There are two kinds of summer days in Tuscany and Umbria: the ones that begin with sun warming the hills… and the ones that end with gelato.

I’m Alina — and after years of living, working, and hosting guests between Tuscany and Umbria, I’ve developed a ritual: whenever life feels too hectic, I go searching for a perfect scoop. Gelato is not just a dessert here; it is a moment of joy, a pause, a memory that sticks to your holidays like the scent of jasmine at dusk.

Over time, I’ve built my own gelato map — a list of places where craftsmanship still matters, where ingredients come from the nearby fields, and where each flavor tells a story.

Here are the gelaterie I keep returning to, some hidden in medieval lanes and others buzzing with locals on summer nights.

Best gelato in Tuscany and Umbria

🍨 MY FAVOURITE GELATERIE IN TUSCANY & UMBRIA

1. VERO GELATO – Perugia (Umbria)

A modern, bright gelateria where the focus is entirely on pure ingredients. Their pistachio is one of the best in the region — naturally savory, balanced, and never too sweet. I often stop here on slow afternoons when Perugia is glowing in golden light.

Address: Via della Viola 22, Perugia

Must try: Pistachio, Salted Caramel, Dark Chocolate Sorbet

2. Gelateria Mastro Cianuri – Perugia ✨ NEW

This is a place locals whisper about — and locals in Perugia know their gelato. Mastro Cianuri is all about tradition and craftsmanship. Every flavor feels like it has a story behind it, especially their seasonal fruit gelato that tastes exactly like biting into a summer peach.Address: Via Ruggiero d’Andreotto, Perugia Must try: Seasonal fruit sorbets, Classic Crema CianuriWhy I love it: Authentic, old-school gelato made with passion and zero shortcuts.

3. GELATERRANEO – Loro Ciuffenna (Tuscany) ✨ NEW

Hidden in one of Tuscany’s most picturesque river towns, Geliterraneo is worth a detour. On hot days, the line spills out onto the narrow streets — and for good reason. Their gelato is silky, natural, and deeply flavorful. Enjoy it while walking along the ancient bridge watching the water rush below.

Address: Loro Ciuffenna (exact location: main village centre) Must try: Hazelnut, Lemon, and the creamy Mediterranean-inspired flavours Why I love it: Gelato + one of Tuscany’s most beautiful villages = perfection.

4. SUNFLOWER Gelateria – Arezzo ✨ NEW

Whenever I’m in Arezzo — especially after visiting San Francesco’s frescoes — this is my essential stop. Sunflower Gelateria is sweet, joyful, and beautifully artisanal. Their fruit sorbets are incredibly vibrant, and the classic flavors are comforting and elegant. Address: Piazza San Francesco 9, Arezzo

Must try: Strawberry Sorbet, Crema, and their signature Sunflower flavor Perfect moment: A scoop in hand just outside the Basilica.

5. Cantina del Gelato – Florence (Tuscany)

Bright, contemporary, and experimental. Their cheesecake gelato is one of the most memorable bites in Florence. I often recommend this spot to my cooking class guests who arrive curious and hungry.

Address: Via dei Bardi, Florence. Must try: Cheesecake, Mango, Ricotta & Fig

6. Gelateria De’ Coltelli – Pisa (Tuscany)

If you love granita, this is your paradise. De’ Coltelli is famous for using only natural ingredients; no colorants, no artificial anything. Their almond granita is so pure it tastes like drinking Sicilian sunshine. Address: Lungarno Pacinotti 23, Pisa. Must try: Almond granita, Raw chocolate gelato

7. Gelateria Crispino – Rome (A special mention)

Not Tuscany, not Umbria — but a place that deserves a spot. Crispino has long been one of the Roman institutions of gelato. Their honey flavor is surprisingly poetic.

Address: Via della Panetteria 42, Rome Must try: Honey, Meringue & Chocolate

8.  Sgarbi Gelateria in Montepulciano, Pienza and Val’d’Orcia (A special mention)

Must try: Banana and milklress sorbetti.

• Noto to miss: One of the oldest in Perugia is Gelateria Veneta, at the beginning of Corso Vannucci, on the left of Bata Shoes Shop. We love to eat fresh fruit with ice cream from the morning… I think this is one of the most healthy ice cream in Umbria.
• Another super ice cream is GELATERIA PASQUALETTI, in via del Duomo, 10 Orvieto, I have tasted chocolate ice cream so divine!! They are really unique and hand made! (Is is quite expensive, pay attention:). https://www.facebook.com/PasqualettiSrl

🌞 A SUMMER TRADITION WORTH SHARING

Each gelateria on this list has accompanied moments of my life — a quick break between meetings, a slow walk with guests, or a sunset drive across the hills. If you follow this itinerary, you won’t just taste gelato; you’ll experience the landscapes, people, and rhythms of Tuscany and Umbria.

And if you discover a new place along the way, write to me — my map is always growing.