The best gelato in Italy

Sunshine, seaside breezes, and a scoop of something divine, gelato is Italy’s most delicious ritual. Whether you’re meandering through a Tuscan hill town, strolling along the Amalfi Coast, or enjoying an aperitivo in Sicily, there’s always a gelateria whispering your name.

A taste of history: the origins of gelato
 Legend has it that gelato was perfected during the Renaissance. The Medici family once held a contest for the most delicious frozen dessert. Bernardo Buontalenti, a Florentine artist, architect, and culinary genius, wowed the crowd at the Medici banquet with a creamy, cold concoction, and just like that, gelato was born in its modern form. Centuries later, Buontalenti’s legacy lives on in the scoops that holiday-makers and locals alike taste across Italy.

Ponte Vecchio, Florence
 A selection of some of the best gelaterias in Italy
  Throughout Italy, gelato artigianale, meticulously crafted using locally sourced ingredients, represents the pinnacle of indulgence. These are the must-visit destinations (or delightful detours) to savour during your villa stay in the Bel Paese:

Tuscany
 • Gelateria Dondoli, San Gimignano: world-champion gelato in a medieval square. Be sure to experience the refined flavours of saffron and pine nuts.
 • My Sugar, Florence: a modern twist on tradition, with seasonal flavours that surprise and seduce.
 • La Carraia, Florence: steps from the Ponte alla Carraia, this cult-favorite serves dense, deeply flavorful gelato, especially the dark chocolate. Generous portions and unforgettable taste.

villa Lucina, Montalcino

Umbria
 • Gelateria Crispini, Spoleto: Pistachio lovers, rejoice; this spot has won awards for theirs.
 • Il Mastro Cianuri, Perugia: A refined fusion of gelato artigianale and masterful chocolate-making in the heart of Italy’s chocolate capital.

gelateria artigianale in Italy
 Sardinia
  • Gelateria del Molo, Porto Rotondo: founded in 1950, this historic gelateria is celebrated for its handcrafted gelato made with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Perfectly positioned on the picturesque harbour of Porto Rotondo, it offers not only exquisite flavours but also a charming seaside atmosphere—ideal for a sunset stroll with a cone in hand.
  • Il Buon Gelato, San Pantaleo: renowned for its authentic flavours and artisanal quality, visitors have praised it as offering some of the best gelato in Sardinia, making it a must-visit for gelato enthusiasts exploring the Costa Smeralda.

artisanal ice cream by the Italian sea
 Amalfi Coast
  • Baffone, Positano: beloved by locals, hidden off the tourist path.
   • Gelateria David, Sorrento: family-run, ultra-fresh, and perfect after a limoncello tasting.

Brioche con gelato: Sicily’s best-kept breakfast secret
 For all those lucky enough to be soaking in the sun at one of our Sicilian villas, the brioche con gelato is a local morning delight which is not to be missed. Imagine a warm, buttery pastry sliced open and stuffed with two scoops of silky gelato. It’s the best way to start a slow morning overlooking the sea.
 Some of the top Sicilian Gelaterie:

• Caffè Sicilia, Noto: a temple of taste, where chef Corrado Assenza works magic with almonds and citrus.
 • Levante Gelato Artigianale, Siracusa: located in the heart of Ortigia, this gelateria prides itself on daily-made gelato and granita using fresh, high-quality ingredients.

brioche con gelato, Sicilian delight
 Puglia
  • Natale, Lecce: located in the heart of Lecce’s baroque old town, renowned since 1970 for its artisanal gelato and traditional Salento sweets like pasticciotto and spumone, crafted with passion and heritage.
  • Il Super Mago del Gelo, Polignano a Mare: a legendary seaside stop since 1935, famous for its velvety gelato, affogato al caffè, and the iconic Caffè Speciale, a secret blend of coffee, lemon zest, cream, and amaretto that captures the true spirit of Puglia.

Unlock the secrets of Italy with homeinitaly.com and eat gelato like a local
 Booking a villa through Home in Italy means more than just luxury accommodation. It means access to a network of Italians who live, breathe, and taste Italy every day. Our concierge team is your key to discovering hidden gelato gems, special tastings, and the off-the-radar experiences that turn a good trip into an unforgettable one.
 From brioche con gelato at sunrise in Sicily to a stroll through a medieval village with a cone in hand, we will assist you in discovering tucked-away treasures and regional specialities that go beyond the guidebooks.

ice cream by the Trevi Fountain, Rome