Cinque terra

If you want the best beach, it would have to be Monterosso. It also has the most hotels. There are two hotels close to the train station right on the beach. We stayed in one of them. Location was perfect. Unfortunately the names slipped out of my mind. The most scenic IMHO is much smaller Vernazza. Perfect number of nights depends on you. The towns are connected by boat and train and also hiking trail. So you can hike, enjoy the beaches, sip the wine, coffee etc.

Do you have the RS Italy 2011 book yet? If not, it's the perfect starting point for those questions, as it has an entire section on the CT.

Laura, Yes, Monterosso is the only town have a good beach and some hotels. The other four only have B&B, rooms and apartments. But there are just a few hotels in Monterosso. I checked it out form Venere.com, from 6/2 to 6/5, for 3 guests in a room, there is only Hotel Punta Mescco have room available. $264 per night. ( three Stars) For me, the rates in this town is too high and hard to find book a good hotel. You might want to look around for different alternatives. Say Vernazza or Riomaggiore.
Have a good trip!

laura, To echo some of the previous comments about the Cinque Terre, you might find it helpful to buy a copy of the Italy 2011 Guidebook, as there are good listings for Hotels and other lodgings in each of the five villages, as well as good travel information for that area (trains, etc.). That would be the best way to find the "best hotel" that meets your criteria. As Monterosso is the largest of the five villages, it also has the best choice of lodgings. In terms of the "best town", that's mostly a matter of opinion. Everyone here has their own preference. Again, the Guidebook will help you choose which one is "best" for your group. Finally, regarding the "best beach", if you want a flat, sandy beach then Monterosso (the most northerly village) is the obvious choice. The next best choice is Vernazza which has a small enclosed harbour (created with a stone breakwater) and a small beach. Happy travels!

Just be careful in the water, there's a ton of jellyfish there.

We stayed 6 nights. For myself it was a good amount of time (could've stayed longer really) but for my family it was a bit long. There's not really a whole lot for kids unless your daughter would be content with hiking and beach the whole time. And yes Monterosso sounds like the olace you would want.

Laura,
(Hotelpensionmoderna.it) Located on the Riveria,about 3 miles outside of Levanto in Bonassola. On the rail line so access to the CT is very easy. Rates are reasonable.

Hi - We are also planning our trip to Europe and considering Cinque Terre. I purchased one of Rick's books that focuses just on that area. If that's your main focus or you're not travelling around the rest of Italy, that might be a better option. It's excerpted from the larger Italy book. Terri

Or if you're only going to Cinque Terre in Italy with no any other destinations in Italy, then you can get the Rick Steves' Snapshot Italy's Cinque Terre.

We loved our stay at Manuel's (see RS guide book). My wife and I had a room to ourselves with an amazing view over the town and the bay. Our kids shared a small separate room. We were able to get some groceries for breakfasts or picnic lunches and even cooked a couple of evening meals. Monterosso has great beaches and excellent cafe's. Manuel arranged for us to have supper one night at a restaurant high in the hills over looking the coast. The place was frequented by Italians rather than foreign travellers. Take a look at our travel blog if you would like to see some photos. http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/foothills_bears/1/1184344699/tpod.html

In Vernazza, try: http://www.elisabettacarro.it/

Monterosso has the only beach, but also is the most expensive place to stay of the five towns. All of the towns are quick to reach. My advice, stay in one of the other towns -- all of which has a charm of its own -- and either hike or take the train to Monterosso for a day at the beach. You will want to discover the beauty of each village while you are there.

This is a zombie thread from over a year ago. The OP went to the CT last year, before the floods.