The spa town of Meran charms with its mild climate and Alpine atmosphere. The town stretches from the valley basin at 263 metres above sea level to an altitude of 1,621 metres. It is shaped by palm trees and cypresses, with snow-covered mountain peaks rising up in the background. The second-largest town in South Tyrol lies at the point where the Etsch and Passer rivers flow together and where four large valleys meet: Vinschgau, Etschtal, Passeiertal and Ultental. Meran comprises the districts of Gratsch, Obermais, Untermais, Labers and Sinich.

Mediterranean and Alpine 
Meran is a melting pot of Germanic and Italian cultures and traditions. It is the only town in South Tyrol that has a population half made up of Italian speakers and half made up of German speakers.
Those staying at a holiday flat or room in Meran can really enjoy the luxury of this culinary symbiosis of two cultures – eating pizza and pasta in an Italian pizzeria or Tyrolean 'Knödel' dumplings and 'Schlutzkrapfen' ravioli in an old Tyrolean 'Stube'.
Restaurants in Meran place great importance on regional and seasonal produce, which practically grow in front of their doors here. Agriculture still plays a major role in Meran and lots of restaurant kitchens have their produce delivered straight from the farm.
The mild climate in a protected valley basin location means that the town is a paradise for wine drinkers. Grapes such as Vernatsch, Lagrein and Gewürztraminer are being increasingly grown and turned into wine in the many wine cellars around. Lots of cultural events are dedicated to rural traditions, such as 'Meraner Frühling', or Meran Spring, the 'Traubenfest' grape festival and Merano WineFestival. Every Saturday, farmers take their home-grown fare to sell at market stands. More culinary treats may be found at the market in Meran, the 'Genussmarkt' selling delicatessen products, and during the gastronomy weeks. If you think that Meran is a purely urban place, a glance at the map will change that: in Freiberg and Labers, Untermais, Gratsch and Meran itself, there are farms offering guests the chance to enjoy some peace and quiet on a Farm Holiday.

Hiking and shopping in Meran
Meran is shaped by extensive parkland, lots of water and tidy promenades, such as the Tappeinerweg with its impressive plant life and far-reaching views across the town and the Etsch river valley. In days gone by, scientists, doctors and famous personalities such as Empress Sissi swore by the pure, healing air and mild climate of Meran and went there for spa treatments. You can follow in Sissi's footsteps on the Sissi Weg path and in Kaiserin-Elisabeth-Park as well as in the prize-winning Gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle. Here, 80 different types of garden landscaping form a natural amphitheatre covering twelve hectares. A cable car takes hikers up to the recreation area of Meran 2000, Meran's sunny terrace.
A Farm Holiday in Meran means experiencing the culture and history of this spa town. The old town with its medieval 'Lauben' arcades dating back to the 13th century, the historical Steinach district, numerous fortresses, residences and castles as well as the old town gates bear witness to Meran's medieval history, when the town was the centre of Tirol. There is a wide and varied selection of shops in the centre of Meran: Italian fashion, traditional wares, artisanal handiwork, regional products. And after a spot of shopping, an 'aperitivo' with Italian antipasti or a proper espresso coffee await.
Meran 2000 ski resort is the ideal place for the whole family to go skiing, cross-country skiing and sledging in winter. In the pre-Christmas period, a stroll through the Meran Christmas market and warming drink amidst the stands proffering Christmas decorations and regional handwork is well worth it before returning to a comfortable holiday flat in Meran.