Merano is the definition of idyllic. An alpine town with long held therapeutic traditions, it's tucked into a lush valley of rolling hills and blooming flowers, woven with leafy boulevards and dotted elegant Art Nouveau buildings. Here, it's all about spa hotels and R&R, though it also features a big dose of German culture, health-focused amenities, and a handful of fascinating attractions.
There's the fantastical Trauttmansdorff Castle, with its tranquil terraced gardens. Meanwhile, linked to the town by cable car is Merano 2000 – a resort on the slopes of Ifinger Mountain, that offers hiking in the summer and skiing in the winter.
