Merano & Malcesine multi-centre holiday

An Italian journey from the mountain calm of Merano to Lake Garda charm in Malcesine

A multi-centre holiday to Merano and Malcesine brings together the very best of Italy – tranquil mountain landscapes and the shimmering beauty of Lake Garda. Starting your holiday in Merano will completely take you by surprise. There’s something magical about the way the elegant, pastel buildings are set beneath towering mountains and rolling vineyards. It feels calm, almost alpine, but with that unmistakable Italian warmth.

Then, arriving in Malcesine will feel like stepping into a postcard. Spend your afternoons wandering its cobbled streets, getting happily lost among the sunlit buildings, with glimpses of Lake Garda sparkling between them. The whole place has this relaxed, romantic energy that makes you want to slow down and stay just that little bit longer. 

Our Walking Specialists can tailor your trip to the dates, durations and hotels that suit you – all seamlessly put together with direct transfers from Merano to Malcesine.

Vineyards, natural hot springs and rewarding walking trails in every direction? Sounds like a Merano holiday. Once the go-to summer escape among the European bourgeoisie in the 19th century, it's still as much-loved today, with beautiful hotels and elegant architecture to show for it. 

Merano is known throughout Italy for its natural hot springs – and the locals take their spa time seriously. There are plenty of thermal spas where you can soak and simmer (the waters are supposed to have healing properties). Some of the most popular spots include the Terme Merano (the Merano Thermal Baths) and the AquaForum thanks to their handy locations and year-round availability. 

The food might be the best thing of all in Italy’s South Tyrol. And, spoiler alert: it will definitely be a highlight while you're in Merano. Blending Austrian, Italian and Mediterranean influences, traditional Tyrolean dishes include speck (smoked ham), knödel (dumplings) and kaiserschmarrn (shredded pancake) alongside the classic Italian favourites. And the best part? You can wash it all down with a glass of wine from a local vineyard. 

Merano is surrounded by mountains that sparkle in summer with colourful wildflowers, crystal-clear streams and verdant vineyards and forests. Whether you're out walking or taking it slow in one of the town’s many parks or botanical gardens, your Merano outdoors adventure is nothing short of the ultimate summer holiday.

Where’s the best place to stay on Lake Garda for culture and history, you ask? It’s a tough call – all of Lake Garda is stunningly beautiful and rich in culture, and it’s one of Italy’s most beloved summer holiday destinations. That being said, for history and cultural sights, Malcesine really stands out above the rest. The medieval Scaligero Castle perches on a rock jutting over the lake - expect a dramatic setting with equally dramatic views. Nearby, you’ll find the Palazzo dei Capitani with its waterfront gardens, natural history museum and art collection; the 1,200-year-old church of Antica Pieve di Santo Stefano; and the massive white statue of Madonna dell’Accoglienza overlooking the town. You can cover all of these with a relatively easy 8km round-trip walk from the centre.

And it wouldn't be a summer holiday without slicing into the warm waters. Just 100 metres from the town centre is the pebbly Paina Beach, complete with lifeguards, volleyball courts, a skate park, bars, restaurants and a beach club – an absolute must on a hot summer day (with an ice cream!). Wander up the coast, and the beaches multiply, most dotted with floating swim rafts and nearby pizzerias. Head a few kilometres south to Val di Sogno Beach – when the lake is low, you can easily walk to Isola del Sogno (Dream Island) or even swim the short 20 metres from the shore. Fancy going underwater? You can rent scuba gear nearby in the town to explore the boat wreck just beyond the island.