After the sizzling summer months, there are plenty of travellers who look forward to the mild weather of fall in Italy and being able to get out and comfortably explore the stunning landscapes all across the country. In particular, the mountainous areas and vacation destinations of Italy really come into their own again once fall rolls around and you can plan hikes, cycling trips, and more without worrying about sun burns or sweating too much or lugging around adequate hydration. One ideal spot in which one can do all that and more while enjoying the lush peaks and lovely alpine scenery of Italy is Merano. Located in the South Tyrol region, Merano is a gorgeous town located in a valley that is hugged by leafy hillsides and towering mountains and boasts endless walking paths, parks, gardens, hiking and biking trails, pretty little streets winding through the historic centre, and many more routes to explore while the weather is mild and the surroundings transform into a gorgeous array of gold and red tones. Browse our villas in Merano and then discover our guide to a perfect fall getaway in this cinematically lovely part of Italy...
The walks, of course
As we have noted, if you’re looking to enjoy a stroll or take on a more vigorous walk while enjoying perfect weather conditions (not too cold, not too hot, mostly dry) and truly picturesque scenery, then a vacation rental in Merano and a trip during autumn is an ideal pairing. There are 18km of walking paths and 16 hectares of parkland to explore in and around the city centre with various plants, trees, flowers, gardens, and more to admire along the way. If you can’t get enough of wandering pretty gardens then, a few kilometres from the historic core of the town, you’ll find Trauttmansdorff Castle and its gardens. Stretching over 12 acres, this incredible avant-garde botanical garden not only boasts pretty paths throughout and among the plants but it also features Matteo Thun’s viewing platform where you can simply look out over the Merano basin or use the fixed set of oversized binoculars to take it all in in greater detail. If you are more interested in architecture, wandering the city centre is also a treat with endless architectural gems and delights to admire at every turn. Be sure to stroll down the famous shopping street of Laubengasse and the picturesque Via Portici, which retains its 18th century arcades and is home to some incredible boutiques and restaurants. To admire some impressive Art Nouveau buildings, you just need to leave the largely medieval core of the town and head to the Passirio, the part of town located along the Passer River. While in this part of Merano, be sure to take a turn around the gorgeous Art Nouveau architectural gem that is the covered winter promenade, a spot to admire and purchase the artworks of local artists. Continuing further out of town, you’ll find the Tappeiner trail and the Sissi path. The former is 4km long and winds up the flanking mountainsides to afford impressive views over the town and valley while the latter is 3km long and was famously the route that Empress Elisabeth (who was known as Sissi) favoured when she lived in Merano, leading to the Trautmansdorff Gardens. Further afield, you’ll find lots of different hiking and biking roads and trails throughout the surrounding area of varying lengths and levels of difficulty and taking in different scenes. For those looking to hike alpine trails in Italy, a holiday rental in Merano makes for an especially charming and pretty base from which to head out on different adventures each day!
The spas, naturally
In addition to being known for its scenic setting and garden walks, Merano is actually a rather famous spa destination in Italy. The mild climate of the area around Merano has long been recognised for its relaxing and therapeutic effects and attracted various influential figures to the town to rest throughout history. Famously, in the 16th century, Austrian emperor Karl V decided for a stay in Merano while travelling to the south in order to recuperate and by the 19th century, scientific papers on the therapeutic aspects of the local climate were being reported. In 1836, Dr. Josef Waibl published an essay about the benefits of the climate of Merano and he soon published a second, stating that is was a, “fountain of health with such a high-quality air, water and milk that they were able to lengthen life". These reports spread the word far and wide about Merano and it began to attract wealthy figures and artists from all over the world including Richard Strauss, Franz Kafka, and the aforementioned Austrian empress Sissi. Originally, however, the therapeutic and relaxing treatments that began to be offered were a little less than appealing with a cold water sanatorium opening in the town in 1840. By the end of the century, though, there were a wide variety of treatments on offer in town, including the renowned grape cure, steam baths, and mud packs. More than a century later, Merano has solidified its reputation as a perfect spa town in a dreamy setting with an ideal climate and plenty of ways to pamper yourself and relax. The Merano Terme Spa, built at the beginning of the 21st century and a modern centre nestled amongst historic buildings, affords stunning views over the mountains and boasts no fewer than 15 different pools with unique characteristics. Those who visit can relax in the thermal baths, head to the sauna, enjoy beauty treatments and massages, and much more, depending on their interests, free time, and budgets. There are also various package options to pay just for access to the thermal baths or to also include meals, cocktails, specific treatments, and more. If you’re looking to recuperate while on vacation in Merano then be sure to pay a visit and engage in the long tradition of this beloved spa town.
Just learn to slow down...
The main thing about finding a villa in Merano and enjoying your time in the town is learning how to slow down, smell the actual roses, enjoy the mountain views, relax in the spa, wander around the old town soaking in the history, and discover the boutiques and eateries scattered throughout the historic core. It is a destination that is perfectly designed for holidays full of rest and recuperation, vacations devoid of stress, where you breathe the crisp clean air, enjoy the mild climate, and admire the incredible beauty all around you. So, if you’re looking to plan a fall getaway where you can immerse yourself in nature and do lots of walking and exploring in the gorgeous alpine region of Italy, then you need look no further than Merano. Autumn is the perfect time to properly appreciate and admire the unique appeal of this stunning part of Italy. Get browsing our range of lovely vacation rentals in Merano now and then come and fall in love with this gorgeous town when it is at its most beautiful and is transformed into even more special by the leaves of many of the endless trees in the area turning gold and red and orange.
