Asia, Australia, and beyond. No previous culinary education is required for most courses, making ACS an ideal place for anyone passionate about cooking, food culture, and hands-on learning in Spain.
Does ACS require a uniform to attend lessons?
Yes. At the Artisan Culinary School, all students are required to wear a uniform during both practical and theoretical lessons to maintain professional standards, hygiene, and safety in the kitchen environment.
When you enroll in any of our culinary courses in Spain, ACS will provide you with a custom kitchen uniform before your first class. This typically includes:
A professional ACS chef jacket, work coat, or work shirt (depending on the course)
An ACS apron
A chef’s hat or cap
In addition to the items we provide, students must bring or wear:
Long pants (preferably black)
Closed-toe, anti-slip kitchen shoes for your safety in the cooking classroom
No rings, bracelets, or wristwatches during practical lessons to meet hygiene and safety standards
Wearing the full culinary school uniform is mandatory throughout the course. This helps maintain a professional atmosphere and ensures all students are prepared for hands-on cooking, baking, and food production in a real kitchen setting.
What is the class size at ACS courses?
At the Artisan Culinary School, we prioritize personalized attention and hands-on learning. That’s why all of our courses are limited to a maximum of 14 students per group.
This small class size ensures that:
Each student receives direct mentorship from our experienced instructors.
You get ample hands-on practice during cooking, baking, cheese-making, or charcuterie sessions.
The learning environment remains intimate, supportive, and collaborative, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced food artisan.
Whether you’re joining a bread-making workshop, charcuterie course, or our Cooking Fundamentals bootcamp, our small-group culinary training guarantees a high-quality, immersive experience in Altea, Spain.
Do I receive a certificate for participating in ACS courses?
Yes, the Artisan Culinary School offers three types of certificates to recognize your learning and participation. These are designed to support your culinary career development or personal culinary journey, and add credibility to your training in artisan food production.
1. Certificate of Participation
All students who attend at least 80% of a course’s lessons and actively participate in both theory and hands-on sessions will receive a Certificate of Participation, signed by the School Director and the instructors. This certificate confirms your attendance and engagement in the selected artisan food course.
2. ACS Artisan Specialist Certificate
Students who complete at least one course in each of our areas of specialization—including basic cooking and pastry, artisan bread and pastry, cheese and dairy, meat and charcuterie, and preserves and conserves—are awarded the ACS Artisan Specialist Certificate. You’ll also receive an official ACS silver pin and a custom chef jacket recognizing your commitment to artisan food mastery.
3. ACS Artisan Expert Certificate
This honorary distinction is reserved for students who attend all of the regular courses at the Artisan Culinary School. Graduates receive the prestigious ACS Artisan Expert Certificate, a gold ACS pin, and an honorary chef jacket—symbols of their complete immersion in the world of artisan culinary education.
Can I take pictures/video during the lessons?
Absolutely! At the Artisan Culinary School, we encourage students to take photos and videos during all hands-on cooking classes, bread baking workshops, dairy sessions, and other practical or theory-based lessons. Documenting your experience is a great way to create visual references for future practice, build your culinary portfolio, and share your journey through our immersive artisan food courses in Spain.
If you decide to share your experience on social media, we’d love for you to tag us! Please use the hashtags:
#ArtisanCulinarySchool #ACScooks
You can find us on:
Instagram: @artisanculinaryschool
Facebook: Artisan Culinary School
YouTube: Artisan Culinary School
LinkedIn: Artisan Culinary School (Business Profile)
Sharing your time at our boutique cooking school in Altea helps others discover our programs and grow our global community of artisan food enthusiasts.
Please note: All content must comply with each platform’s terms of service. The Artisan Culinary School reserves the right to untag or report content that goes against our values, school policies, or the terms of use of any platform.
What are ACS opening hours?
The Artisan Culinary School operates from 09:00 to 21:00, Monday through Friday, during all scheduled course periods. Whether you’re joining us for a one-week intensive or a multi-week artisanal food program, our schedule is designed to provide you with full access to our kitchen facilities, classrooms, and support team throughout your stay.
Weekday Lessons
Most culinary classes at ACS begin at 9:00 and conclude around 6:00 p.m., with breaks for lunch and rest. Lesson times may vary slightly depending on the specific course content, visiting instructors, or group dynamics. Full details are shared during the Sunday Orientation Session before your first day of class, and any changes are always communicated in advance by our staff.
Weekends at ACS
Weekends are reserved for student arrivals and departures, particularly for our international guests who come to study culinary arts in Spain.
Saturday: School remains open until the last departing student leaves.
Sunday: School opens at 13:00. Early arrivals are welcomed with a light lunch. Hotel check-in begins at 14:00, and at 19:00, we host an informal Orientation Session to meet your classmates and instructors. At 19:30, we officially kick off the week with a welcome dinner.
If you’re enrolled in two or more consecutive culinary courses, you are welcome to stay with us over the weekend—all accommodations and meals are included at no extra cost.
If traveling by plane, which airport should I travel to attend the Artisan Culinary School?
If you’re flying to attend a course at the Artisan Culinary School in Altea, Spain, the most convenient airport is Alicante–Elche Miguel Hernández Airport (IATA: ALC). Located approximately 45 minutes from Altea, this is the closest international airport to our campus, offering a wide range of direct flights from across Europe and many international destinations.
For students enrolled in our all-inclusive culinary programs, private airport transfers between Alicante Airport and the school are included in the course price.
If traveling by train, which train station should I travel to attend the Artisan Culinary School?
If you’re traveling by train to the Artisan Culinary School in Altea, Spain, the nearest major train station is Alicante Terminal (also known as Alacant Terminal or RENFE Alicante). Located approximately 45 minutes from Altea, Alicante Terminal is a convenient arrival point for students traveling from other parts of Spain.
Alicante is directly connected by high-speed rail to Madrid, offering a fast and comfortable travel option. Although there is no direct High-Speed train connection from Barcelona to Alicante, regional and intercity trains are available, offering a scenic journey along the Mediterranean coast.
For students enrolled in our all-inclusive programs, private transfers from Alicante Terminal to the school are included, ensuring a smooth arrival. Alicante Terminal is the most convenient railway gateway to begin your culinary journey in Altea.
Are accommodations included in the price of the courses?
Yes, accommodations are included in the course price for all students attending the Artisan Culinary School in Altea, Spain. Students stay at Blue Sardine, a charming local boutique hotel located just a short walk from our school, the beach, and the Altea tram station. This ideal location ensures easy access to everything you’ll need during your stay.
Each student is provided with a private room featuring an en-suite bathroom, air conditioning, high-speed Wi-Fi, and all the amenities expected from a modern 3+ star hotel, offering comfort and tranquility throughout the course.
If you wish to extend your stay in Altea before or after your course dates, our team is happy to assist with additional hotel reservations at preferential rates. For extended stay requests, please contact our Client Relations liaison at mariana@artisanculinaryschool.com.
Can I bring a non-participating companion to the course?
Yes, you can bring a non-participating companion with you to the Artisan Culinary School. Whether it’s a spouse, partner, friend, or family member, companions are welcome to stay with you and enjoy the experience of Altea while you attend the course.
When enrolling, you’ll find an option to add a companion as an enrollment add-on. This allows you to conveniently reserve accommodations and services for your guest during the same dates as your course.
The Companion Add-On Includes:
Shared accommodation in your private hotel room at Blue Sardine, located just minutes from the school, beach, and tram station.
All meals are served alongside students.
Private transportation to and from Alicante–Elche Miguel Hernández Airport (ALC) or Alicante Terminal train station (RENFE).
Invitation to select school dinners and excursions when permitted by course dynamics.
What’s Not Included:
Participation in hands-on lessons or classroom instruction.
Course materials, uniforms, or access to ACS online platforms.
Certificates or other course-related recognition.
If your companion would like assistance planning cultural activities, making restaurant reservations, or exploring Altea and its surrounding towns, our Client Relations liaison will be happy to help. Please email mariana@artisanculinaryschool.com for support or questions regarding companions.
Bringing a companion is an excellent way to share your culinary journey and enjoy a memorable stay together in one of Spain’s most beautiful coastal towns.
Are land transports included in the price of the course?
Yes, all land transportation is included in the price of every course at the Artisan Culinary School. This ensures a stress-free and comfortable experience from the moment you arrive in Spain until your departure.
Included Transport Services:
Pick-up upon arrival at either Alicante–Elche Miguel Hernández Airport (IATA: ALC) or Alicante Terminal (Alacant Terminal – RENFE train station). A driver will be waiting to welcome you and take you directly to your accommodation in Altea.
- Transportation for all scheduled activities during the course, including:
Cultural visits and culinary excursions
Dinners at local restaurants organized by the school
Guided artisan and market visits
Weekend day trips, when included in the itinerary
Private return transfer to the airport or train station at the end of your course.
Whether you’re arriving by plane or high-speed train, we take care of your land transfers, so you can focus on enjoying your culinary journey in Spain from the moment you land.
For any special transport arrangements or additional travel questions, you can always contact our Client Relations team at mariana@artisanculinaryschool.com.
What is the dress code when not attending lessons?
While attending lessons at the Artisan Culinary School, all students are expected to wear the official ACS uniform provided on the first day of class. However, outside of class hours, the dress code is casual and comfortable.
Students are welcome to wear jeans, t-shirts, and relaxed attire during their free time, meals, and informal gatherings. Altea has a mild Mediterranean climate, so we recommend checking the seasonal weather forecast when packing for your culinary experience in Spain. Comfortable walking shoes, a light jacket for cooler evenings, and sun protection during warmer months are always a good idea.
On the final evening of each course, we host a special celebration dinner to mark the end of your culinary journey. While still informal, we invite students to dress up a little for the occasion and enjoy a more festive, elegant evening with the group.
If you’re planning to explore Altea, visit nearby beaches, or dine at local restaurants during your free time, feel free to bring outfits that suit those plans — the town is friendly and welcoming to all visitors, with a laid-back yet stylish atmosphere.
How can I get supplies, food or snacks during the course?
While attending the Artisan Culinary School in Altea, you’ll have easy access to everything you need to stay comfortable and well-stocked throughout your culinary course. Altea is a welcoming coastal town with a wide range of shops, supermarkets, pharmacies, and convenience stores, all within walking distance from both the school and the hotel.
If you’re looking for fresh, local food, we often visit the Mercado Municipal, Altea’s traditional public market, where you’ll find seasonal fruits and vegetables, artisan cheeses, canned conserves, and excellent local cured meats. Additionally, several supermarkets (including international brands) are located nearby for snacks, drinks, and personal essentials.
For online shopping, Amazon Spain delivers quickly, and students can set the school as their delivery address during their stay. Our staff will ensure your packages are received safely.
If you’re interested in clothing, electronics, or international brands, there are large shopping malls just a short drive away in Finestrat, Benidorm, and Denia, offering everything from fashion and accessories to tech and gourmet products.
ACS Custom Supplies
During your course, you’ll also have the opportunity to purchase Artisan Culinary School merchandise on campus. Our exclusive branded items include:
T-shirts, hoodies, and rain jackets
Insulated water bottles and coffee mugs
Tote bags and umbrellas
Branded notebooks, pens, and other essentials
Whether it’s a snack for your room, a gift to take home, or something to remember your culinary journey, Altea and ACS have you covered.
Are meals included in the course price?
Yes, all meals are included during your time at the Artisan Culinary School, as outlined in each course itinerary. We provide a complete full-board experience that includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily, along with water and wine during meals.
Breakfast
Each morning, students enjoy breakfast at selected local cafés in Altea, included in the course price. Starting from 07:30, you’ll be able to sip coffee and enjoy a fresh pastry before class begins. You will receive a detailed list of participating cafés and breakfast options during orientation on your first day.
Lunch & Dinner
All lunches and dinners are served at the school, with menus designed around the course content and ingredients you’ll be working with. These meals are part of the hands-on culinary experience and are typically enjoyed together as a group. Chefs and instructors will inform you of the exact meal times, which may vary slightly depending on the day’s schedule or group dynamics.
We also offer an open coffee and tea bar available throughout the day to keep you energized during lessons.
Special Dinners Out
Some courses include a scheduled group dinner at a local restaurant in Altea or the surrounding area. These experiences—including transportation, food, wine, and curated menus—are part of your course and included in the price. Any extra dishes or alcoholic beverages ordered outside of the set menu will be at your own expense.
If you ever wish to explore Altea’s culinary scene on your own, our team is happy to recommend excellent local dining options, from tapas bars to fine-dining restaurants.
Are water and wine included in the course price?
Yes, both water and wine are included in the price of all our culinary courses at the Artisan Culinary School in Altea, Spain.
Water
To promote sustainability and reduce plastic waste, we do not provide bottled water. Instead, the school is equipped with a high-quality filtered water station, where students can refill their reusable water bottles or flasks throughout the day. We encourage all students to bring a personal bottle, as part of our commitment to eco-friendly culinary education.
Wine
Wine is included with select lunches and all dinners served at the school. In keeping with Spanish dining culture, students are offered up to ½ bottle of wine per person per meal. Our in-house sommelier carefully selects a rotating wine list to pair with the meals we prepare and serve, ensuring an authentic Mediterranean food and wine experience.
On special occasions—such as pizza nights or outdoor grilling sessions—students may opt for high-quality local craft beers as an alternative to wine.
Sharing wine during meals is part of the cultural immersion and conviviality that define our educational philosophy at ACS.
Can I attend ACS courses if I have a food allergy or food intolerance?
At the time of your sign-up for one of our courses, you are asked to provide us with information regarding any dietary restrictions, food allergies, or intolerances you may have. We will accommodate your particular needs, but we ask you to communicate with us in anticipation to the course to be able to better prepare for your stay with us.
Please bear in mind we are able to accommodate students and guests with certain dietary restrictions, medically motivated, but we will decline your participation in the course if we deem we are not able to protect you from the source of your allergy or intolerance, or if we consider your health and/or life could be at risk at our school.
Our school is not suited to tend to people with: severe gluten allergy or celiac disease, severe nut allergy, severe fish and shellfish allergy, severe milk and dairy allergy, and severe egg allergy.
We accept Visa and MasterCard, ATM/debit card, PayPal, and direct money transfers through your bank (plus any commission applicable).
All prices and fees on our website are stated in Euros (€).
The prices stated on our website for the culinary courses are per person on a single occupancy rate.
The price of each course includes the following:
- Transport to and from airport or train station to the school by private motor-coach.
- Full room and board for the duration of the course. All meals are included, with water and wine .*
- All lessons, theory and practical, as described in the course itinerary.
- Course booklet/manual, note pad and pens.
- Custom ACS chef’s jacket or work shirt, apron and a hat.
- All course work materials.
- Access to School’s online community.
- Dinner out at a local restaurant.
- Certificate of participation
The price does not include the following:
- Administrative procedures and travel visa costs
- Travel insurance
- Personal shopping and personal expenses before, during and after the course. Amongst many, these may be:
- Hotel mini bar, snacks and beverages.
- Hotel telephone, fax, or paid internet service (other than the free Wi-Fi provided at the hotel and the school).
- Pay-per-view TV service and movie rental.
- Laundry and professional dry cleaning services.
- Meals and beverages not explicitly stated in the course itinerary, or those indicated by the school.
- Tickets, access and entrance fees, other than the ones specified in the course itinerary.
- Transports and travel other than those clearly stated in the course itinerary.
Students that enroll for two consecutive courses will receive a 10% discount on the second course. Those students that enroll for more than 2 consecutive courses will receive further discounts, for details and enquiries please contact us at info@artisanculinaryschool.com.
ACS is able to accommodate groups of up to 14 students at a time. We are able to coordinate custom courses for your organization. If you represent a school, academy, or college, please contact us for a bespoke culinary course, logistics and pricing information, at info@artisanculinaryschool.com.
Yes, if you refer any other student to ACS regular and essential courses, you apply for discounts and promotional bonuses for future ACS courses. For more information regarding referrals, please contact us at info@artisanculinaryschool.com.