Meet Adriana: Your Gluten-Free Insider in Spain
Spain has a way of drawing people in through its food culture. Long lunches that stretch into the afternoon, lively tapas bars spilling out onto narrow streets, and regional dishes that reflect centuries of tradition all make eating an essential part of the travel experience. For travelers with celiac disease, that richness can feel both exciting and intimidating. Spanish cuisine offers many naturally gluten-free ingredients, yet navigating tapas menus, shared kitchens, and unfamiliar dining customs still requires awareness and thoughtful planning.
That balance between curiosity and caution is something Adriana understands deeply.
Based in Spain and living with celiac disease herself, Adriana has spent years learning how to move through the country’s food culture with confidence. Her experience goes beyond simply knowing where to eat. She understands the rhythm of Spanish dining, the questions that actually matter when speaking with restaurant staff, and the small strategies that make the difference between feeling anxious and feeling relaxed at the table.
In this conversation, Adriana shares how her celiac diagnosis shaped the way she travels, what the gluten-free landscape in Spain looks like right now, and why thoughtful preparation allows travelers to experience the country’s vibrant food culture without constantly worrying about their next meal.
Tell us a little about yourself and where you’re based. What does a normal day in your life look like?
"Hi! I’m Adriana, born in Madrid, raised in San Jose, California. I live just outside Madrid in a small town with my husband, our two kids (one of them is celiac), and our Boston Terrier"
When were you diagnosed with celiac disease, and how did that moment change your life?
"I felt sick for most of my life, especially after having my kids. When I was diagnosed with celiac disease at 37, it felt like a huge relief. Finally being able to put a name to what I had been feeling for so long was incredibly liberating. That moment changed my life in many ways, and today I spend most of my time talking about gluten-free food and a healthy, conscious lifestyle."
How would you describe the gluten-free landscape in your country right now?
"I realize how lucky I am to live in Spain and how many safe gluten-free options there are. I lived in Berlin for three and a half years, and that was truly eye-opening. Spain has amazing food, much of it naturally gluten-free, but it also has strong celiac associations that work hard to train restaurants on cross-contamination."
What makes eating safely here easier than people expect? And what still requires extra caution?
"What makes eating safely here easier than people expect is the growing awareness and the work these associations do. However, extra caution is still needed because some places offer gluten-free options without being careful about traces or cross-contamination. That’s why I always try to choose restaurants that have been recommended or trained by one of the associations. It gives you peace of mind knowing that proper procedures are in place when preparing food for people with celiac disease."
What’s your single biggest piece of advice for someone planning their first gluten-free trip here?
"When traveling, people with celiac disease should always have a plan B, a plan C, and something to eat in their backpack! Being extra prepared is the best way to make sure you can eat safely and enjoy the trip with peace of mind."
What made you want to join the Celiacs in Europe team?
"The idea of helping others visit and enjoy my country as a person with celiac disease was incredibly appealing to me. I love meeting new people, and it makes me feel great knowing I can help make their trip easier and more enjoyable."
What do you love most about working with gluten-free travelers?
"I love seeing their eyes light up when they realize all the gluten-free options they’ll be able to enjoy in Spain. And of course, we also have great weather and very friendly people, which makes the experience even better."
Favorite gluten-free meal in your country?
"Croquetas and fried fish!"
City you never get tired of visiting in your own country?
"Barcelona"
Window seat or aisle seat?
"Window seat. It’s always about the view! Plus, my husband is tall and I’m quite petite, so it works perfectly for us."
Carry-on only or checked bag?
"Checked bag — I always bring too many shoes."
If you could plan your own dream trip anywhere in Europe, where would you go next?
"Rome! I can’t believe I’ve never been to Rome!"
What does safe and joyful travel mean to you, personally?
"For me, it means planning my trips in advance, creating a gluten-free map with different options and routes, and always carrying something to eat (nuts, a banana, or a boiled egg!). But it also means understanding that some destinations are more about enjoying where you are and who you’re with, rather than focusing only on food — and that’s okay too."
Spending time with Adriana’s perspective makes it clear that navigating Spain with celiac disease is less about restriction and more about understanding how the culture works. Spain’s regional cuisines, local ingredients, and strong dining traditions offer far more possibilities than many travelers expect once you know how to approach them safely.
That practical insight is exactly what Adriana brings to her consultations. Whether you are planning your first trip to Spain or returning to explore new regions, she helps travelers think through the details that make the biggest difference on the ground. From identifying restaurants that take gluten-free dining seriously to choosing neighborhoods where safe options are within easy reach, her goal is to give you the confidence to enjoy the experience rather than constantly second-guess your choices.
If Spain is on your travel list, you can book a consultation with Adriana through Celiacs in Europe and begin planning a trip where incredible food, vibrant cities, and peace of mind all belong at the same table.