Heladería Toni, 130 years of ice cream tradition in Sanlúcar de Barrameda

Heladería Toni, 130 years of ice cream tradition in Sanlúcar de Barrameda

🍦  At The Sun Places, luxury is also found in life's small pleasures.

That's why we invite you to discover Heladería Toni, one of the most traditional ice cream parlours in Sanlúcar de Barrameda. With 130 years of history and five generations of master ice cream makers, this artisanal ice cream parlour has managed to maintain the essence of its origins while innovating with new flavours. It's the perfect place to cool down in summer and enjoy an ice cream that has been made with the same passion since the late 19th century.

With The Sun Places, we want this experience to be part of your luxury stay, offering you the chance to taste the most authentic ice cream in Sanlúcar.

Heladería Toni is a classic in the Plaza del Cabildo in Sanlúcar de Barrameda, and its history is linked to the travelling spirit and love for artisanal ice cream.

History of Heladería Toni: the journey of a master ice cream maker

The history of Heladería Toni begins in 1896, when Carlos Bornay, originally from the small town of Ibi in the mountains of Alicante, decided to embark on a journey that would change his life.

Before arriving in Sanlúcar de Barrameda, he travelled to Italy by train and tartana (horse-drawn carriage) to learn the craft of artisanal ice cream making, acquiring all the knowledge he would later apply to his business.

Upon his return to Spain, he needed to find the perfect place to open his shop. At first, he thought of settling in North Africa, but during a trip to Algeciras he heard about a town in Cádiz known at the time as "the San Sebastián of the South" because part of the Spanish bourgeoisie and aristocracy spent their summers there.

In addition, Sanlúcar de Barrameda was one of the most important fishing ports in Spain, with an ice factory and salt pans, two essential elements for the refrigeration and production of ice cream. That's how he settled in Sanlúcar under the name of "Nevería Valenciana".

Toni, Carlos Bornay's eldest son, took over the ice cream parlour and gave it his name: "Helados Toni". Over time, Toni had seven children, and the ice cream-making tradition spread throughout the province.

In addition to the shop in Plaza del Cabildo, they had handcarts that they placed at various strategic points in Sanlúcar, announcing "al rico helado mantecado".

Toni's eldest daughter, Fina Bornay, and her husband Toni Vilar continued the ice cream tradition in Sanlúcar, while her other siblings settled in different parts of the province, such as Jerez and Chipiona.

Fina had two children, Toni and María José. María José, together with her husband Ravi Jordá, took over the Sanlúcar ice cream parlour and gradually introduced improvements and innovation to the establishment, as well as new flavours year after year, without ever neglecting the tradition and quality that characterise it.

In 2024, the latest generational change took place, with Lorena and Rosana taking over the business. Lorena, a graduate in Veterinary Medicine, is dedicated to ice cream production and manages health and traceability; Rosana, a graduate in Business Administration, manages the business's accounts.

What flavours make Heladería Toni stand out?

Heladería Toni is famous for its artisanal flavours, made with recipes that have been passed down from generation to generation. Some of its most emblematic flavours are:

  • Mantecado: The most traditional flavour of the ice cream parlour, with the same recipe since its beginnings. It is made in a pot over a low heat to infuse the aromas of lemon, cinnamon and vanilla pods that make it unmistakable.
  • El secreto del abuelo: A crème caramel cream with pine nuts and caramel sauce, a true delight for the palate.
  • Elcano: Created in 2019 to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the Magellan and Elcano Circumnavigation, this ice cream combines fresh milk with pistachio, almonds and caramelised sesame.
  • Al-Andalu: An ice cream designed for lovers of payoyo cheese with date jam, walnuts and honey.
  • Classic flavours: Turrón, Tiramisù, Raffaelo, Pistachio, Cheesecake and Ricotta with caramelised figs.

Alongside these flavours, the ice cream parlour offers other more commercial ones such as Kinder, Dubai Chocolate, Happy Hippo, and other traditional ones such as meringue milk, strawberry and various types of chocolate, which sweeten palates in the summer season. Heladería Toni is open only from mid-March to early October.

Where is Heladería Toni located?

Heladería Toni is located in the Plaza del Cabildo, in the heart of Sanlúcar de Barrameda. This privileged location, in the historic centre of the city, makes it a must-stop for all visitors who want to enjoy an artisanal ice cream while exploring the Barrio Alto and the Bajo Guía.

What Heladería Toni represents for Sanlúcar and The Sun Places

Heladería Toni is much more than an ice cream parlour: it is a symbol of the tradition, history and quality of Sanlúcar de Barrameda. It represents the effort of five generations of a family that has dedicated its life to offering the best artisanal ice cream.

Among the awards that Heladería Toni has received are these two:

  • 🏆 Gastro&Cía Award for "Business Trajectory": Awarded by the newspaper La Razón in October 2023. This accolade pays tribute to its almost 130 years of history (founded in 1896) and the dedication of its five generations of master ice cream makers
  • ☀️ Solete from the Repsol Guide distinction: Officially included in this prestigious national gastronomic selection, consolidating itself as one of the must-stop spots within Sanlúcar's culinary offering

For The Sun Places, this ice cream parlour is a natural extension of our philosophy of offering authentic luxury experiences.

That's why our Luxury Apartments in Sanlúcar de Barrameda are the ideal starting point to discover this ice cream treasure.

CEO's words: At The Sun Places we have had the privilege of discovering Heladería Toni on our routes through Sanlúcar de Barrameda, and every summer we return to enjoy its artisanal flavours. The combination of tradition, quality and the passion of the fifth generation of ice cream makers make it a unique experience. I encourage you to discover it and let yourself be seduced by the authentic taste of Sanlúcar on those summer evenings.

The perfect plan with The Sun Places to enjoy Heladería Toni

Friday: Arrival and first immersion in the Sanlúcar summer

Saturday: Immersion in culture and gastronomy

  • Morning: Visit to the CIMA, the Manzanilla Interpretation Centre
  • Lunch: Tapas at Casa Balbino with shrimp tortillas and for dessert, right next door, an ice cream from Heladería Toni,

Sunday: Farewell with sweetness

  • Afternoon: Last ice cream at Heladería Toni and return home

Ready to enjoy the most authentic ice cream in Sanlúcar with The Sun Places?

📞  Contact us and let us organise your luxury experience: private tours, exclusive pairings and a concierge service at your disposal.

If you want to continue exploring the essence of Spain, remember that The Sun Places is also present in other unique destinations. Discover our Luxury Apartments in Barcelona, Luxury Accommodation on the Costa Brava, Luxury Apartments in Madrid, Luxury Apartments in Cádiz, Luxury Apartments in Córdoba, Luxury Apartments in Puerto Banús and Luxury Accommodation in Sanlúcar de Barrameda.

© 2026 The Sun Places. All rights reserved.