When Jennifer started planning a family vacation to Portugal, one thing came first. Her daughter has celiac disease, so the goal was safe gluten-free food she would actually enjoy, at every meal, in every town.
Their Gluten-free Vacations advisor, Anjli Patel, built a gluten-free Portugal itinerary that ran from Lisbon to the Algarve coast. She researched and vetted restaurants in each area, then paired them with experiences like a trip to the Benagil Caves and a tuk-tuk and food tour of Lisbon. We caught up with Jennifer after the trip to hear how it went.
Travel Advisor: Anjli Patel
Destination: Portugal
Why Portugal works for a celiac family vacation
Why did you choose Portugal for your vacation?
“Weather, ease of travel, and a balance between historical significance and scenery.”
Portugal fits a lot into a short trip. Lisbon's historic neighborhoods and the Algarve's beaches are about two and a half hours apart by car, so one vacation can include both city and coast.
Benagil Caves and a Lisbon food tour
What were your favorite activities on your vacation?
“Exploring the Benagil caves, taking a tuk-tuk, and taking food tours in Lisbon.”
The Benagil Caves sit on the Algarve coast near Lagoa and are among Portugal's most photographed sights. Food tours take more planning for celiac travelers, since the tastings are usually set in advance. Before you book one, ask whether the operator can swap out gluten-containing tastings and whether the stops understand cross-contamination.
Seeing Lisbon by tuk-tuk
What was your most memorable moment on vacation?
“Our tuk-tuk tour around Lisbon, where we got to see diverse parts of the city.”
Lisbon is built on steep hills, and a tuk-tuk covers neighborhoods like Alfama in an afternoon without the climb. It's an easy way to see a lot of the city, especially with kids.
Favorite gluten-free restaurants in Lisbon and the Algarve
What were some of your favorite gluten-free meals?
Breakfast at ME, Lisbon
Pizza Totale, Lisbon
Zest at Pine Cliffs, Albufeira, Algarve
Menus and kitchen practices change, so always confirm gluten-free options and preparation with the restaurant before you go.
A few of Jennifer and her family’s favorite gluten-free dishes from their trip!
Planning a gluten-free trip with a travel advisor
What was your experience using Gluten-free Vacations?
“Anjli pulled everything together so beautifully. This helped us stay organized when finding our next meal.”
Anjli handled the research that usually falls on celiac families: finding restaurants in each town, checking that they could serve gluten-free meals safely, and fitting them around the family's activities. Thinking about Portugal? Start planning your gluten-free trip.
Tips for your own gluten-free trip to Portugal
Portugal's mix of beaches, historic cities and seafood-centered cooking makes it a rewarding trip for gluten-free travelers, with a little preparation. A few tips from our advisors:
Learn the key phrases. Sem glúten means "without gluten." Sou celíaca (female) or sou celíaco (male) means "I have celiac disease."
Carry a translation card. Every Gluten-free Vacations client receives translation cards for servers in their travel documents.
Ask about the kitchen, not just the menu. A gluten-free dish isn't celiac-safe if it's cooked in a shared fryer or on a shared surface.
Plan ahead for pastel de nata. The classic custard tart uses a wheat pastry, so look for a bakery that makes a dedicated gluten-free version.
Check local resources. Portugal's national celiac association, the Associação Portuguesa de Celíacos, is a good starting point.
Stock up at the supermarket. Large Portuguese supermarkets usually carry gluten-free bread and snacks, which helps on beach days and travel days.
Let us turn your dream vacation into reality!
When you work with us, you’ll get the following:
Recommendations for destinations, hotels, and cruises based on your needs
A custom itinerary and assistance booking excursions and transportation
Gluten-free travel tips and restaurant recommendations for your destination
Gluten-free translation cards to show restaurant servers
Custom document package mailed to you with your itinerary, confirmations, travel tips, and more!
Anjli Patel
Travel Advisor
Anjli specializes in European travel for those with celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity.
Contact Info:
info@glutenfreevacations.com
443-609-7171
Based in Maryland, USA.
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