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Gluten-Free Travel in Europe: Country-by-Country Guide for Celiacs

How to travel gluten-free across Europe. Restaurant cards, safe countries, airport survival tips, and the best GF destinations for celiacs.

By Check Gluten Team · February 20, 2026


Travelling Gluten-Free in Europe


Europe is surprisingly celiac-friendly — especially compared to Asia or South America. EU allergen labelling laws mean restaurants must disclose gluten, and many countries have excellent GF options. Here's your country-by-country guide.


Best European Countries for Celiacs


1. Italy 🇮🇹 — The Gold Standard

Italy has the best celiac awareness in Europe, possibly the world:

  • •AIC (Italian Celiac Association) — certifies restaurants and hotels
  • •Pharmacies sell GF products (covered by national health service!)
  • •Most Italian restaurants have GF pasta and GF pizza options
  • •Annual GF food vouchers for diagnosed celiacs (€140/month)
  • •Key phrase: — "Sono celiaco/a" (I am celiac)

    • 2. Spain 🇪🇸 — Excellent & Affordable

  • •FACE (Spanish Celiac Federation) certifies restaurants
  • •Naturally GF cuisine: grilled meats, seafood, rice dishes (paella!)
  • •Many tapas are naturally GF (patatas bravas, jamón, tortilla española)
  • •Key phrase: — "Soy celíaco/a, sin gluten por favor"

    • 3. Ireland 🇮🇪 — The Friendliest

  • •Extremely high celiac awareness
  • •Most restaurants have dedicated GF menus
  • •Supermarkets (Tesco, SuperValu) have huge Free From ranges
  • •Coeliac Society of Ireland restaurant guide

    • 4. Finland 🇫🇮 — The Pioneer

  • •One of the first countries to screen for celiac disease
  • •Excellent GF bread culture
  • •School cafeterias must provide GF meals
  • •"Gluteeniton" on labels

    • Country-Specific Tips


    France 🇫🇷

  • •Harder than you'd expect — bread culture means gluten is everywhere
  • •Look for **"sans gluten"** on menus
  • •Parisian restaurants increasingly offer GF options
  • •Avoid: baguettes, croissants, most sauces (roux-based)
  • •Try: grilled meats, salads, crème brûlée (check recipe)

    • Greece 🇬🇷

  • •Naturally GF options: grilled fish, souvlaki (without pita), Greek salad
  • •Watch out for: moussaka (béchamel uses flour), pastitsio, spanakopita
  • •"Choris glouténi" — (without gluten)

    • Netherlands 🇳🇱

  • •Good awareness, many restaurants accommodate
  • •Albert Heijn supermarket has extensive GF range
  • •Try Indonesian rijsttafel — mostly GF

    • Austria 🇦🇹

  • •Similar to Germany, good GF products in Billa and Spar
  • •Schnitzel is NOT GF (breaded) — ask for "ungebacken"
  • •Many Heuriger (wine taverns) serve naturally GF cold platters

    • Portugal 🇵🇹

  • •Great seafood culture — many dishes naturally GF
  • •Growing GF awareness in Lisbon and Porto
  • •"Sem glúten" — on menus

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    Essential Travel Tips


    Before You Leave

  • Download Check Gluten — works offline for label scanning
  • Print or save restaurant cards in local languages
  • Book accommodation with a kitchen when possible
  • Research local celiac associations for restaurant guides

    • At the Airport

  • •Pack GF snacks — airport food is hit or miss
  • •Most European airports have at least one restaurant with GF options
  • •Declare GF food at security if needed (it's allowed)

    • Dining Out Abroad

  • •Always mention **celiac disease**, not just "gluten-free preference"
  • •In many EU countries, restaurants legally must have allergen information
  • •Ask about **cross-contamination** in shared kitchens
  • •Tip generously when restaurants accommodate you well

    • Scan Labels in Any Language


    Our AI reads ingredient labels in English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Dutch, Portuguese, and more. Just point your camera at any European product — Check Gluten translates and analyzes the ingredients instantly.


    Useful Phrases by Country


    Country"I have celiac disease""Gluten-free, please"
    ItalySono celiaco/aSenza glutine, per favore
    SpainSoy celíaco/aSin gluten, por favor
    FranceJe suis cœliaqueSans gluten, s'il vous plaît
    GermanyIch habe ZöliakieGlutenfrei, bitte
    NetherlandsIk heb coeliakieGlutenvrij, alstublieft
    PortugalSou celíaco/aSem glúten, por favor
    GreeceÉcho koiliakí nósoChorís glouténi, parakaló

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