The provincial capital of Sicily, Palermo lies on the island’s northwest tip. Ruled by a succession of empires, it’s a city with a fascinating history and ambience all of its own, in part Italian, Mediterranean, and Arab. Palermo Cathedral is recognized as one of the finest examples of its kind anywhere in Italy, while other attractions include the immense Teatro Massimo, and the Palazzo dei Normanni, a castle dating to the ninth century. Interspersed with lively marketplaces, superb shopping, and glorious coastal stretches, Palermo is an amazing destination in which to spend a few days.