Did you know that making desserts similar to ice cream goes back to thousands of years ago? Although no specific date of origin nor inventor has been undisputably credited with its discovery. We know that Alexander the Great enjoyed snow and ice flavored with honey and nectar. Chinese are often credited with inventing ice cream, as they used a frozen mixture of milk and rice for dessert as early as 5 to 6 thousands years ago. Evidence also suggests that around 3000 years ago, Persians used to pour grape concentrate on snow collected from mountains and eat it as a treat especially in hot days. Roman emperor Nero was also a big fan of having ice combined with fruit toppings as dessert.
Ice cream in its modern form slowly became popular in Europe and then the United States around the 16th century. And today here in Santorini and more specifically in Oia we are lucky enough to have Lolita’s Gelato (www.lolitasgelato.com) created by Apostolos Tsolakos and loved by everyone who ever tasted it. 
Stracciatella, pistachio, hazelnut, chocolate, peanut dream, rosewater pink… at Lolita’s gelato making ice cream, isn’t just a job, it’s a very imaginative process of creating a mouthwatering experience. Their philosophy is very simple: ONLY the best ingredients. They use only fresh milk, pure nut puree, sicilian pistachio and piemonte hazelnut, no colours, no preservatives and of course fresh fruits and juices. If vegetarian, vegan or just lactose intolerant you will not leave disappointed as you can enjoy one of the great Sorbet options.
So when visiting Santorini with your kids Lolita’s gelato is an absolutely necessary stop in Oia not only because of the great home-made gelato but also and mostly because of the warm family friendly environment where you and your kids will feel like home and literally will create memories.
Cause Happiness is, watching a kid enjoying ice cream…!
Olga Kosmidou founder and owner of Santorini Travel Tots, Baby Gear Rental and Family Concierge Services
