At Love the Pen, we have a confessed weakness for good gelato, a preference that easily trumps ice cream. The silky-smooth texture, the intensity of flavours, and the lower fat content make gelato a superior indulgence. Unlike its ice cream counterpart, gelato is churned at a slower rate, incorporating less air and resulting in a denser, more flavourful experience. It’s served at a slightly warmer temperature, allowing the true essence of the ingredients to shine through. And let’s not forget, it’s an Italian masterpiece that has captured hearts globally.

Arguably, Vulcano Gelato is one of the best we’ve experienced and tasted in the world. It’s become our sweet benchmark, much like the Big Mac test, but with a more refined palate in mind. Every time we travel, we find ourselves comparing local offerings to the impeccable standards set by Vulcano Gelato in our backyard of the Mornington Peninsula.

With that in mind, we invite you to indulge in the authentic taste of Vulcano Gelato, crafted fresh every day using a cherished and secret recipe passed down through generations. Their gelato is more than just a treat; it’s an experience that will forever change your perception of ice cream.

The origins of Vulcano’s delectable gelato trace back to the stunning island of Vulcano, off the coast of Sicily, Italy. In 1960, Remigio Aiello, the grandfather of Gino Maniaci, established ‘Ritrovo Remigio,’ a seasonal café-bar that quickly became renowned for its gelato and cannoli. The secret recipe, perfected over the years by Remigio and his son-in-law Tony Maniaci, is the foundation of the world-renowned gelato served at Vulcano Gelato today.

The Island of Vulcano: Vulcano, one of the Aeolian Islands, is a mesmerising blend of natural beauty and volcanic majesty. Its rugged landscape, adorned with black sand beaches, steaming fumaroles, and therapeutic hot springs, creates a captivating backdrop that mirrors the island’s fiery name. The allure of Vulcano lies in its dramatic topography, from the soaring Gran Cratere to the serene waters of its bays, each telling a story of nature’s power and elegance.

Rye and the Mornington Peninsula: Rye, nestled on the Mornington Peninsula, Victoria, Australia, shares a similar charm with its Italian counterpart. While it may not boast volcanic landscapes, Rye’s stunning coastal scenery, with its white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, bountiful thermal hot springs and lush hinterland, echoes the beauty of the Mediterranean. The Mornington Peninsula, with its rolling hills, vineyards, and seaside villages, offers a slice of European allure in Australia, creating a harmonious blend of cultures and natural splendour.

Gino Maniaci, inspired by his family’s legacy, brought this culinary treasure to Melbourne, Australia, in 2008, opening the first Vulcano Gelato in Rye with his wife, Josephine Colombo. Together, they aimed to elevate the ice cream industry, setting unprecedented standards with their authentic Italian gelato and granita.

A New Era with Diane and Alana: Now, under the stewardship of Diane and Alana (aunty and niece team), Vulcano Gelato is excited to embark on a new chapter. The duo has expanded the shop’s offerings, adding coffee, doughnuts, hot dogs, hot snacks, pies, and other delectable additions, making Vulcano Gelato an all-year-round destination. Conveniently located right next to the newly renovated Rye Plaza, the heart of Rye town, Vulcano Gelato is now part of a vibrant public area, perfect as a meeting place and right across the road from Rye Pier.

Join us in welcoming Diane and Alana as they take Vulcano Gelato forward, promising to uphold the tradition of excellence and authenticity that has defined the Vulcano Gelato brand for decades. Visit them and discover why their gelato is more than just a treat—it’s a taste of history and a connection between the cultures of Southern Italy and the Mornington Peninsula and our European connections that span thousands of kilometres, decades of tourism and migration and love for culture and history.

In 2008, Vulcano Gelato opened in Rye with the single hearted aim of improving the quality and taste of the universally loved authentic Italian gelato and granita. From our perspective, gelato is the prefect buffer; there’s such an emotional response when you even think of it & when you combine it with the Rye Pier, bay beach & carnival it becomes a powerful combination. We love gelato & we love Vulcano Gelato, we love Rye & we love that they’re all on the Pen.