Travelling with a coeliac child can feel daunting , but the good news is that gluten-free awareness has grown enormously across Europe in recent years. Some destinations are genuinely brilliant for coeliac families, with dedicated menus, knowledgeable staff, and a wide range of naturally gluten-free cuisine.
Here are our top picks for gluten-free friendly family holidays in Europe.
🇮🇹 Italy — The Gold Standard
Italy might seem like a risky choice given its love of pasta and pizza, but it's actually one of the best countries in the world for coeliacs. Italy has a national coeliac association (AIC) that certifies restaurants with a gluten-free menu, and awareness is exceptionally high. Many Italian restaurants offer dedicated gluten-free pasta and pizza as standard, and staff are well-trained in cross-contamination.
Look for the AIC "Spiga Barrata" symbol when eating out.
🇪🇸 Spain — Naturally GF Friendly
Spanish cuisine is naturally rich in gluten-free options, think grilled fish, rice dishes, patatas bravas, and fresh seafood. Tapas culture makes it easy to choose safe dishes, and coeliac awareness (celiaquía) is growing rapidly. Barcelona and Madrid both have dedicated gluten-free bakeries and restaurants.
🇵🇹 Portugal — An Underrated Gem
Portugal is an increasingly popular destination for coeliac families. Rice and potatoes are staples, fresh fish is everywhere, and many traditional dishes are naturally gluten-free. Lisbon in particular has a growing number of dedicated gluten-free cafés and restaurants.
🇳🇱 The Netherlands — Excellent Labelling
The Netherlands has some of the best food labelling in Europe, making supermarket shopping straightforward. Dutch cities like Amsterdam are very allergy-aware, with many restaurants offering clear allergen information on menus.
🇸🇪 Scandinavia — High Awareness
Sweden, Norway, and Denmark all have high levels of coeliac awareness and excellent food labelling. Gluten-free options are widely available in supermarkets, and restaurant staff are generally well-informed. A great choice for families who want peace of mind.
✈️ Tips for Travelling Abroad with a Coeliac Child
- Download a translation card before you go, our Eat Out & Travel Abroad Confidently pack includes gluten-free translation cards in 14 languages, so you can communicate your needs clearly wherever you are
- Research restaurants in advance using apps like Find Me Gluten Free
- Self-catering accommodation gives you full control over meals — a great option for families
- Pack safe snacks for travel days when options may be limited
- Contact your airline in advance to request a gluten-free meal
Final Thoughts
Europe has never been more coeliac-friendly. With a little preparation, your family can enjoy a wonderful, stress-free holiday without compromising on safety or fun. Bon voyage! ✈️💚