Cinque Terre - Should we stay in Monterosso or Vernazza???

If you want a beach I would definitely choose Monterosso. I like Vernazza but with its single main street it can feel jammed with tourists in Aug. I think you can spread out a bit more, both on the streets and the beach in Monterosso. The two are only a few minutes apart by train or boat. It was hot, not unbearable, but the sun can be intense, especially on the trails midday.

hi bob. yes, you have it right. Monterroso is like a resort town with stores, hotels, bars, large beach, etc. Vernazza is a true cinque terre town, much smaller, more picturesque, one street, fewer shops, stores.
personally i would prefer vernazza, but you may feel constraned there with the kids. remember you can get to all other towns by train. definitely suggest you get the rick steves book; it will help you enjoy your visit. a/c/ depends on your tolerence of temp / noise at nite. IF your room has a good breeze and like to sleep with windows open (including noise), you most likely won't need a/c. if noise or required cool are needed, you may want a/c. cinque terre is great; enjoy your trip!

Bob, I'd probably suggest Monterosso as well. There's probably more there to keep children of that age "interested". As you noted, the beach is better in Monterosso, although Vernazza has somewhat of a "protected" harbour, so you could still sit down by the water at the small beach there (it gets crowded at times though). Some clarification though - are you planning on travelling THIS August? It's a bit late to be getting reservations for Hotels. I started in about March to try and get something booked in Monterosso, and it took me the better part of four days to get it worked out. Happy travels!

All - thanks so much for your advice! We are leaving for Italy in 2 weeks and made a last minute change to include the Cinque Terre - we were holding reservations in Monterosso and Vernazza and based on all of your help, we agree that Monterosso is probably the better option for a base. Thanks again, great to be able to get advice from people who know/ have been there!
Grazie!

Bob, I also suggest Monterosso. I personally would not book a room for August that doesn't have A/C. We were in Monterosso in mid-Sept 2009 & we used the A/C several times. It even rained 2 of the days we were there but we still used the A/C a bit as it was hot & muggy. If you tend to be warm blooded then I would seek lodging with A/C. I'm assuming that you're going this month & not Aug 2012. If so, you will probably be somewhat limited in terms of selection. I'm thinking that most places will be booked/full and you might have to settle. We stayed at Hotel Margherita in Monterosso (old town) & it was really nice. The rooms were modern and comfortable and the bathroom was large but the room was pretty small. It was fine because it was just my husband and I but for 4 people the room may be a bit too small. The breakfast buffet was outstanding though. You might check out the hotel and see if they have any larger rooms.

I was just in Vernazza, departing on July 26th. I don't know if it was typical weather, but the nights in Vernazza were wonderfully cool. We had an un-airconditioned room overlooking the busy piazza and waterfront. I also visited Monterosso for a day on the beach. You are right, I found Vernazza much more picturesque; however, with a 4 year old, I'd be nervous about the breakwater pier. There were little kids climbing on the rocks and It made me very nervous. I couldn't believe some of their parents let them out of their sights to climb on slippery rocks. I wouldn't even let my 13 year old son put a foot on one of the rocks. Monterosso will probably be a safer choice for you.

Probably too late but I disagree with most people on here. We have a 7 year old and a 3 year old and have been going to CT for years and we always stay in Vernazza. Kids are so young that they don't notice any difference in the beaches, they always have a blast on the Vernazza beach which works out perfectly because we prefer Vernazza. They also love the gelato place in the middle of town. And every place we've stayed we've either had AC or not needed it.