Edgy and eclectic, Palermo is a symbol of all that Sicily stands for. From buzzing Vespas to the bustling Vucciria market, it simply brims with life.

Wonderful Palermo Cathedral glows radiantly in the Mediterranean sun. Nearby is the city’s last Sicilian Puppet Theatre, and opposite is a palm-filled park housing Roman mosaics, though the best are in the archaeological museum. At one end is the Norman Palace, a government building home to the fabulous Cappella Palatina whose gold mosaics are absolutely breathtaking.

Equally magnificent are the gold mosaics lining 12th-century Monreale Cathedral on the city’s outskirts. Wander the cloisters and note the varying columns and capitals – each pair is different.

Palermo also has fascinating churches: 2 of the oldest are 12th-century San Giovanni degli Eremeti and San Cataldo, each with red, Islamic-style domes. Gesú Church has an incredible Sicilian Baroque interior, while La Martorana’s frescoes are awe-inspiring. A street away is Quattro Canti, a crossroads with a fountain at each corner.

Other attractions include round Teatro Massimo, Mondello beach and Monte Pellegrino mountain overlooking the sea. You get fabulous views of this picnic spot as you fly into Palermo Airport before heading to your Booking.com accommodation.