Monterosso al Mare may be the least charming and most touristy of the Cinque Terre but it's the best suited for families. It's the easiest to access. It offers the widest range of services. It boasts the broadest beach and only sand shore. But don't book before noting the following. Monterosso al Mare, first documented in 1056, is two towns in one. The old section is the most characteristic but has steep streets, many with stairs. The new part of town called Fegina fronts the beach and is nearly flat. It's much less attractive but claims the train station. The 1.5 hour hike from Monterosso to Vernazza is the most difficult leg of the coastal footpath.