The capital of Sicily, Palermo is a thriving cultural and administrative hub in the south of Italy and is becoming increasingly popular with tourists looking for sun, Italian cuisine and unique sight-seeing experiences. Sicily is an island which has seen several different groups of invaders and administrative conquerors including the Phoenicians, the Ancient Greeks, the Ancient Romans, the Byzantines, the Aghlabids, the Normans, the Hohenstaufen Germans, the Aragonese, the Bourbons and finally the Italians. As a result of this rich and diverse history Palermo has a wide range of architecture, art and cuisine. The Cathedral of Palermo, the Santa Teresa alla Kalsa, the Palazzo dei Normanni, the Quattro Canti and the Capuchin Catacombs are well worth visiting. Further afield Catania and Syracuse are also worth a day trip, both are easily reached by car.
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Palermo is serviced by the Palermo International Airport (Falcone-Borsellino Airport or sometimes Punta Raisi Airport), located almost forty kilometres to the north west of the city. The airport has close to five million passengers annually and is regularly visited by Easy Jet (London) and Ryan Air (London) amongst others. Although not the busiest airport in Sicily (Catania-Fontanarossa Airport in Catania is busier), Palermo Airport has a number of car hire desks located within the airport, including representatives for Auto Europe, Argus, Avis, Hertz, Carhire 3000 and Holiday Autos. Getting into Palermo from the airport isn't difficult - simply follow the A29 east until it merges with Viale Regione Siciliana Nord Ovest, at which point you will find yourself in the city outskirts.