Palermo Italy is the capital of Sicily, and still struggling to overcome its image as a one-time Mafia stronghold. When the mafia (or the cosa nostra, as it is called there) began dealing in the lucrative world of drug trafficking during the early 70s, the capital city was often used as a battlefield for competing crime bosses. Now the city features the island's most exclusive collection of museums and palaces amidst architecture that spins its Arabic and French influences into resounding beauty.

Palermo’s origins date back to the period between the 8th and the 6th century B.C., when the Phoenicians colonized the area that was previously inhabited by Sicans, Cretans and the Elimi. In later time, during the Punic Wars, Palermo conquered by the Carthaginians until the Roman’s rule which gave the city the name of Panourmus. After several attacks by various barbaric populations, Palermo then fell under control of the Byzantine Empire, which governed it for about three centuries, until 831. Palermo was conquered by the Arabs in 831 became capital of the independent emirate of Sicily.

Thanks to its Mediterranean location, Palermo is blessed with a mild climate all year round. The summer season is long, with the months of July and August tending to feature the hottest weather and driest climate. Temperatures in the summer are as high as 28°C (82°F). Winters are mild, with temperatures between 10°C and 20°C (50°F and 68°F). In mountain areas, winter is ideal for skiing, and summer for excursions, hiking, etc. Spring temperatures range between 10°C (50°F) and 18°C (65°F).

The education level of adults in Italy between the ages of 25 and 64 is among the lowest in the European Union. Public education is compulsory up to age 16, but the law is virtually useless unless it is enforced. Most of Italy's public primary and secondary schools offer good specialisations in languages, classical studies or physical sciences. The real problem in Sicily is basic education.

Falcone Borsellino Airport in Punta Raisi is around 30 km (19 miles) from Palermo. The airport offers direct flights from major Italian airports as well as low-cost airline services from some European cities. A large variety of bus services operate from the area around Palermo's main train station. Palermo has a public bus system known as AMAT, local bus transport which operates within the city is always orange in colour. In addition, yellow and red bus services operate throughout the day and are aimed especially at tourists. Buses which serve the surrounding towns and villages are generally blue in colour. Tickets can be purchased at AMAT kiosks located at Piazza Ruggero Settimo and Stazione Centrale.

Sicily's greatest natural attraction is also its highest mountain. To the ancient Greeks, Mount Etna was the realm of Vulcan, god of fire, and the home of the one-eyed monster known as the Cyclops. At approximately 3350 meters, it is Europe's highest active volcano. The height of its summit changes with each eruption, and over the centuries a few lava flows have reached the coast. Over 1200 square meters of Etna's surface is covered with solidified lava.

Palermo is a lively, sunny city, full of events that are intended to enhance the city’s culture, history and traditions. Palermo's World Festival on the Beach combines windsurfing, beach volleyball, sky diving, paragliding, kite surfing, sailing, golf, jazz, a photography contest and a lot more in the unique setting of Mondello Beach. Santa Rosalia Festival (festino) has been celebrating the memory of Palermo's patron saint, Santa Rosalia, for nearly 400 years. Massive parades and processions take over the historical centre of the city and there's an evening of fireworks and music on the last day. Variety is what the Verdura Festival in Palermo's Teatro Massimo is all about. Classical, rock, pop, dance and flamenco music are all featured during this summer festival.