Alassio, seaside Italy--love it or hate it ?

[shwang]

This town along the southern Ligurian coast has been recommended to us but we are worried it's going to be overrun with tourists and short on charm. Have you been, and did you enjoy it ? Our kids are ages 6, 8, 11 and 17. If you can recommend a beachside hotel that you liked, all the better! Thanks so much, mums.

Shwang, when are you going? I'd try to avoid Liguria in July and August if possible, unless of course you like a bit of chaos!
I'm Italian and lots of friends of mine are fond of Liguria (which indeed is stunning in spring), and Alassio is mentioned as a good one (good for surfing I'm told), but unfortunately the area gets very busy in the summer months, and I try to avoid it. Of course it could be good fun for your 17yr old.

Unfortunately we'll be there in late June so probably we'll hit the chaot. Thanks for the feedback...we actually want calmer water for my little one so maybe a surfing village is not the right place. I'll keep looking!

Is it Liguria you are after?
Bonassola is very pretty, and has a good family feel, plus there is a little pedestrian areas with a little bar with tables, much more laid back than alassio imo. Not sure how busy it gets in june though. It is also very near (just a train ride) Cinque Terre, which is a beautiful area.
Bonassola