Tuscany is known for its many culinary delights, from Ribollita and Pappa al Pomodoro to Bistecca alla Fiorentina. There is also gelato, a gastronomic treat that is essential to Italian life. Made from fresh ingredients of the highest quality, it is one of the most beloved desserts in Italy.  

Searching for the best gelato in Tuscany? I’ve put together a list of my favorite gelato shops (gelaterie) that serve artisanal, hand-crafted, and homemade gelato in this region in central Italy.

Where To Find the Best Gelato in Tuscan?

Travelers will find gelato shops on almost every corner in Tuscany, from vibrant cities like Florence and Pisa to the sleepy medieval towns of San Gimignano and Monteriggioni, where you will find cobblestone streets lined with art galleries, Tuscany villas for rent, and gelato shops.

While there are chains such as Venchi Gelato in Tuscany, I believe that the best gelato is served in small family-owned shops.

What Makes Gelato in Tuscany Special?

In Tuscany, gelato is more than just a dessert. It plays an important role in the local culinary traditions and Tuscany’s social life. So, what makes gelato in Tuscany special? The thing is that gelato here is typically not mass-produced in a factory. Instead, many shops claim they serve gelato artigianale (artisanal gelato), which is a hand-crafted gelato made with fresh and simple ingredients like milk, sugar, and a flavor like fruit or chocolate.

How to Spot Authentic Gelato in Tuscany

There is no shortage of gelato shops in Tuscany. However, there are certain things to look for when trying to find authentic gelato. What is a good sign? If you don’t actually see gelato in a shop, that’s always a plus. The best places that sell gelato in Tuscany keep it in flat metal tins with lids or in plastic tubs. It means that the product is being carefully kept at the right temperature.

You should also pay attention to how gelato is served. Gelato has a dense texture, and shops that use metal spades instead of scoops are always a better option. Gelato is made with natural ingredients, and the colors should not be vibrant. If you see artificial coloring, that’s usually not a good sign. Here’s an example. Instead of being bright green, the color of Pistacchio should be closer to brown.

You can also tell if a gelato shop in Tuscany is good by looking at the list of flavor options. If the list is short and only includes flavors that are in season, it is a good sign.

The 3 Best Gelato Shops in Tuscany (Must-Try Places!)

Gelateria Dondoli (San Gimignano)

Located about a 1-hour drive from Florence, the cute town of San Gimignano is a popular tourist destination. Go to the main square (Piazza della Cisterna) of this medieval town to find a small gelato shop called Gelateria Dondoli. Run by Sergio Dondoli, it is one of the most famous gelato shops in all of Italy.  

Whether you are in the mood for classic flavors like Vaniglia and Stracciatella or wish to try imaginative flavors such as a mix of pink grapefruit and sparkling wine called Champelmo, there are plenty of unique flavors to choose from when visiting San Gimignano and Gelateria Dondoli.

Keep in mind that you’ll probably have to wait in line, as this is one of the best gelato shops in Tuscany. You can also book a Dondoli Gelato Class and learn how to prepare a Fiordilatte Gelato (with raw milk) and one made from a Seasonal Fruit (persimmon, banana, strawberry, lemon, melon).

After enjoying your cone, feel free to explore San Gimignano’s cobblestone streets and enjoy the views of the stunning Tuscan countryside.

Price Range: $2.00 – $6.00

La Bottega del Gelato (Pisa)

After snapping a photo in front of the Leaning Tower of Pisa, head out to La Bottega del Gelato. Located a few minutes from Knights’ Square, this popular gelato shop offers a lively ambiance and tasty gelato flavors.

The most popular flavors you can try at La Bottega del Gelato include dark cherry, passion fruit, pistachio, chocolate, and raspberry.  Feeling adventurous? Go for ricotta con fichi or mango. What l like most about La Bottega del Gelato is that they sell only what’s in season. For instance, the raspberry is made from a real raspberry and is only available in the summer. In addition to gelato, the shop sells chocolate treats and freshly baked scones. There are a few tables outside with a view of the bridge and river.

Price Range: $3.00 – $6.00

Gelateria La Carraia (Florence)

Florence is home to amazing botanical gardens, world-class museums, and majestic historical buildings. The capital of the Tuscany region is also known for its many gelato shops. My favorite spot for a gelato fix in summer is the legendary Gelateria La Carraia. Located just off Ponte alla Carraia, the shop is always packed with customers who are waiting to order their favorite flavors.

My personal favorite is frutti di bosco (wild berries). You can also try their tiramisu, salted peanuts, ricotta and pear, pistachio, coffee, and cheesecake. Everything here is extremely creamy and flavorful! Btw, Gelateria La Carraia has another location near Piazza Santa Croce.

Price Range: $2.00 – $6.00

Unique Gelato Flavors to Try in Tuscany

There are many gelato flavors to choose from in Tuscany, from traditional flavors to innovative and unique offerings. Here is a list of some of the best gelato flavors in Tuscany:

• Pistachio: Known for its peculiar flavor, pistachio has a creamy texture and a rich taste.
• Amarena: A creamy gelato with sour and sweet cherries.
• Caffe: This unique flavor is a tribute to the coffee culture in Italy. Expect a robust flavor.
• Nocciola: With a nutty flavor, Nocciola is made from hazelnuts.
• Limone: Less creamy than others, Limone is known for its refreshing flavor.
• Cioccolato: Offering a rich chocolate flavor, Cioccolato is a smooth and comforting treat
• Stracciatella: This unique flavor features chocolate in a vanilla base.

How Gelato is Made – Behind the Scenes

The story of gelato in Tuscany dates back centuries. According to the legend, the invention is credited to a Florentine artist and architect, Bernardo Buontalenti. It is believed that he created gelato for the court of Catherine de’ Medici and the Medici family back in the 16th century. Many believe that the family was so impressed that they decided to order gelato for Catherine’s wedding. This tasty dessert quickly became a staple in Tuscan households and palaces.

How is gelato made? The secret of the delicious gelato in Tuscany lies in the quality of its ingredients. Instead of artificial flavors, the best shops use only fresh and natural components when making gelato.

Key ingredients include high-quality milk and cream, sugar, egg yolks to improve the texture, and natural flavors such as chocolate, nuts, and real fruits.

How to make gelato at home? Pour fresh cream, milk, and sugar into a pan. It will take about 3 minutes for the sugar to dissolve. The next step is to cool the mixture to room temperature and put it in the refrigerator. You can also find a container and place it in the freezer. After a few hours, take the mixture out of the fridge, pour it into the frozen container, and place it back in the freezer for at least 6 hours. Serve gelato with fresh fruit or chocolate/vanilla cream.

Gelato vs. Ice Cream – What’s the Difference?

While gelato and ice cream might seem similar, these two treats have distinct differences. For instance, gelato has a creamier texture and a lower fat content. Gelato is also served at a slightly warmer temperature than ice cream and incorporates less air. Rather than chewing, it is recommended to let the gelato dissolve in your mouth.

Best Time to Enjoy Gelato in Tuscany

While the best time to visit Tuscany is in spring, summer, and autumn, the best time to enjoy gelato is whenever you feel like it. Italians usually eat gelato as a snack after lunch or in the evening.