A Guide to Merano

Merano: A true Gem in the Dolomites

I’ve only been there a few times, but sometimes you visit a city and feel that sense of, “Oh, I could really live here.” Merano is one such enchanting town. Nestled in a valley at the foot of the majestic Alps, it greets you with palm trees swaying gently in the breeze, stunning mountain vistas, and elegant villas that echo tales of yesteryear. This Alpine oasis boasts a delightful Mediterranean climate, offering the best of both worlds.

Not just me, but history, too, has found refuge here—Princess Sissi made Merano her retreat in the late 19th century. It was here that her son experienced a miraculous recovery, therefor the town earned a reputation as a unique wellness destination. It’s the perfect base for those who love outdoor activities and wellness, while food enthusiasts will find themselves in paradise too. The area is filled with wonderful restaurants, and the fresh air makes you feel alive and energized.

For me, Merano is the ideal mini city getaway because of its combination of hiking, spa days, and great food. What better way to recharge?

This guide to Merano is a mix of insights from our hosts at (N026 and N027), my previous visits to the city, and inspiration from my favorite Italian website and go-to spot for the best addresses, @italysegreta.

To stay

Our beautiful apartments N026 and N027 just outside Merano provide breathtaking views and serve as the perfect base for both hiking adventures and city strolls.

Casual Dining

Meteo - A very cool restaurant/bar. A place for great food and a great party. Definitely hip and local

Soulfood - best pizzas in town : amazing and creative sourdough pizza's.

La Smorfia - Family-owned pizzeria that brings the flavors of the South to Alto Adige with its delightful, fluffy-crusted Neapolitan-style pizzas.

Fine Dining

Sissi: In beautiful Art-Nouveau style and located just outside the pedestrianised area of Merano, The cuisine is comforting and full of generous flavours. *

Miil: Set within a beautifully 15th-century mill on the Kränzelhof wine estate, this sophisticated restaurant offers a refined atmosphere for enjoying exceptional  farm-to-table dining, crafted with locally sourced and consistently high-quality ingredients. 

Ristorante 1500 -  This restaurant is located at the Vigilius Mountain Resort, this culinary gem invites you to leave your car behind in Lana and take the cable-car up to Monte San Vigilio.  Perched at 1,500 meters, the resort offers a breathtaking backdrop where you can taste innovatie mountain cuisine. 

Breakfast / coffee

Forno Ivo de Pellegrin - For the best breads of Merano 

Cafè Villa Bux - for coffee/breakfast/lunch 

Slowfood Restaurants near Merano

Eggerhof-Schnauzerstube: You'll find good cooking at this osteria run by Fabian and Emi. They serve Neo-South Tyrolean cuisine. In addition to the great wines and homemade grappa.

Schnalshuberhof: You'll be welcomed by Christian Pinggera, who will tell you about the centuries-old history of the farm. On the menu, homemade dishes from Alto Adige and beyond.

Zmailer-Hof: A beautiful walk through the woods leads to this historic farmhouse, with a pleasant stube, cooking that tastes of home and a terrace overlooking the Merano basin.

Restaurants near Merano

Blaue Traube: This extremely old restaurant has been given a new lease of life in 2019 by its young chef Christoph Huber, he pays tribute to Southern Tyrolean recipes and ingredients with an added contemporary twist. 

Eishof: A 2 hour walk up from Karthaus im Pfossental to the most beautiful and cozy mountain hut. From early morning breakfast, to lunch and dinner, a delightful place to go!

Restaurant in Lana 1477 Reichhalter: Small breakfast, lunch, dinner, refreshing homemade lemonades, and after-work drinks. Just like in the past, travelers settle in, busy people pause to take a breath, clear their minds, and open up. Here, you can enjoy food and drink in good company, carefully selected and thoughtfully prepared.

 Shops

The monocle shop: must stop for every Monocle aficionado and people who appreciate nicely curated wares.

58 chocolate: handmade chocolates and without additives, which will make you happier and a little chubbier. Life is simply too short to eat cheap chocolate.

Pur Südtirol: Merano Food Market, the best place to stock up with a cheese, wine and meat sommelier,  you are truly in good hands.

Activities 

Walk the Sissi Path - A scenic route through Merano 

Meran2000 - for skiing 

Spa day - There are many great spa's here. Check out the ones in the stunning hotels like Vigilius you can often buy a day pass here.

Hikes  and rides- Check out Komoot for the best hikes and rides  in the area