Merano is different from the other settlements on the Dolomite mountains. It has a mild microclimate, which meant that the summers aren’t hot and humid and the winter temperature never goes below 0 degrees Celsius. It is covered in palm trees and has been a favourite holiday destination for Austrian nobility and European bourgeois since the 19th century. But the town is much older and was home to the counts of Venosta who ruled over Austria in the 13th and 14th centuries. In fact, the name of Tirol for this region originated from the Venosta castle close to Merano called Castel Tirolo. Merano flourished as the capital of the region from the Venosta rule to the Hapsburgs rule. Merano was replaced by Innsbruck as the capital in 1420.

Merano is a wonderful holiday getaway. It is beautiful, the streets are lined with pretty shops, there are luxurious promenades and also great mountains for you to do some trekking. It makes a great one or tow day holiday.

Since the days of its first settlers Merano has always attracted people to its soothing spa. Its mineral-rich springs coupled with its mild climate attracted visitors from far to come and relax and rejuvenate themselves. Terme di Merano is a popular spa. Situated in the center of the town on Via Piave 9, you are welcome to take a complete treatment of a mud bath, a mineral wrap and hydrotherapy, or alternately soothe your muscles in a pool of the mineral-rich water. The spa is open from 9 am to 7 pm seven days a week.

The cura della uva or the grape cure is a truly unique local experience. It is possible only when the grapes ripen, that is, in late September or early October. It is called the poor man’s spa and you are treated by consuming grapes or grape juice, for instance for digestive disorders you are asked to eat 2 pounds of grapes a day.