Garlenda sits a few kilometres inland, which makes it a practical base for exploring the coast and the wider Ligurian hinterland without committing to a seaside hotel. Most of the coast is 10–20 minutes away by car.
Alassio is the main resort town nearby — about 15 minutes by car, or reachable by bus from the valley road. It has a long sandy beach, a compact old town with a famous narrow lane called the Budello, and a lively café culture. Busy in July and August, much calmer in May, June, and September.
Albenga is 8km southwest, and the most historically interesting town in the area. Its medieval centre preserves the Roman street plan almost intact, and the 5th-century Baptistery is one of the oldest surviving early Christian buildings in northern Italy. The surrounding plain grows asparagus and basil commercially — the violet asparagus of Albenga is a local delicacy.
Laigueglia is a smaller, quieter beach town about 15 minutes south of Alassio — the same coast, less crowded, with a small baroque church on the waterfront and a fishing harbour that still functions. Better for a relaxed afternoon than a full day.
Imperia is about 30 minutes west along the coast — the capital of the Ligurian province of the same name and the olive oil capital of Italy. The Museo dell'Olivo traces olive cultivation from classical antiquity to the present, and the town's Porto Maurizio quarter has a well-preserved historic centre on a headland above the sea. Worth combining with a visit to the local market.