Cinque Terre/Vernazza in July

anna,

You may find that staying in Vernazza in July is not going to be an entirely pleasant experience, due to the crowds that descend on that area in the summer. While that affects all of the Cinque Terre towns to some extent, Vernazza is somewhat smaller so doesn't absorb the crowds as well.

I don't know how current this list is, but you should be able to find accommodations at one of these places.....

http://savevernazza.com/visiting-vernazza/

I don't know which of them include air conditioning; you'll have to check the websites.

We really enjoyed staying with Giuliano up on the hill away from tourist with a beautiful view. We stayed in 2008 before the floods and I think he had to redo his whole place since then.
http://www.cameregiuliano.com

He has great reviews, nice guy, with strong opinions! He is #1 on trip advisor for Vernazza.

www.francamaria.com
I don't think they have AC, but I was always there in May and wouldn't have needed it. Some of the rooms overlook the harbor so you have a view.

We are also considering Vernazza at the start of July. Are the crowds bad enough to where we should consider Manarola instead? Is AC a necessity during summer? We are a young couple looking for a great view of the ocean/cliffs ect (that stereotypical CT view) and are willing to pay for it if necessary. I know many places will already be booked up but any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

wschm,

Whether it's necessary to change locations due to the crowds in Vernazza is somewhat a matter of opinion. For travel in July, I'd probably consider a change of location both for the crowd issue as well as air conditioning (but that's just IMHO). I normally travel in September and find that it can be plenty hot even then, and it's sure nice to have the A/C at night for sleeping.

You might also look at staying in Monterosso as it's the largest of the five towns and therefore has the greatest choice of accommodations, restaurants and other tourist amenities, as well as the best beaches.

A couple of questions. How much luggage will you be carrying? And would you consider your self reasonably fit?
The reason I am asking is that on our first visit in 2005, it was 145 steps up to the front door of our camere. Albeit, we had a great view but we still had to make that climb at least once a day during our visit. Returning in 2010, we booked closer to the harbor (fewer steps) and only carried a backpack into CT, leaving the bulk of our luggage in Levanto. And I would suggest you begin email contact for your choice of lodging now. Rooms are relatively limited in Vernazza. As Ken suggested, Monterosso has more room choices and fewer steps. Just a few things to think about.

We are both relatively fit 26 year olds from the south, so we are used to heat (not that its preferable). AC would be a nice addition but not 100% necessary. We stayed in Paris last summer without AC. Is that comparable at all ? We will be packed in carry ons with a small backpack. We want to be active in our time there with lots of hiking and eating and would really like our stay to include a balcony with a great view of the sea. Vernazza seems to be many people's favorite town if not for the crowds. Do they take away from the experience that much? Monterosso sounds like it has nice amenities, but we would like to avoid the "touristy" feel as much as we can. Can that be done in Monterosso? Could Manarola be the best mix of things to accommodate us? Also we don't hear much of Riomaggiore. Whats the deal there?
Lots of questions I know, but we are just trying to get as much information from people with first hand experience to make our decision. We know the clock is ticking on making accommodations there.

AC is also VERY HELPFUL in allowing you to close your window and keep out the cigarette smoke from the cafe directly below your window. With AC you can close that window and not be stifled with heat in your room.

http://www.elisabettacarro.it/

but be prepared to be informed that she is booked solid for the entire summer.