alternatives to Cinque Terre or is it the best?

In the area you suggest, CT is the ONLY beachfront towns. Take a look at the pictures at Cinqueterre.com and then read about the five villages which comprise the CT National Park. It is unique in the world.

Click on PHOTO GALLERIES at the top of the page.

Thanks! Then I'll quit looking elsewhere. Do you have any suggestions for places to stay in this area? We are a family of four (2 young teenage boys) and would most likely be looking for an apartment or somewhere to stay with a kitchen. Any suggestions?

Cindy, although Monterosso has a great beach and Vernazza has a bit smaller one, there are other towns other than the CT that have sandy beaches. San Remo, Sestri Levante and Lerici all have beach fronts and all are in the province of La Spezia and Region of Liguria.

CLICK HERE to see the beachfront just south of La Spezia. The beach may be private to the Hotel Eco del Mare but there are beaches around there.

Thanks for the info! The reason I'm asking is because we currently live in the northern Minnesota woods - the quietest place on earth - and my husband hates crowds. I know Cinque Terre has the reputation of being beautiful, but wondered if there were other less crowded places that we should consider. We are hoping to find an apartment or something with a kitchen (to help save money)on or near the beach for a week in April or May. Maybe Cinque Terre isn't that crowded at that time of year... Are the places you suggest a bit less crowded?
Cindy

Cindy, I wouldn't bet on a sparse crowd in the CT in May. We were there in the last few days of May and it wasn't seriously crowded but there were a lot of people. Of course, I'm a city boy so a big crowd is normal for me. If you go in April, you could run into some cooler and rainy weather. It's really nice there if you can stand a few people.

Have you stayed in the other coastal areas you suggested? If so, what was your experience like? (I really appreciate your suggestions and feedback!)

Cindy also be aware that while the CT towns do have beaches, they are not the wide expanses of sandy beaches that many Americans expect. The CT is a very wonderful and beautiful place but the beaches are sort of small and it is usually a climb to get back to your room. If you will google some of other choices as well as the CT villages you'll come upon lots of photos to judge for yourself.

We have been to the CT a couple of times in March and there are no crowds but then again a lot of places are closed and the sea is cold for swimming or sunning.

Someone in another forum mentioned the Adriatic coast of Italy from Ancona to Venice and Trieste as being far less touristed since it gets less play in the media. But I have no experience in that area. Perhaps some who has been there can make some suggestions.

Thanks Ron! Has anyone out there been on the Adriatic side?