Meet Lucia: Your Gluten-Free Insider in Greece
Greece has a way of unfolding slowly. Long lunches that stretch into the afternoon. Plates built around olive oil, vegetables, grilled meats, and fresh herbs. Conversations that linger long after the food is gone. For travelers with celiac disease, that pace can feel both inviting and intimidating at the same time. So much of Greek cuisine is naturally gluten-free, yet the realities of cross-contact, shared grills, and flour-dusted fried foods still require real awareness.
That balance between abundance and caution is exactly where Lucia thrives.
Based in Athens, Lucia brings lived experience, local knowledge, and a steady sense of calm to gluten-free travel in Greece. She understands both the beauty of Greek food culture and the practical steps required to navigate it safely. In this interview, she shares what daily life looks like as a celiac in Athens, how her diagnosis reshaped her confidence, and why safe and joyful travel in Greece is far more achievable than most people expect.
Tell us a little about yourself and where you’re based. What does a normal day in your life look like?
“I’m based in Athens and very much a low-energy girlie, and my weekends reflect that. A “normal” day starts annoyingly early, with mandatory coffee from my Bialetti or a freddo espresso, a few chapters of whatever escapist novel I’m into, catching up on the latest The Tennis Podcast episode, and a mission to track down some good gluten-free snacks.”
When were you diagnosed with celiac disease, and how did that moment change your life?
“I was diagnosed with celiac disease in 2019 and initially felt relieved to finally have a name and a ‘treatment’ for my symptoms. What I hadn’t expected was how much a strict gluten-free diet would reshape my daily life and how far you have to go, as a celiac, to stay truly safe. Alongside the hidden daily hurdles came a new confidence to advocate for my needs, something my doctors hadn’t really prepared me for.”
How would you describe the gluten-free landscape in your country right now?
“Definitely on the rise! In Athens alone, three new gluten-free spots have opened recently, and even on the islands many restaurant owners are starting to recognise the need for truly safe gluten-free options. Thanks to the fact that so many places in Greece are still family-run, it’s often much easier to talk directly with the owners or staff and make sure your meal is prepared safely.”
What makes eating safely here easier than people expect? And what still requires extra caution?
“A big part of Greek cuisine is naturally gluten-free, with many dishes built around simple, fresh ingredients rather than complex sauces. At the same time, the risk of cross-contact is still high, because Greeks love their grilled bread and flour-coated fried foods, so you need to be extra careful about how and where your meal is prepared.”
What’s your single biggest piece of advice for someone planning their first gluten-free trip here?
“Don’t stress too much about the language barrier. Learning a few phrases is fun, but not essential. My number one tip is to always have a solid plan B for when a restaurant doesn’t feel safe. For me, that means booking accommodation with at least a small kitchen, so I know I can fall back on a guaranteed gluten-free meal if needed.”
What made you want to join the Celiacs in Europe team?
“I’d been following Catalin’s journey in Italy and was honestly a bit starstruck. I caught myself thinking, ‘Could I be the celiac in Greece and actually work with her? That would be a win-win.’ After years of practice, traveling gluten-free in Greece has become so much easier for me, and I really wanted to share that hard-earned knowledge. Being part of a multilingual team with different professional backgrounds but one shared expertise has really been the cherry on top.”
What do you love most about working with gluten-free travelers?
“I love the moment I first hear about their travel plans and can feel the excitement starting to build. Helping ease their very understandable anxiety about finding celiac-safe food in Greece is incredibly rewarding. It’s a bit like planning my own dream vacation. I want them to feel safe, not miss out because of their diet, and come home with only good memories.”
Favorite gluten-free meal in your country?
“Gemista, for sure! Juicy tomatoes and peppers stuffed with herby rice and slow-baked in olive oil until they taste like pure Greek summer on a plate. And contrary to the stereotype, Greek cuisine actually offers plenty of naturally gluten-free vegetarian dishes.”
City you never get tired of visiting in your own country?
“Thessaloniki, without a doubt. A laid-back, walkable port city where Byzantine history, sea views, and café culture all collide. Think sunset walks on the waterfront, late-night bougatsa, yes, a gluten-free one, and a creative, student vibe that keeps the city buzzing almost 24/7.”
Window seat or aisle seat?
“Window seat, every time. Earphones in, last few rows if I can, hoping for some extra space when the flight isn’t full.”
Carry-on only or checked bag?
“Carry-on for life! It’s cheaper, easier, and keeps things simple. Unless I’m sneaking a canister of Greek olive oil abroad, then the checked bag wins.”
If you could plan your own dream trip anywhere in Europe, where would you go next?
“Italy, of course. It was my first trip abroad as a child and still has a special place in my heart. Reading The Thief Lord in a wintry Venice felt absolutely magical. I’d love to explore more of northern Italy one day and upgrade my Duolingo Italian beyond just ordering my next espresso, ideally with a gluten-free cornetto on the side.”
What does safe and joyful travel mean to you, personally?
“Safe and joyful travel, for me, is the sweet spot between having plans I’m genuinely excited about and still leaving room for spontaneity. As a celiac, that freedom really comes from planning ahead, so once I’m on the road I can relax and enjoy the trip without constantly worrying about food.”
There is something reassuring about the way Lucia talks about travel in Greece. She understands the reality of navigating celiac disease abroad, but she also understands how much beauty there is to experience here. Her perspective reflects both the rhythm of Greek life and the practical awareness that gluten-free travel requires. It is not about eliminating every uncertainty, but about building enough clarity and preparation that you can actually enjoy the experience once you arrive.
From family-run tavernas in Athens to island restaurants serving naturally gluten-free dishes built around vegetables, olive oil, and fresh fish, Greece offers far more possibility than many travelers expect. With the right guidance, the country becomes less intimidating and far more inviting.
If you are planning a gluten-free trip to Greece, Lucia offers one-on-one travel consultations designed to help you feel informed, confident, and genuinely excited. She will walk you through neighborhoods, restaurant strategies, accommodation considerations, and the practical nuances that make all the difference when traveling with celiac disease.
You can book a consultation with Lucia through Celiacs in Europe and begin planning a trip to Greece that feels safe, thoughtful, and full of good memories.
👉 Book your Greece consultation here.
