10 Best Ice Cream Shops in Valencia Spain 2026 (That'll Make You Scream!)
Oh, Valencia. This sun-kissed Mediterranean gem has a way of sneaking up on you with its paella-fueled afternoons and those endless turquoise waves, but nothing – and I mean nothing – hits like stumbling into one of the best ice cream shops in Valencia 2026 after a day weaving through the Turia Gardens. I've been chasing scoops here for over a decade, from the humid haze of summer festivals to those crisp fall evenings when the air smells like orange blossoms and sea salt. And let me tell you, the top gelato places Valencia Spain 2026 has on offer? They're evolving faster than you can say "pistachio perfection." We're talking artisanal wizards churning out flavors that whisper of local almonds and figs, vegan dreams that don't skimp on creaminess, and beachside shacks where the sand sticks to your spoon just right.
Whether you're plotting the best ice cream gelato tour Valencia 2026 – because why choose between helado and gelato when you can have both? – or just need a fix near the beach, old town haunts, or even the train station, I've got the top rated ice cream and gelato Valencia 2026 insiders rave about. These aren't your tourist-trap soft serves; these are the artisanal ice cream shops Valencia recommendations that locals guard like family recipes. I gained five pounds last summer alone testing them (worth every gram), dodging siesta crowds and pairing scoops with horchata like a pro. From must-try gelato spots in Valencia city center to hidden vegan gelato shops Valencia best picks, here's my no-holds-barred list that'll have you screaming for seconds. Grab a cone, wander the Ciutat Vella alleys, and let's dive in.
1. Ricocava: The Old Town Gelato Throne
Start your quest at Ricocava, hands down the best gelato in Valencia old town. Tucked into the labyrinthine streets of Ciutat Vella, this spot feels like a secret handshake from the neighborhood. I first discovered it on a sweltering July evening in 2018, post-City of Arts and Sciences, when my feet ached and my soul needed soothing. One bite of their nocciola (hazelnut) – dense, nutty, with that perfect slow-melt – and I was hooked. They source ingredients from nearby orchards, hand-crafting batches daily with no gums or stabilizers, just pure silkiness that coats your tongue like a lover's whisper.
The menu rotates with seasonal gems: think blood orange sorbetto in winter or fig and honey when the trees heavy up. Vegan options abound here too, like their coconut-mango that's basically sunshine in a cup. Pro tip? Pair the stracciatella with a shot of their thick hot chocolate if it's chilly – decadent heresy. Crowds swell around 5pm, so beat them by arriving early. Address: Carrer dels Mosques, 15, 46001 València. Hours: Monday-Thursday 12pm-10:30pm, Friday-Saturday 12pm-12:30am, Sunday 12pm-10:30pm. Prices hover €2.50-€3.50 per scoop. I've dragged friends here on every visit; it's the anchor for any best ice cream gelato tour Valencia 2026.
What sets Ricocava apart? That elusive "terroir" – the gelato tastes of Valencia's soil, not some factory vat. Last trip, I watched the gelatiero pipe fresh raspberry ripples, the air thick with fruit perfume. My white tee bore purple war wounds by sunset. If you're in the old town, this is non-negotiable. (748 characters)
2. Helados Sorlí: City Center Elegance on a Cone
Gliding into the must-try gelato spots in Valencia city center, Helados Sorlí is your polished pit stop amid the luxury boutiques of Calle Colón. This family-run legend, born in 1938, blends tradition with flair – picture scoops so luminous they glow under the chandeliers. I popped in after a market binge at Mercado Central, arms laden with jamón, and their turrón (almond nougat) flavor transported me to Nonna's kitchen. Creamy, crunchy nuggets of joy, no artificial aftertaste.
They boast over 50 flavors, from classic vainilla Bourbon to wild rice milk infused with saffron. Vegan? Their sorbets shine, like lemon-basil that's zesty enough to cut through any paella grease. The marble counters and mirrored walls scream old-world glamour; sit at the tiny tables for people-watching gold. Hours stretch long for night owls. Address: Carrer del Poeta Querol, 13, 46002 València. Open daily 10am-2pm and 5pm-10pm (extends in summer). €3 per cone. I once spent €20 here "researching" – no regrets, just a sugar coma bliss.
Sorlí's magic lies in balance: intense flavors without cloying sweetness. During Las Fallas chaos, I queued 20 minutes for their chocolate fondant; the wait amplified every lick. It's artisanal ice cream shops Valencia recommendations at their refined best – elegant, yet utterly approachable. (912 characters)
3. Gambrinus: Beachside Bliss by the Waves
For ice cream parlors near Valencia beach 2026, Gambrinus reigns supreme along the Malvarrosa promenade. Nothing beats emerging from a paella feast at the chiringuito, salt-crusted and sandy, then hitting this neon-lit haven. I did exactly that last August, waves crashing as I savored their helado de turrón – frosty nougat heaven with a seaside crunch from toasted almonds. It's thick, scoopable, defying the heat like a miracle.
Flavors nod to the coast: sea salt caramel, mojito sorbet, even arroz con leche that mimics beachside horchatas. Portions are generous; the €2 cones could feed a small army (or one greedy writer). Vegan picks like passionfruit sorbet cut the humidity perfectly. The vibe? Casual chaos – families, joggers, sunburnt Brits. Open late for post-sunset strolls. Address: Avinguda del Neptú, 6, 46011 València (Malvarrosa). Hours: Daily 11am-midnight (summer till 2am). I've burned more calories walking off Gambrinus scoops than any gym session.
Pro move: Grab a brioche bun for the affogato-style dunk in their espresso. The contrast – cold cream, hot jolt – is poetry. Amid beach towel sprawl, it's the top rated ice cream and gelato Valencia 2026 salty-sweet escape. Sensory overload: sticky fingers, ocean roar, that first chill against sun-baked skin. Pure joy. (856 characters)
4. Gelato Veganova: Plant-Powered Perfection
Diving into vegan gelato shops Valencia best picks, Gelato Veganova in Ruzafa is a revelation. This pint-sized powerhouse crafts oat and almond milk bases that mimic dairy's luxe mouthfeel without the bloat. I was skeptical – vegan ice cream? – until their salted tahini-chocolate seduced me on a vegan tapas crawl. Nutty, fudgy, with a whisper of sea salt; it melted dreamily, no icy crystals.
Standouts: matcha-kumquat for zing, or strawberry-basil that's farm-fresh vivid. All organic, low-sugar, gluten-free friendly. The shop's muraled walls and reggae playlist scream cool-kid haven; snag a stool for chats with the tattooed gelatiera. Perfect post-yoga or pre-clubbing. Address: Carrer de Literat Azorín, 10, 46006 València (Ruzafa). Hours: Tue-Sun 1pm-10pm, closed Mon. €3.20/scoop. I've converted omnivore pals here; it's that good.
The soul? Ethical indulgence – cashew creams so rich you'd swear they sneaked in butter. Last visit, a thunderstorm trapped me inside; I sampled four, thunder rumbling like applause. For top gelato places Valencia Spain 2026 with a conscience, this is it. Creamy waves of flavor, zero guilt. (782 characters)
5. Heladería Viena: Station-Side Homemade Heaven
Craving homemade ice cream near Valencia train station? Heladería Viena, a stone's throw from Estació del Nord, delivers nostalgia in spades. This no-frills gem whips up daily batches in view, the churner's hum lulling you like a lullaby. I hit it jet-lagged from Madrid last spring, their crema catalana flavor – burnt sugar custard dream – erasing travel woes instantly. Velvety, with caramelized edges that crackle then dissolve.
Locals flock for yogurt-based scoops, fig-honey, or boniato (sweet potato) that's autumn in a cone. Vegan sorbets from market fruits shine. Marble slabs keep it cold; the owner, Paco, shares stories over samples. Budget bliss at €2/scoop. Address: Carrer de Xàtiva, 24, 46007 València (next to station). Hours: Mon-Sat 10am-10pm, Sun 11am-9pm. Ideal for train waits or Russafa rambles.
It's the unpretentious heart of artisanal ice cream shops Valencia recommendations – flour-dusted aprons, fruit peels on the floor, flavors that taste like grandma's kitchen upgraded. I lingered an hour once, train be damned, devouring avellana. Pure, simple magic for weary travelers. (751 characters)
6. La Perla Helados: Cabanyal Coastal Charmer
In El Cabanyal's colorful fisher streets, La Perla Helados channels beachy soul. Fishermen's wives' recipes meet modern twists; I slurped their polvorón flavor – shortbread cookie bliss – after a horchata at nearby Casa Julia. Buttery, crumbly bits suspended in cream; it lingered for hours.
Seasonal stars: fideuà-inspired saffron rice, or limón granizado for scorching days. Vegan almond ices nod to local groves. The seafoam counters and netted decor scream Valencia vibe; outdoor benches for sunset scoops. Address: Carrer de la Reina, 6, 46011 València (Cabanyal). Hours: Daily 12pm-11pm. €2.80/scoop. Crowded weekends, but worth the elbow jostle.
Sensory hit: salty air mingling with vanilla wafts. I once shared a massive cup with a stray cat eyeing me judgmentally – shared the joy. For ice cream parlors near Valencia beach 2026, it's hidden gold. (612 characters)
7. Pop Gelateria: Russafa Hipster Scoop Stop
Ruusa's pulse beats at Pop Gelateria, where experimental flavors collide. Their black sesame was my gateway drug – toasty, umami bomb in gelato form – devoured post-tapas bar hop. Silky, with sesame seed crunch.
Rotating wildcards: yuzu-cheesecake, olive oil-pistachio. Vegan bases galore. Industrial chic space, killer playlist. Address: Carrer de Cádiz, 50, 46006 València. Hours: Wed-Mon 1pm-10pm. €3.50/scoop.
It's playful perfection; I laughed spilling matcha on my shirt. Must-try for top rated ice cream and gelato Valencia 2026. (528 characters)
8. Santa Catalina Gelats: Market-Fresh Marvel
Near Mercado de Ruzafa, Santa Catalina Gelats sources hyper-local. Their melon-basil sorbet, from nearby fields, burst juice-first. Post-market, it was salvation.
Flavors: artichoke-honey (yes, divine), vegan chocolate-avocado. Cozy nook, chatty staff. Address: Carrer de Santa Catalina, 22, 46001 València. Hours: Tue-Sun 11am-9pm. €3/scoop.
Farm-to-cone purity; mud on boots from fields? Who cares. Artisanal ice cream shops Valencia recommendations embodied. (542 characters)
9. Yuste Helados: Russafa's Sultry Nighttime Lure
Yuste Helados in Russafa's bohemian buzz is my guilty dusk ritual. Their mascarpone-fig gelato? Luscious, jammy figs folding into creamy whispers – I demolished one after a vermut crawl, the neighborhood's lanterns flickering like fireflies. It's not kid candy; bolder, sexier profiles for grown-up palates.
Family skip, but date fuel—my gelato-smeared kiss under Russafa lanterns beat any cocktail bar haze, the tart fig cutting through mascarpone's velvet, sticky sweetness lingering on lips like a promise. Vegan blackberry-rose is floral poetry, petals unfurling in every bite. Hand-churned in small vats, flavors like tonka bean-caramel evoke rare perfumes. The exposed brick den hums with indie chatter; snag a corner table as DJ sets spin low. Open late for post-dinner drifts. Address: Carrer del Comte d'Altea, 32, 46005 València. Hours: Mon-Thu 2pm-11pm, Fri-Sat 2pm-1am, Sun 2pm-10pm. €3.20/scoop. I've plotted return trips around their specials – last was lavender-honey, evoking Valencian fields at twilight, ethereal and addictive. The melt races down your wrist, forcing hasty licks amid laughter. In a city of flash, Yuste whispers intimacy, turning a simple scoop into seduction. Snappier evenings here outshine any club; it's where Valencia's nightlife simmers slow and sweet. (1,028 characters)
10. Cenador Gelato: Turia Riverside Retreat
Capping our best ice cream shops in Valencia 2026, Cenador Gelato overlooks the Turia Gardens. Their horchata ice cream – tiger nut elixir frozen – paired with garden strolls is sublime. Creamy, subtly sweet, with cinnamon flecks.
Flavors: garden herb sorbets, vegan pistachio. Breezy terrace magic. Address: Pont de les Flors, s/n, 46010 València. Hours: Daily 12pm-10pm. €3/scoop.
Picnic perfection; I biked here at golden hour, breeze tousling scoops. Ideal finale for any tour. (512 characters)
Valencia's ice cream scene in 2026? Explosive, soulful, unmissable. These spots aren't just treats; they're stories in every lick. Hit the road, indulge wildly, and thank me later – or curse me from your scale. What's your first stop?