Gelateria ai 3 Scalini

Just a short drive from Vasto, Gelateria ai 3 Scalini in San Salvo is the kind of place that makes you feel like you’ve discovered Italy’s best-kept secret. This isn’t your typical tourist gelato shop – it’s where locals have been coming for years to enjoy what many consider the finest artisanal gelato on the Abruzzo coast. The name “3 Scalini” (3 Steps) refers to the three small steps leading up to this charming gelateria that’s become legendary among dessert lovers.

The menu here is pure gelato poetry, featuring traditional flavors made fresh daily alongside creative seasonal specialties. Their Stracciatella is silky perfection with just the right amount of chocolate shards, while the Pistacchio Siciliano showcases the rich, intense flavor of genuine Sicilian pistachios. The Crema ai Fichi is absolutely divine – a fig cream that captures the essence of Mediterranean summers in every spoonful. They also craft exceptional sorbettos using local fruits that taste like concentrated sunshine.

The atmosphere strikes that perfect balance between casual and special that Italians do so well. The interior is bright and welcoming with vintage gelato-making equipment on display, while a few outdoor tables let you people-watch along Via Magellano. The staff treats gelato-making like an art form, carefully crafting each cone with the precision of a Renaissance sculptor. There’s always a happy buzz of conversation mixing Italian and various languages as word spreads among visitors.

I always tell friends visiting the area that this detour from Vasto is absolutely worth it. The quality here rivals anything you’ll find in Rome or Florence, but with that authentic, unhurried feeling you can only get in smaller coastal towns. It’s the perfect reward after a day exploring the beaches or before heading back to your accommodation in Vasto.