Palermo, the capital of Sicily, lying on the northern coast of the island, has a rich and varied history. Founded by the Phoenicians, the strategic location of the port meant that its ownership was hotly contested and at various times it has been in the hands of the Romans, Saracens and Normans, among others. The legacy of Palermo’s many and diverse rulers is visible in the Byzantine, Norman, Renaissance, Arabic and Baroque influenced architecture of the city to this day.

Modern Palermo is a city with a raw energy all of its own, an appealing mix of decay and splendour, with a vast number of fascinating palazzos, churches and castles just waiting to be explored. You could easily start off your Palermo yacht charter with a few days exploring the many, diverse charms of the city and still not see everything.

The Cappella Palatina in the Palazzo dei Normanni is Palermo’s premier tourist attraction. Dating from 1130 and recently restored, the walls are covered with exquisite mosaics and the Arabic-style wooden carved ceiling is a fine example of the cultural complexity of Norman Sicily. Nearby, you'll find Palermo’s busiest street market,  the Mercato di Ballaro, which offers a little bit of everything -- from great local food to even lingerie!

Another bustling market and the monastery of Sant’Agostino are located in The Capo. This web of interconnected streets and blind alleys are home to Palermo’s extraordinary cathedral that was built in Sicily's unique Arab-Norman style. There are many museums and galleries, which specialize in everything from archaeology to marionettes and modern art. And of course, the eating in Palermo is exceptional with everything from street-food to fine dining. Palermo’s nightlife is also a hit and has a reputation for being some of the best in Italy.