The enchanting old spa town of Merano is an appealing year round holiday destination in an incredible setting surrounded by alpine peaks and the Dolomites. In summer the city offers up a series of concerts and festivals; in autumn the local orchards and vineyards are harvested and the events turn into food related ones; come winter and visitors are conveniently located for the ski slopes, and staying close to some of the region’s best known thermal baths to aid recovery; and in the spring Merano’s gardens and alpine meadows are awash with fresh colour and scent. Because of that our recommendations for the best places to stay in Merano offer a wide range of pleasures too, from the glamour of a contemporary spa hotel, to the charm of a traditional chalet or ski lodge, the attentional to detail of a five star hotel, the comfort of a converted villa, and often with incredible views of the Dolomites.
Merano is known for its vineyards, which spread outwards from the edge of the city, and produce both red and white wines. Merano’s many apple orchards add to the city’s charm, but are also used to produce the popular local beer. Christmas is a great time to visit Merano too — its Christmas markets are wonderful. The art, artefacts and architecture in town are also worth a look, so Merano really seems to be a place where the cliche of there being something for everyone is undeniably true!
The best places to stay in Merano are also popular with lovers of an indulgent spa break: the town's Therme Meran thermal baths is a huge complex, with 25 indoor and outdoor pools, 2,200 square-metres of sauna, and a vast fitness and treatment area. And some of our favourite hotels here have impressive spas of their own as well.