A Vegetarian Journey Through Italy and the Mediterranean
Because the Mediterranean diet already rests on vegetables, legumes, and olive oil, Italy and its neighboring shores make an unusually vegetarian-friendly travel destination.
Mention Italian cuisine and most people think first of cheese and cured ham. Look closer, though, and you'll find that the Mediterranean culinary tradition itself is built on a foundation of vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and olive oil—giving vegetarian travelers a naturally hospitable base to explore from.
Vegetarian Treasures Hiding in Traditional Dishes
Time-honored vegetarian classics turn up all across Italy—tomato and basil pasta, vegetable risotto, chickpea puree with grilled bread—and these dishes are common fare even in the most traditional family-run trattorias. Simply confirm when ordering whether the pasta is made with egg and whether the sauce relies on animal-based stock, and you can dig in with an easy mind.
Venturing Further Around the Mediterranean
Beyond mainland Italy, other corners of the Mediterranean coast are equally worth a vegetarian traveler's attention:
- In Greece, olives, hummus, and roasted vegetables come together as a naturally vegetarian-friendly combination
- Spain offers rich pickings, from chilled tomato gazpacho to a wide variety of vegetable tapas
- Markets in some coastal towns sell fresh seasonal produce and artisan bread
- Watch for animal-derived ingredients hiding in cheeses and certain sauces, and confirm how a dish is prepared before you order
The natural affinity between Mediterranean culinary tradition and vegetarian principles makes traveling through this region an especially reassuring and enjoyable experience.
