for someone from Virginia the beach in Monterosso is not much -- my then 14 year old daughter deemed Vernazza the best place we visited on our trip from Rome to Paris with her -- and you can swim off the rocks in season

good restaurants too

Hello wander

I think so says grace. Vernazza is small town a little beache but

you can swimming along the cliff coast safe an als have social life

with all. In my opinion the best place to stay soalso says Grace

good planning

mino from Vernazza

Monterosso is the only real beach in CT and has more to do than the other villages

old town Monterosso is also very charming

Vernazza is charming but I prefer to stay in Monterosso, you also have a little more elbow room in Monterosso

I like the Hotel Margherita

I would definitely recommend Monterosso. It has two beaches, and plenty of good restaurants and bars. It also has more little shops to visit. There is much more action happening in Monterosso than Vernazza.

I am in my twenties, and I think that Vernazza would be too quiet for me to stay at.

Monterosso is also charming, and you can do the Cinque Terre hike between the towns and visit the others along the way.

If it gives you any indication, we caught the train there, and there was a school of children who were all extremely excited about Monterosso.

Definitely Monterosso del Mare!

It's the largest town with the best beach, most restaurants, largest selection of accommodations, and it has the most to do.

It also has an Old and New Town, so there's something for everyone!

Vagabonda

Just came back from CT, stayed Vernazza, nothing much to do for teens anywhere around, if not hiking. Does not matter much where you stay , frquent trains between all cities. I'd go for M, though, with teens and all -