Italy is a country worth visiting again and again. You wonder why? It is incredibly diverse, meaning that even if you travel there several times, every holiday can be different if you wish. But beyond that, it’s a safe place for us travellers with celiac disease, gluten intolerance or similar conditions. If one place can be called celiac-friendly, it’s Italy. It has set a standard in terms of gluten-free awareness that the rest of the world aspires to adopt.
The Italian Celiac Association, AiC, plays a major role in Italy’s status as a “gluten-free heaven.” It launched the Alimentazione Fuori Casa (AFC) programme, the ‘Food Out-of-Home Program’, some years ago. The program involves businesses such as restaurants, hotels and more, that are knowledgeable and capable of providing services that meet the dietary needs of people with celiac disease, ensuring they can dine out safely. In 2024, there were almost 500 accommodations participating, forming a network that spans the whole of Italy and makes it easier for travellers to find them. These are often called “certified gluten-free.”
What does “certified gluten-free” mean?
It is important to differentiate here, as these establishments are often mistakenly believed to be “certified” by AiC. AiC is not currently a certification body, even though their AFC programme involves processes that are very similar to those used in certification. It is correct to say that these establishments are acknowledged by AiC for safe gluten-free cuisine. And that is essentially what most people understand by “certified gluten-free”.
What you can expect from a business that participates in the AFC program
Accommodations, restaurants and more in Italy can voluntarily join the AFC program by the Italian Celiac Association. This means that the owner and kitchen chef must attend a course covering both the theory and practice of celiac disease, gluten-free nutrition and food preparation. The staff receives training as well. The businesses are also given support in adapting their operations and meals accordingly and implementing the necessary precautions. The establishment is thoroughly inspected by the AiC on a regular basis, at least once a year. It commits to follow the rules laid down by the organisation in areas such as ingredients, production, cleaning and serving. These rules ensure, above all, that contamination is ruled out at all stages of preparation, right up to the dining table. For other establishments, for example pizzerias, additional, explicit handling regulations can apply.
Read the summarised rules here.
In return, the business is considered an AFC member, which gets listed in the AiC guide and app. In addition, each member receives the red AiC sticker, which is only valid for the year indicated on the sticker and not beyond.
AiC´s “Food Out-of-Home Program” makes it easier for people with celiac disease to find safe gluten-free establishments in Italy. Unfortunately, there is a certain risk of contamination in any restaurant that also offers gluten-containing dishes. But the participation in such a program is a big step towards greater safety compared to a normal restaurant, especially since we can’t stand next to the kitchen and check everything for gluten-free compliance ;).
This means that, for us, a hotel listed by AiC is recommendable for people who need to follow a gluten-free diet. In this context, we would like to introduce you to a few of these hotels that we recommend on Glutenfree Harbour as well.
Hotel Fenice Milano Marittima
This is your place for a relaxed beach holiday, with your whole family, without worries about gluten. Since 2013, the hotel has been a part of the network of the AiC´s program. It is fully gluten-free, therefore there is no risk for cross-contamination in the kitchen. A truly gluten-free paradise!
Hotel Bikini Rimini
Another beach hotel in Italy, which has been acknowledged by AiC for safe gluten-free cuisine, for 15 years at least. Here, you can enjoy the extensive breakfast buffet with a lot of safe, freshly baked gluten-free options, prepared by the very experienced and knowledgeable kitchen team.
Hotel Villa Madonna
Moving on to the mountain region in South Tyrol, as Italy is far more than only a beach vacation. The Hotel Villa Madonna is a very celiac-friendly accommodation, which is regularly inspected by not only the Italian Celiac Association but also the Italian Lactose Intolerance Association. The hotel guarantees that there is no risk of contamination between gluten-free and gluten-containing foods. This is ensured by a separate gluten-free kitchen and even its own gluten-free breakfast buffet.
Hotel Petrus
Hotel Petrus is a nature-inspired retreat, surrounded by the beautiful Dolomites. It has been catering to gluten-free guests already for 25 years and is recommended by the AiC for its efforts. To avoid contamination with gluten-containing meals and ingredients, there are no buffets anymore, but everything is served right to your table. In the kitchen, the culinary team follows special kitchen processes for a safe gluten-free experience. Despite these precautions, they are particular in their approach to the gluten-free guests, making you feel just like everyone else and not, as is so often the case, like someone with special requirements.
