Residence Villa Clara San Vincenzo is now called Zefiro Apartments [Update 2025]

The beachfront hotel at Via del Capodoglio 13 has a new name. The former Residence Villa Clara San Vincenzo was transformed into the Zefiro Apartments after a comprehensive renovation that addressed years of guest complaints.

The Transformation of Residence Villa Clara San Vincenzo to Zefiro

The design firm GH Lazzerini was involved in the renovation, redesigning the interiors using natural materials, primarily stone and wood, handcrafted in Italy. The Residence Villa Clara San Vincenzo have twelve apartments in the three-story building have been extensively modernized to address previous guest complaints.

Previous reviews of the Residence Villa Clara San Vincenzo repeatedly mentioned shortcomings: dirty apartments, dust, old furniture, and weak Wi-Fi that frequently crashed. During the renovation, every issue was systematically addressed. Management chose the name Zefiro, which means “gentle west wind,” to reflect the comprehensive transformation.

Location and Beach Access

The hotel is located 20 meters from the beaches of Residence Villa Clara San Vincenzo. No road separates the building from the beach. Thanks to its location on Via del Capodoglio, guests are on the outskirts of town yet still have easy access to all amenities.

The center of San Vincenzo is a five-minute drive or a fifteen-minute walk away. Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, the main pedestrian street, is 1.3 kilometers from the residence. The marina is approximately 1.4 to 1.6 kilometers away.

The property’s location on the SS1 Aurelia state road offers direct access to regional destinations, although some accommodations may experience traffic noise.

Apartment Information

The 12 apartments are equipped with:

Kitchen

• Fully equipped kitchenette with microwave and refrigerator
• Dining area with table and chairs

Technology and amenities

• Air conditioning and heating
• Flat-screen TV with satellite channels
• Free Wi-Fi throughout the building
• Private washing machine in each apartment (instead of the old coin-operated washing machines)

Bathroom amenities

• Shower, bidet, and hairdryer
• Mosquito nets on the windows

Private outdoor area

• All apartments have a terrace or patio
• Many units offer sea views

Included Services and Added Value

Two included services significantly influence the cost of your vacation:

• Free Parking: On-site parking is included. A covered garage is available for €5 per day. This means you won’t have to search for paid parking in San Vincenzo.
• Beach Amenities: Parasols and sun loungers are available to our guests free of charge. Italian beach resorts typically charge a daily fee for these.

The property of Residence Villa Clara San Vincenzo communal garden with a relaxation area. Pets are welcome for a fee of €10 per day.

San Vincenzo and Surroundings

Located on the Etruscan Coast, Residence Villa Clara San Vincenzo is an elegant and modern town. Its beaches boast expansive golden sand and crystal-clear waters, surrounded by a dense pine forest with shady paths.

Beyond the town lies the Rimigliano Nature Reserve, a protected 120-hectare coastal park with dunes and forests rich in diverse flora and fauna.

Recommended Restaurants

• La Perla del Mare: A modern seafood restaurant with a terrace directly on the beach, awarded in the Michelin Guide.
• Il Sale: Specializing in Tuscan cuisine, also awarded in the Michelin Guide.
• Quartocielo: Offers Tuscan dishes with panoramic sunset views from the hotel’s rooftop terrace.

Regional Attractions within Driving Distance

• Bolgheri (10 km): Famous for its Super Tuscan wines such as Ornellaia and Sassicaia, the village boasts a characteristic cypress-lined access road.
• Baratti and Populonia Archaeological Park: Important Etruscan site with ancient ruins and tombs overlooking the Gulf of Baratti.
• Suvereto: A medieval hilltop village awarded the “Orange Flag” for its tourist quality. The Wild Boar Festival takes place here annually.
• Campiglia Marittima: Another medieval hilltop village with an intact old town.
• Venturina Terme: Hot springs with spa and wellness treatments.
• Piombino (20 minutes): A port town that serves as the departure point for ferries to Elba.

Direct comparison with other accommodations

Villa Piani Residence

The closest competitor is located in a historic Art Nouveau building with two striking towers on the same stretch of beach. Key differences:

Villa Piani offers:

• Outdoor pool with whirlpool (heated in the off-season)
• Traditional feel of a stately villa
• Similar beach access and free parking
• Beach amenities for use on the shared sun terrace
• From studios to two-bedroom apartments with kitchenettes

Guest reviews rate Villa Piani exceptionally highly: 9.7/10 for location and 9.1/10 for cleanliness.

Key features: Villa Piani has a pool; Zefiro Apartments no.

Garden Toscana Resort

Residence Villa Clara San Vincenzo offers a completely different accommodation model. The 14-hectare property offers several restaurants, bars, large pools, a spa, and a comprehensive entertainment program for families and children. It is a self-contained holiday destination.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Documented Strengths:

• Direct access to the beach (20 meters)
• Fully renovated with designer furnishings
• Private washing machines in each apartment
• Free parking and beach equipment
• Each apartment has a private outdoor area
• Very positive recent reviews praise cleanliness and management

Confirmed Weaknesses:

• No pool
• Traffic noise from the SS1 state road affects some units.
• Previous reviews pointed to poor soundproofing between units.

Getting there by public transport

• Airports: Pisa Galileo Galilei Airport is 85 kilometers north. The route follows the SS1 Aurelia coastal road.
• Ports: The port of Piombino, 20 minutes south, offers ferry connections to Elba.
• Regional: The property’s location directly on the SS1 Aurelia allows for easy access by car to the entire Etruscan Coast region.

Who should book? (And who should look elsewhere?)

Best for:

• Couples who rate the location 9.4/10 on booking platforms
• Small families seeking cooking flexibility
• Travelers who prioritize beach proximity over resort amenities
• Guests with a car exploring the region
• Anyone who appreciates contemporary Italian design

Less suitable for:

• Families who need pool access
• Guests who expect daily housekeeping
• Travelers sensitive to traffic noise
• Anyone seeking an all-inclusive resort experience

Understanding the Property’s Evolution

The redesign of Residence Villa Clara San Vincenzo represents a complete rebranding. Guests previously complained about dust and old furniture, but recent reviews describe the apartments as “super clean,” “brand new,” “comfortable,” and “fully equipped.”

The management receives special praise, describing them as “extremely caring,” “dedicated and professional,” and “wonderful.” The location, always the property’s strength, is now complemented by accommodations that befit its beachfront location.

The selection of Residence Villa Clara San Vincenzo accommodations on Italy’s coast ranges from simple apartments to luxury villas, with Zefiro Apartments offering a blend of comfort and self-catering.

In short:

Formerly Residence Villa Clara San Vincenzoa, the property now operates as Zefiro Apartments at the same address, Via Del Capodoglio 13. The renovation has addressed all documented past deficiencies while maintaining the prime location just 20 meters from the beaches of San Vincenzo.

The 12 apartments feature stone and wood interiors by GH Lazzerini, private washing machines, beach equipment included, and free parking. The lack of Residence Villa Clara San Vincenzo a pool and potential traffic noise from the coastal road remain the main limitations of an otherwise first-class property on Tuscany’s Etruscan Coast.