20 years of flavour, family, and delicious ice creams
This summer, Gelados & Companhia celebrates a remarkable milestone: 20 years of serving handcrafted ice cream with warm smiles, and family tradition in the heart of Carvoeiro. What began as a tiny, dream-fuelled shop on July 26, 2005, has become one of the Algarve’s most beloved ice cream shops in town – a local treasure that continues to impress both regulars and first-time visitors.
The story started modestly. Founded by Ana and Sílvia Conduto, the original shop was just a small corner space. But what it lacked in size, it made up for in heart – and flavour. Within a short time, Gelados & Companhia had outgrown its humble beginnings.
As if by some sweet miracle, the little space quickly transformed into a bustling shop. Today, it operates from a spacious, recently renovated location, expanded once again to welcome more guests and more flavours than ever before.
From the beginning, the Conduto family’s philosophy was simple: make high-quality, honest ice cream from the best ingredients. That meant using fresh local produce wherever possible, developing every recipe in-house, and never compromising on quality.
Over the years, they’ve created more than 150 unique recipes, and the menu is constantly evolving. Every Easter, they launch seasonal flavours specially crafted for the upcoming summer season. And every two to three days, a rotating selection of featured flavours keeps things exciting – perfect for those who love to try something new every visit.
Among their most popular creations is the Strawberry Sorbet, made with fresh strawberries from Silves. There’s also the nostalgic Arroz Doce (Rice Pudding), a creamy tribute to a family recipe, and the iconic Trio Algarvio, a regional blend of almond, fig, and carob that has become a signature taste of the Algarve over the years. Other local-inspired flavours like Doce Fino and D. Rodrigo showcase the shop’s deep respect for the Algarve’s culinary traditions.
But the innovation doesn’t stop at ice cream. Over the years, Gelados & Companhia has expanded its offerings to include homemade crepes, waffles, and frozen yogurt. However, through it all, one thing has remained unchanged: the heart of the business is clearly the Conduto family.
The Conduto family is tremendously proud of this journey and growth, and remains committed to ensuring the quality and freshness of their ice cream. Every batch, every scoop, and every smile handed across the counter reflects their dedication to pure quality and care.
In a world that always seems to be in a rush, Gelados & Companhia is a reminder to slow down and enjoy the simple pleasures. Everything here is made by hand, with care – and whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth, stepping inside feels warm, familiar and exciting.
With July 26 just around the corner, the team is busy planning a few summer surprises as a thank you to the people who’ve been part of the journey. Whether you come by for the celebration or just to grab your favourite scoop, one thing’s for sure: the best things in life are still made with love, family, and a little bit of sugar.
Here’s to 20 years of flavour – and to the many scoops still to come.
Gelados & Companhia can be found in Rua do Barranco Nº5, Carvoeiro – entrance also via Rua dos Pescadores. Terrace available.
By CHARLOTTE COCKAYNE
