There is a small pebble beach at Riomaggiore that is worth a visit.  The sandy beach at Monterosso can be crowded but this little beach generally only has a few people on it.  The beach is pebbly so it is not as comfortable to lay on as the sand but it is pretty and generally not crowded so we enjoyed it.  If you are facing the sea the beach is off to the left of the train station.  You have to follow a small path and if the water is rough you may get your feet wet walking over there.

There is a small pebble beach at Riomaggiore that is worth a visit.  The sandy beach at Monterosso can be crowded but this little beach generally only has a few people on it.  The beach is pebbly so it is not as comfortable to lay on as the sand but it is pretty and generally not crowded so we enjoyed it.  If you are facing the sea the beach is off to the left of the train station.  You have to follow a small path and if the water is rough you may get your feet wet walking over there.