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| | | Simply glorious |  | Why go on holiday to Palermo?
In its heyday, Palermo was considered to be Europe's grandest city. It may have lost some of its sparkle since then but there is still enough evidence of its golden age to make this a fascinating Sicilian city break holiday.
The legacy of Roman, Byzantine, Greek, Arab, Norman, German and Spanish masters has left an exotic and unique imprint on the city; its Mafia-ridden past gives it a certain edge while its beaches will satisfy sun-seekers. What more could you ask for?
How much will it cost?
Moderate hotel rooms in Palermo cost from around £20. Flights to the city cost from £200, though look out for low cost airline deals with Ryanair.
When should I go?
Sicily has a Mediterranean climate. Summers are hot and dry, with July and August highs of 30C (86F). Winters are mild, with temperatures between 10C and 20C (50F-68F). For those who don't like it too hot, the best time is late spring and early summer.
Who is it for?
Sicily's principal city is ideal for culture vultures looking for an alternative Italian city break holiday, it has some of the most amazing monuments in Italy, and perhaps in the world. It is also the main centre of Norman architecture in Europe. And is ideal for sun-seekers looking for a Med beach break with a bit of a twist. The city will also appeal to anyone with more than a passing interest in the Mafia as Palermo was once the scene of notorious gangland slayings.
What are the must-sees?
The Quartiere della Kalsa is the medieval core of Old Palermo and is located in the south-western part of the city. It was built and planned by Arab rulers as a walled city. Start your exploration at the church of Santa Teresa alla Kalsa and then work your way around the area. There is plenty to see.
Wander to the Piazza Pretoria where a fountain decorated with nude figures raised more than a few eyebrows when it was built in the 16th century. La Martorona is one of the city's most famous churches thanks to its Arab-Norman bell tower and intricate mosaic interiors. Perhaps the grandest building is the Duomo which contains royal tombs and reflects the city's hotchpotch architectural style.
Other must-sees include the ninth century Roman Palace which is now the seat of Sicily's regional government; the Cappella Palatina, a gorgeous chapel; the Chiesa di San Giovanni degli Eremiti with its distinctive red domed roof and pretty gardens, and the Catacombe dei Cappuccini where you can see the amazingly intact mummified bodies of notable Sicilians dating back four hundred years.
Palermo's ties with the Arab world are evident throughout the city but are emphasised by a visit to the markets. The most famous is the Vucciria where you can buy anything your taste buds desire.
When you want to top up your tan, take your towel to the north west beaches of Mondello, popular with locals, or to Sferracavallo.
Day-trippers looking to escape should hop on a bus for the five-mile visit to the cathedral at Monreale. It's a stunning Norman cathedral with dazzling mosaics, huge bronze doors and 228 twin intricately decorated columns.
What will I spend?
As a rough guide: litre of petrol 60p; bottle of beer £1.50; moderate restaurant meal £12; roll of camera film £2.50; four-mile taxi ride £7-£8.
Any special events?
In May every year, beach bums and water babes can enjoy the World Festival On The Beach combining windsurfing, jazz, beach-volleyball, kite surfing and sailing at Mondello Beach.
Easter celebrations this year take place between April 14-16 and feature impressive street processions and re-enactments of the Last Supper. Check the time and departure points for the processions with the local tourist office.
It's followed in July by a festival celebrating the memory of Palermo's patron saint, Santa Rosalia. Massive parades and processions take place in the historical centre of the city and there's an evening of fireworks and music on the last day.
Music lovers can tune into the Verdura Festival from June 25 at the Teatro Massimo. Classical, rock, pop and dance acts are lined up - from Joaquín Cortés to Craig David.
There's also Kals'Art between July-August, which brings together music, cinema and theatre. Enjoy free guided tours of the city's parks, piazzas and historic buildings.
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