The Tuscan coast is a stunning land, so distinct from the central part of the region. Here, cypress trees gradually give way to towering umbrella pines, long sandy beaches stretch for miles, and in July, fields
of blooming sunflowers dazzle with their vibrant colors. It is in this picturesque setting that you’ll find Ghiacci Vecchi – a complex of affordable apartments located just a short distance from the scenic beaches of Baratti and Rimigliano. Set amidst expansive grounds filled with flowers and greenery, the property features two swimming pools, numerous attractions for children, a petfriendly environment, and a variety of amenities such as a restaurant, pizzeria, and charging stations for electric vehicles. Through my recommendation, Ghiacci Vecchi warmly invites you to enjoy a summer getaway where relaxation meets the discovery of this charming corner of Tuscany, offering special discounts for all blog readers who book using the provided code. Here are the details!
The Charming Tuscan Coast
The Tuscan coast reveals a different face of this iconic region – more diverse, livelier in the summer, and offering countless opportunities for relaxation, while still preserving the unique charm of a land immortalized in numerous books and films about la dolce vita. Here, the hilly landscape gently flattens out, yet still hides picturesque hilltop towns with histories dating back to the Middle Ages. The local vineyards, as in the rest of Tuscany, produce high-quality wines, and the cuisine, while loyal to tradition, is enriched with a greater variety of delicious seafood. The beaches – sandy and perfect for leisurely relaxation – conceal quieter corners; it only takes a step away from the bustling resorts to find your own tranquil spot in the shade of pine trees, even at the height of summer.
Comfort and Nature at Ghiacci Vecchi
Ghiacci Vecchi is a place where nature and comfort come together, filling each day with the unparalleled charm of the Tuscan landscape. Nestled in the heart of the Etruscan Coast, surrounded by nature reserves and sandy beaches, this retreat invites you to leisurely explore the beauty of Tuscany.
Situated close to the popular hu Park Albatros campsite, Ghiacci Vecchi offers comfortable apartments that are the perfect starting point for exploring this picturesque corner of Italy. While the absence of organized transfers to the property and very limited bus connections make having your own or a rented car essential, nothing prevents you from renting a bike onsite and enjoying the nearby trails at a leisurely, nature-inspired pace.
Ghiacci Vecchi Apartments
The property offers comfortable accommodations – from compact studios to spacious bungalows – all featuring fully equipped kitchenettes and air conditioning available upon request for an additional fee. Guests can enjoy freshly renovated interiors and family-friendly services, such as cribs, high chairs, and extra bedding sets. Upon arrival, you’ll find beds ready for use and a full set of towels. For stays longer than 10 days, an additional set of clean linens is provided at no extra charge after the first week. Optional extra linen changes are also available at a cost of €15 for 2 people and €25 for 4 people. Wi-Fi is available exclusively in common areas.
Available Apartments:
- Bungalow TC – A spacious bungalow ideal for larger families, featuring a partially covered terrace.
- Bungalow BC – Comfortable accommodation in a bungalow with a private, partially covered terrace, perfect for small families with children.
- Studio Apartment M – A compact yet functional studio for two people, located on the ground floor of former farm buildings, with a fully equipped kitchenette and a private terrace.
- Studio Apartment MS – A spacious, two-level studio with a mezzanine, providing comfort
- and functionality for couples.
- Apartment BB – A functional apartment with outdoor space, accommodating 2 adults and 2 children, conveniently located on the ground floor.
- Apartment BA – A two-level apartment with a bedroom and mezzanine, ideal for a family with one child, situated on the first floor.
- Apartment BS – A spacious ground-floor apartment with two large outdoor areas, accommodating 2 adults and 2 children, perfect for families seeking space and comfort.
- Apartment TE – A spacious first-floor apartment with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a separate living room, and a large balcony, ideal for families or groups of friends.
- Apartment BMS – A two-level apartment located on the first floor of a former farmhouse, offering two bathrooms and ideal for 2 adults and 2 children (0-12 years). It has a private entrance via a small balcony.
- Apartment BM – Situated on the ground floor of a former farmhouse, this apartment is a great choice for families with children, accommodating up to 2 adults and 2 children (0-12 years). Recently renovated, it features two bathrooms and a very spacious bedroom with a double bed.
- Apartment TB – Located on the ground floor of a farmhouse, this recently renovated apartment is perfect for families, accommodating up to 6 people. It includes two bathrooms and two spacious bedrooms with double beds.
- Apartment SALA – The Sala apartment, spanning 70 m², is on the ground floor and accommodates up to 6 people (including a maximum of 4 adults). It features two spacious bedrooms with double beds.
- Apartment BBP – Located on the ground floor of a large farmhouse, this apartment accommodates 2 adults and 1 child (0-12 years). It includes a kitchen-living room with a double sofa bed, a TV, and a fully equipped kitchenette.
Between the apartment buildings, you will find plenty of greenery, swings and toys for children, as well as a barbecue area.
The 2025 season at Ghiacci Vecchi begins on May 21st!
You can find all the details and photos of specific accommodation options at Ghiacci Vecchi website here.
The Restaurant at Ghiacci Vecchi
The Resort features the I Gelsi Restaurant-Pizzeria, which offers à la carte dishes of traditional Tuscan cuisine at very reasonable prices, excellent pizza, and local wines that are a source of pride for the region. In the evening, the restaurant invites guests for dinner and also offers takeaway meals, which you can enjoy in the privacy of your own terrace. Apartment guests can additionally take advantage of the half-board option. The restaurant also serves breakfast – both sweet and savoury – including fresh bread, cheeses, and cured meats.
The pools at Ghiacci Vecchi
The resort offers two well-designed pool areas that cater to the needs of both adults and children. The first pool, with a maximum depth of 1.5 meters, is perfect for swimming enthusiasts.
The second, shallower pool (with a depth ranging from 45 cm to 1,1 m) was designed with the youngest guests in mind. It features a new slide that will provide plenty of fun for children.
Both areas are fenced for the safety of children, and access is only possible with a special card provided to guests at check-in. The pool area also offers sun loungers, inflatable toys, and a bouncy castle, ensuring great fun for the whole family.
Electric Vehicle Charging Available
If you’re driving an electric car, you can easily charge your vehicle at Ghiacci Vecchi while relaxing by the pool or enjoying the comfort of your apartment’s terrace.
Beaches Near the Ghiacci Vecchi Apartments
Rimigliano Beach
Rimigliano, the closest beach to Ghiacci Vecchi, is considered one of the most beautiful in Tuscany. It offers tranquility, peace, and a connection with nature. There are no noisy bars, rows of sunbeds with umbrellas, or urban hustle and bustle. Instead, a dense pine forest separates the beach from the road for motor vehicles and bicycles.
This beach stretches an impressive 6 kilometers between the town of San Vincenzo and the Gulf of Baratti. In 2024, it was awarded the prestigious Bandiera Blu, a distinction given to beaches for their exceptional water quality and environmental care. Relaxing or simply taking a walk along this beach offers an unforgettable encounter with nature. As the sun begins to set, the beach becomes a popular spot for anglers.
Interestingly, this beach has another unique feature. In its central section, one of the few official naturist beaches in Italy has been established – Spiaggia Naturista Nido dell’Aquila Limite Nord.
San Vincenzo Beach
For those who prefer beaches with full facilities, such as bars, restaurants, and beach equipment rentals, San Vincenzo is the perfect choice. This stretch of beach has been consistently awarded the Bandiera Blu since 2006.
Baratti Beach
Just south of the Ghiacci Vecchi resort lies Baratti Beach, where history and nature meet in extraordinary harmony. Located within the Gulf of Baratti, part of the Baratti and Populonia Archaeological Park, this beach has witnessed human activity for centuries; during the Etruscan era, it was a key center for iron production. Evidence of this can still be seen today in the characteristic dark-colored sand, scattered with remnants of iron slag that serve as a reminder of ancient metallurgical processes. The dense pine forest surrounding the beach not only provides natural shade but also creates a serene atmosphere, perfect for relaxation and picnics.
Sterpaia Beach and the Nearby Beach in Follonica
Spiaggia della Sterpaia, located within Parco Costiero Sterpaia between the towns of Piombino and Follonica, is an ideal destination for nature lovers and families seeking peaceful relaxation, just a 25-minute drive from the Ghiacci Vecchi apartments. The beach stretches for approximately 8 kilometers, featuring light, fine-grained sand that perfectly complements the crystal-clear waters and gentle slope into the sea. Beyond the beach lies a beautiful coastal forest filled with Mediterranean vegetation. This natural area provides shade on hot days and serves as a perfect spot for walks and picnics. Additionally, Spiaggia della Sterpaia has been awarded the prestigious Bandiera Blu for years. For those seeking more amenities, the beach in the town of Follonica (pictured below) offers a pleasant experience with access to bars, restaurants, and sunbeds for rent.
Swimming in the sea is a major attraction near the Ghiacci Vecchi resort, but it’s far from the only one.
Rimigliano Coastal Park
Rimigliano Coastal Park stretching along the previously mentioned Rimigliano Beach, is one of the most enchanting places on the Tuscan coast. This protected area, covering 650 hectares, is a haven for nature enthusiasts. The park features a diverse landscape, ranging from sandy dunes to dense Mediterranean forests, providing shelter to both visitors seeking shade and the local wildlife. Walking along the park’s trails, you can take in the scent of sun-warmed woods, admire the dunes, and enjoy the soothing sound
of the sea. The park not only preserves unique ecosystems but also offers visitors an exceptional space for relaxation and connection with nature.
Thermal Springs in Venturina Terme
This unassuming town, located just a few kilometers from the sea, holds a remarkable treasure – thermal springs that have been renowned and cherished since Etruscan and Roman times. It is a place where modernity meets history, creating an ideal setting for relaxation and rejuvenation. The local thermal baths offer tranquility amidst stunning landscapes, while nearby vineyards and olive groves complete the uintessential Tuscan experience sought by admirers of this exceptional region. After a day spent soaking in mineral-rich waters (link to the thermal spa website), it’s worth indulging in the local flavors at small trattorias that serve traditional regional dishes.
Suvereto – a medieval gem 14 km from Ghiacci Vecchi
On the hills of the Etruscan Coast, surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, lies Suvereto – one of the most beautiful small towns in Tuscany, listed among “I Borghi più belli d’Italia”. The town’s name derives from the Latin word “suber,” meaning “cork,” which refers to the cork oak forests surrounding Suvereto.
Suvereto has preserved its remarkable medieval charm, which can be felt at every step while strolling through the narrow, cobblestone streets laid centuries ago. The old walls and wellpreserved landmarks, such as the Romanesque church of San Giusto, the Palazzo Comunale, the ruins of Rocca Aldobrandesca castle, and the 18th-century church of Madonna sopra la Porta, take visitors on a true journey through time.
don’t know if you’ll believe me, as I could hardly believe what I was seeing myself, but while exploring this town on a beautiful day in mid-July, and on a Saturday no less, I was probably the only foreign tourist there. What an incredible feeling!
Suvereto is also a paradise for food lovers. In addition to traditional Tuscan cuisine at its finest, you can sample local DOCG wines and olive oil, both boasting authentic and exquisite flavors. The town hosts numerous festivals, not just culinary ones:
- In December, the Sagra del Cinghiale – a wild boar festival – attracts enthusiasts of Tuscan cuisine;
- In the summer, Calici di Stelle offers wine tasting under the starry sky;
- Serate Medievali, on the other hand, transports visitors back to the Middle Ages through historical reenactments and traditional costumes.
As a fun fact, I’ll add that Suvereto is also worth visiting for New Year’s Eve. Why? I’ll tell you all about it soon in a separate article.
Fields of Blooming Sunflowers
And it was in the area around Suvereto, just a few kilometers past the town heading towards Ghiacci Vecchi, that on a July morning in 2024, my friend Kasia Forino – who lives in the area and works rofessionally as a wedding and event photographer – and I spotted a beautiful field where sunflowers were in full bloom, fresh and eagerly stretching towards the sun. We didn’t need a better invitation to stop and take a few photos.
When exactly do sunflowers bloom in Tuscany? It largely depends on when spring arrives and how warm the days become. Generally, sunflowers are characteristic of the early summer season and can be spotted as early as late June, while their full bloom is almost guaranteed by early July.
Interestingly, and worth noting, in highly sought-after areas like Val d’Orcia or Chianti, where every square meter of land is worth a fortune, sunflowers are not cultivated—or at least not in large quantities. It’s much easier to find them along the Tuscan coast. How long can you expect sunflowers to bloom? Again, it depends on the season. Several years ago, I spotted and photographed my first sunflower field in Umbria while heading to Orvieto around July 26th.
What Can You Visit Around Ghiacci Vecchi?
Exploring by Car
Within about an hour’s drive in any direction, you’ll find plenty of attractions, among which I especially recommend:
- The famous Volterra, with its Etruscan roots, is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in all of Tuscany. For connoisseurs se