My European Food & Travel Highlights: Paris, Croatia, Italy, Portugal and More

Hello everyone — I missed you so much! I just returned from a whirlwind trip through Europe and I’m excited to share the highlights. We visited Paris, Croatia (Split and Hvar), Cinque Terre and Rome in Italy, Barcelona and Porto in Portugal, and finished in Dublin. Six countries in seventeen days made for a perfect mix of bustling cities and quiet seaside towns.

Food Notes: Bread, Pasta, Seafood and Markets

The food was consistently excellent. I indulged in pizza, pasta, fresh bread and local cheeses almost every day. Even places where I expected different cuisine leaned Italian or Mediterranean, which suited me well. At home I tend to eat Mediterranean, Mexican or Indian flavors and eat lots of fiber from smoothies, fruits, nuts, veggies and legumes. In Europe my days looked different: a bready breakfast (croissant or smoked salmon sandwich), a pasta or pizza lunch with salad, an espresso and a small treat in the afternoon, and seafood or more bread for dinner.

I ate fewer vegetables than usual but enjoyed incredible olive oil and exceptionally fresh seafood — smoked salmon, octopus, mussels, squid, clams, tuna and shrimp were highlights. Seafood was everywhere by the coast and noticeably fresher than what I often find at home. Markets on the streets offered seasonal fruit like nectarines and cherries; I snacked on those throughout the day. Gelato replaced ice cream in some places and I enjoyed unique flavors like pistachio gelato in Split.

Paris: Tartines, Smoked Salmon and Cafés

We spent a day in Paris. One memorable meal was a vegetarian tartine topped with zucchini, peppers, tomato, fresh herbs, pesto and mozzarella, served with grilled vegetables. I also had a smoked salmon sandwich with dill cream cheese at a small shop near the airport. Cafés in Paris were charming — each one felt unique and reliably delicious. A quick note: smoking is common in many parts of Europe, which can take some adjustment.

Croatia: Coastal Eats and Fresh Markets

Split and Hvar were stunning. Beaches, small shops and seaside markets set the scene. Croatina cuisine featured Italian and Mediterranean influences: pizza and Greek salad on the beach with excellent feta, creamy pasta with salmon and prawns, and mushroom risotto. I loved a veggie omelet with homemade walnut flax bread at a breakfast spot called No Stress Cafe and enjoyed tuna steaks with cabbage slaw on a boat ride. We also found delicious homemade mini donuts with coconut and chocolate after visiting sea caves.

Rome: History and Classic Italian Dishes

Rome was rich with history and timeless food. We took a hop-on, hop-off bus to explore monuments and neighborhoods, then sat down to classic dishes. Near the Vatican I enjoyed cannelloni filled with ricotta and spinach topped with marinara, and a simple frisée salad dressed with a bright vinaigrette. Dinner included a crisp Italian Sauvignon Blanc, a cheese plate, ravioli and an octopus pasta — all exceptional. I also discovered a Sicilian patisserie called Panella where I had a wholemeal blueberry tart and a cream-filled berry sandwich, paired with espressos.

Travel Rhythm and Savoring the Moment

Meals in Europe felt leisurely and immersive — long lunches, coffee breaks, and wine with dinner made each day feel indulgent. I returned home craving a big chocolate-blueberry green smoothie, so I made one within twenty minutes of landing. Overall, the trip renewed my appreciation for fresh, local ingredients and relaxed dining. I’m already dreaming about visiting more countries and tasting new regional specialties.

More photos and stories from the rest of the trip coming soon — I’ll share a recipe and a giveaway next week, plus some blog updates. Stay tuned!