By Kiera Howard 
The beachfront property at Via Del Capodoglio 13 operates under a new name. What was once Residence Villa Clara has transformed into Zefiro Apartments following a complete renovation that addressed years of guest complaints.
Table of Contents
The Transformation from Villa Clara to Zefiro
The renovation involved GH Lazzerini, a design firm that rebuilt the interiors using natural materials—predominantly stone and wood, artisanally made in Italy. The 12 apartments in the three-story building received comprehensive upgrades addressing previous guest complaints.
Historical reviews of Residence Villa Clara repeatedly mentioned problems: dirty apartments, dust, old furniture, and weak WiFi that frequently failed. The renovation addressed each issue systematically. Management chose the name Zefiro, meaning gentle west wind, to signal the complete transformation.
Physical Location and Beach Access
The property sits 20 meters from the beaches of San Vincenzo. No roads separate the building from the sand. The location on Via del Capodoglio places guests at the edge of town while maintaining easy access to amenities.
San Vincenzo’s center lies a five-minute drive or fifteen-minute walk away. Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, the main pedestrian street, sits 1.3 kilometers from the residence. The marina is approximately 1.4 to 1.6 kilometers distant.
The property’s position along the SS1 Aurelia state road provides direct access to regional destinations while creating potential traffic noise for some units.
What Each Apartment Includes
The 12 apartments come equipped with:
Kitchen Facilities
- Fully equipped kitchenette with microwave and refrigerator
- Dining area with proper table and chairs
Technology and Comfort
- Air conditioning and heating systems
- Flat-screen TV with satellite channels
- Free WiFi throughout
- Private washing machine in each unit (replacing the former communal coin-operated machines)
Bathroom Features
- Shower, bidet, and hairdryer
- Mosquito nets on windows
Private Outdoor Space
- Every apartment includes either a terrace or patio
- Many units offer sea views
Included Amenities and Value Additions
Two inclusions significantly impact vacation costs:
Free Parking: On-site parking comes included, with covered garage available for €5 per day. This eliminates the need to search for paid parking in San Vincenzo.
Beach Equipment: Sun umbrellas and loungers are provided free for guest use. Italian beach establishments typically charge daily rental fees for such equipment.
The property includes a communal garden with relaxation area. Pets are welcomed with a charge of €10 per day.
San Vincenzo and Surrounding Area
San Vincenzo occupies a position on the Costa degli Etruschi (Etruscan Coast), characterized as a smart, modern town. The beaches feature wide golden sand and clear water, backed by dense pine forest offering shaded walking paths.
Behind the town lies Rimigliano Natural Reserve, a protected coastal park of 120 hectares containing dunes and woods with diverse flora and fauna.
Notable Restaurants
La Perla del Mare: A modern seafood restaurant with terrace directly on the beach, recognized by the Michelin Guide.
Il Sale: Specializes in Tuscan cuisine, also noted in Michelin guides.
Quartocielo: Offers Tuscan dishes with panoramic sunset views from its terrace atop a hotel.
Regional Attractions Within Driving Distance
Bolgheri (10 km): Famous for Super Tuscan wines including Ornellaia and Sassicaia. The village features the iconic cypress-lined approach road.
Archaeological Park of Baratti and Populonia: Major Etruscan site with ancient ruins and tombs overlooking the Gulf of Baratti.
Suvereto: Medieval hilltop village awarded the “Orange Flag” for tourism quality. Hosts annual wild boar festival.
Campiglia Marittima: Another medieval hill town with intact historical center.
Venturina Terme: Thermal springs offering spa and wellness treatments.
Piombino (20 minutes): Port city serving as departure point for Elba ferries.
Direct Comparisons with Other Properties
Residence Villa Piani
The closest competitor occupies a historic Art Nouveau building with two distinctive towers on the same beach stretch. Key differences:
Villa Piani offers:
- Outdoor swimming pool with whirlpool (heated in low season)
- Traditional grand villa atmosphere
- Similar beach access and free parking
- Beach equipment for use on common sun terrace
- Studios to two-bedroom apartments with kitchenettes
Guest reviews rate Villa Piani exceptionally, with 9.7/10 for location and 9.1/10 for cleanliness.
Key distinction: Villa Piani has a pool; Zefiro Apartments does not.
Garden Toscana Resort
This represents a different accommodation model entirely. The resort spans 14 hectares with multiple restaurants, bars, large swimming pools, spa, and comprehensive entertainment programs for families and children. It operates as a self-contained vacation destination.
Strengths and Limitations
Documented Strengths:
- Direct beach access (20 meters)
- Complete renovation with designer furnishings
- Private washing machines in each unit
- Free parking and beach equipment
- Every apartment has private outdoor space
- Overwhelmingly positive recent reviews praising cleanliness and management
Confirmed Limitations:
- No swimming pool
- Traffic noise from SS1 state road affects some units
- Historical reviews noted weak soundproofing between units
Transportation Access
Airports: Galileo Galilei Airport in Pisa lies 85 kilometers north. The drive follows the SS1 Aurelia coastal road.
Ports: Piombino port, 20 minutes south, provides ferry connections to Elba.
Regional: The property’s location just off the SS1 Aurelia facilitates car travel throughout the Etruscan Coast region.
Who Should Book (And Who Should Look Elsewhere)
Best suited for:
- Couples rating location 9.4/10 according to booking platforms
- Small families seeking self-catering flexibility
- Travelers prioritizing beach proximity over resort amenities
- Guests with cars exploring the region
- Those appreciating contemporary Italian design
Less suitable for:
- Families requiring pool access
- Guests expecting daily housekeeping
- Travelers sensitive to traffic noise
- Those seeking all-inclusive resort experiences
Understanding the Property Evolution
The transformation from Residence Villa Clara represents a complete repositioning. Where guests once complained about dust and old furniture, recent reviews describe apartments as “super clean,” “complete new,” “comfortable,” and “fully equipped.”
Management receives particular praise, described as “extremely careful,” “dedicated and professional,” and “wonderful.” The location, always the property’s strongest asset, now pairs with accommodations matching its beachfront setting.
When considering coastal accommodation options in Italy, properties range from basic apartments to luxury villa rentals, with Zefiro Apartments occupying the middle ground of self-catering comfort.
The Bottom Line
The property formerly known as Residence Villa Clara operates today as Zefiro Apartments at the same Via Del Capodoglio 13 address. The renovation addressed all documented issues from the past while maintaining the prime location just 20 meters from San Vincenzo’s beaches.
The 12 apartments feature stone and wood interiors by GH Lazzerini, private washing machines, included beach equipment, and free parking. The absence of a swimming pool and potential traffic noise from the coastal road remain the primary limitations in an otherwise highly-rated property on Tuscany’s Etruscan Coast.