Authentic Portuguese Cooking + Local Market Tour + Hidden Porto

My partner and I did this tour as we traveled through Portugal for the first time. We like to seek out experiences that give us a genuine picture of life where we're traveling and this was exactly that. Marco grew up in Portugal and graciously showed us around Gaia. We learned so much and had such wonderful conversations with him throughout the day. The food he made was absolutely delicious, as well! This was our favorite day of our 2-week trip, plus we felt like we made a real friend. I cannot recommend Marco's tour enough! If you like non-touristy, authentic experiences, it's a must-do.

I have been to many of these including the Napa Valley in California and I can tell you that I have never experienced a better time than the day I spent with Marco. It is definitely a must do. Instead of wasting your money on dull bus tours you must spend a day with Marco and experience the true Portugal. You won’t regret it. You’ll come away fuller, and with more knowledge of Portugal. In the Two months that I’ve been here it was the best money spent. ❤️

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This food tour was everything you hope travel will be — real, local, and full of heart. Every stop felt like a hidden gem you’d never find on your own. The guide didn’t just feed us — they shared stories, history, and little details that made every bite mean something. It was all genuine, not touristy. We left full, happy, and a little more connected to the city’s soul. If you want to taste a place, not just visit it — this is the way to do it.

Marco was great. It was such a nice day learning about the culture. Shopping at the local fish market and his personal market was nice to see another side of Porto. Going for a walk on the beach after a coffee was a nice touch. The whole day never felt rush. Plenty of food and wine when we started cooking.

This was the best food tour I've ever had, and I have been on many all over the world. Marco is personable, interesting, full of fun information and an excellent cook. He was on time picking us up, and the whole tour was extremely well thought out and ran like clockwork. Thanks Marco for sharing you time and family with us. It was the perfect day. Annie and Christina from Texas

Marco was our chauffeur, tour guide and cook making this a wonderful experience from start to finish! Meeting us in Porto to start our day; visiting the coast; then to a traditional Portuguese market before taking our fresh ingredients to prepare and enjoy our meal in their family home. Highly recommend this experience which is an authentic, simple Portuguese food at its best. Thank you Marco + family!

I love to shop at local markets and cook based on what’s available—and that’s exactly the experience Marco provides. You have the opportunity to visit a seaside market to buy local fish and hear about the local ecomony. After a stunning seaside drive and stop for coffee it’s off to Marco’s organic farm for vegetables and then on to a pretty outdoor kitchen for cooking (or watching). We made a mouth-watering local fish stew preceded by apps of shrimp, olive oil, bread and streamed clams. All served with Douro Balley organic wine. Marco is passionate about his region and organic foods and really is a joy to learn from. I was lucky enough to meet his in-laws and to be able to chat and laugh with them. A tremendous day.

I love to go to local markets to peruse regional offerings and purchase direct from the small vendors then create a meal based on what is available. This tour provides an opportunity to visit a seaside fish market, stop for cheese, bread and olives then drive along the stunning coast and stop for a coffee. After collecting vegetables from tour operator Marco’s farm stand, on to a cosy outdoor kitchen to cook (or watch Marco cook) the mouth-watering fish stew while enjoying appetizers and wine and having a nice chat. What a unique chance to shop, cook and enjoy a meal with lovely local residents. Marco is passionate about his region and organic foods and is a joy. I was lucky enough to meet his in-laws and we all had a good laugh together. What a tremendous way to spend the day.

Spending the time with Marco, his family, visiting his village and fish market was pleasant, heartfelt and memorable. We then enjoyed the making and finally consumption of our endeavors!

Excellent tour of the areas outside of downtown Porto / Gaia. Even though it was a national holiday Marco ensured we had full day. The highlight was visiting his organic farm to gather the ingredients for our lunch. He also picked up wine, fresh seafood and fresh Portuguese cornbread. He made a fantastic, authentic Portuguese Caldeirada (Portuguese Fish Stew) It was delicious. Do yourself a favor and book this experience.

We had a fantastic day with Marco. He picked us up promptly from our hotel (despite it being on the other side of the river) and from there we visited the fish market in Gaia, drove down the Atlantic coast, took in a coffee, went to another fishmonger to pick up clams and mussels, then on to his family's organic farm shop. His wife and younger child were delightful and we had great fun using Google Translate to identify fruit, veg and fish that were unknown to us. Marco then took us to his in-laws' catering kitchen, situated in a to-die-for garden room, and we prepped the ingredients for THE most delicious four course lunch. (Marco cooked it all whilst we sat back sampling some wonderful Douro wines). We had clams, then mussels, then a fantastic traditional Portuguese fish stew with conger eel and skate wings, followed by simple mango - so fresh and local and unlike any mango we have tasted before. It was all utterly delicious and more than we could eat! Apart from being an interesting insight into local Portuguese cuisine, Marco's company was excellent and we could have all chatted away for hours - he was such an engaging and interested host. We offered to get a taxi back to our hotel, but nothing was too much trouble for Marco, and we continued to chat whilst he drove us back. 100% the most wonderful experience, even for me - a committed cook - and my husband - a committed eater.

What an Absolutely Wonderful Day my husband and I had with Marco. This was a perfect event for us. Marco picked us up at the local fish market. He showed us the fish market, explained not only about the fish , but the local history. He took us to his farm, Then met his Beautiful Family & helped cook this spectacular dinner. This is a definite find, if your looking for an exciting fun filled food experience.

Marco was great! We enjoyed spending time with him, meeting his family, and of course the delicious meal! We truly enjoyed shopping where the locals shop. It was an authentic experience, off the beaten path.

This was the BEST experience! If you are considering this trip, stop and purchase it. My niece and I had such a blast. Marco picked us up and drove us to so many wonderful places. We started at the fish market where we picked out the fish we wanted to cook. From there we stopped at the beach, had a Portuguese coffee, and walked around a beautiful beach. He shared some local culture with us and made us feel welcome. Our next stop was at his farm where we picked up fresh produce, then we stopped for fresh bread and went to his in-law's beautiful home. At the home we were treated like kings, we were able to help with cooking, and were given special drinks. We all sat down together and ate our meal. It was an absolutely wonderful experience and I would do it again tomorrow if I could.

Marco took us all a round the fish market and then to his parents beautiful back yard to prepare our fantastic seafood stew. We ate seven different types of locally caught delicacies along with locally grown produce from Marco’s farm. The food, conversation, and wine were all a delight! Thank you Marco and family!

It was a lovely way to spend a day learning about the foods that Portugal has to offer. Going to the fish market to buy your fresh seafood, seeing the coastal shores, stopping at an amazing vegetable and fruit organic store was so interesting to do. Then, having all of this prepared by your own chef was perfect. We ate delicious seafood, drank yummy wines, and learned how to prepare Portuguese foods right before our eyes. This was a wonderful and relaxing experience that we were so glad to have done.

It was an amazing experience! Very comfortable, personal and loving. We made great food together, absolutely delicious and got to know a lot about Porto's fisherman history and local produce. It was an experience I highly recommend! You feel very connected and the host are very passionate, they even have their own eco farm!! :)

One of the best experiences in Portugal. Excellent products. Fabulous wines. We buy directly from fishermen. We visited markets full of color and perfumes. Authentic and familiar. I recommend it to everyone who wants to discover the essence of Portugal. A very very special experience