Merano Holidays

The area of South Tyrol is home to the spectacular Mediterranean town of Merano. Although surrounded by mountains towering over the town at 10,000 feet, the spa town of Merano is set in a lush green valley giving it a sharp contrast to the surrounding area. Palm trees and slopes covered in flowers dominate the lower landscape of the town, giving Merano a truly unique atmosphere for your lakes and mountains holiday. Merano has good road links to both Venice Marco Polo airport at three hours’ drive away and Milan Malpensa airport, three and a half hours drive to the south-west.

 

In the nineteenth century Merano became known as one of Europe’s premier spa resorts. The mild climate and beautiful setting attracted nobility from all over Europe and grand hotels and restaurants serviced the needs of this demanding crowd. Nowadays the legacy survives through the Merano thermal baths, offering a variety of services including Finnish saunas, steam baths and Shiatsu massage. After your pampering why not take a stroll in the footsteps of the towns past clientele along the Via Portici: Merano’s main shopping street. Enjoy the distinctly Austrian feel to the architecture, culture and cuisine as you stroll beneath the 900 year-old porticos used as shelter from wind, rain and snow.

 

A mountain holiday to Merano would be incomplete without a stroll along the Passeggiata Lungo Passirio. Designed to show off the delights of the town, this route will be sure to take your breath away as you pass along the promenade of the river Passirio. The botanical gardens at Trauttmansdorff castle offer a startling array of plants showcased in 80 different garden worlds, framed in the spectacular setting of the valley and the snow peaked mountains behind. Within the grounds of the castle you will also find the museum of tourism demonstrating the evolution of Merano as a resort. For those who want a little more action Merano offers hiking, mountaineering and horse riding among other adventure sports, while those after some musical culture the South Tyrol Classic Festival runs from the end of August until the third week of September. Whether for healthy relaxation, to soak in the ambience or for vigorous mountain pursuits, Merano has something to offer for everyone.