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maltatoday, SUNDAY, 3 JULY 2016 42 Travel Two readers have the chance to win a complimentary return ticket each for travel on any scheduled Air Malta flights (excluding taxes and charges). All you have to do is answer the question below and send in your name, mobile number and email address to: Maltatoday competition, Air Malta plc, Sky Parks, Malta International Airport, Luqa, LQA 4000. The closing date is 8 July. Two readers have the chance to win a complimentary return ticket each for travel on any scheduled Air Malta flights (excluding taxes and charges). All you have to do is answer the question below and send in your name, mobile number and email Maltatoday competition, Air Malta plc, Sky Parks, Malta International Airport, Luqa, LQA 4000. Question: How many flights per week is Air Malta operating from Malta to Palermo? a) 1 flight b) 2 flights or c) 4 weekly flights? ✂ Name Email Mobile Number Perfection in Palermo IF perfection is what you're look- ing for Palermo is probably not the spot. A hotchpotch of the cultures that invaded her shores since before history was written, left its beautiful mark on the city. Its streets are chaotic, its buildings are dishevelled and its residents are an inscrutable lot, the best way to get an feel for this incredible city is to wander the streets of the old city, where different architec- tural designs point to the different invaders that claimed their stakes on the city at some point during their turbulent history. Just a stone's throw from Mal- tese shores, Sicily is a popular des- tination for local holiday-makers that is often underrated, possibly due to its proximity. Palermo, Sicily's capital, has plenty to of- fer whether you are looking for a cultural pit-stop, a beach holiday or simply want to learn about dif- ferent cultures through food and night-life. If you're looking for perfection through variety then Palermo definitely is the right spot. CULTURE Like many buildings in Palermo, the Duomo (cathedral) is charac- terised by a long history of addi- tions, alterations and restorations from 1185 to the 18th century. Built on the site of a Muslim mosque, which itself was built over an early Christian basilica, the archbishop's main aim was to surpass the glory of the magnifi- cent cathedral of nearby Monreale and this became the architectural battleground for "The Battle of the Two Cathedrals." Also known as the Royal Palace of Palermo, the Palazzo dei Nor- manni was once the seat of the Kings of Sicily during the Norman domination and is today home to the regional parliament of Sicily. One of the main highlights of the palace is the Palatine Chapel, situ- ated on the ground floor. The Catacombe dei Cappuccini is one of Palermo's most sober- ing places. Built in 1599, wealthy Palermitani filled the catacombs with the bodies of their privileged loved ones. 8,000 of the wealthiest deceased in their finest clothes, hats and lace are laid in rows be- neath the church. The most fa- mous addition to the catacombs is a two-year-old girl named Rosalia Lombardo who died in 1920 and was embalmed using a method that has preserved her body so that she looks like she is just sleeping, almost 100 years after her death. Watch an opera at the Teatro Massimo. The third largest opera house in Europe (and the largest in Italy) you may recognise this place from the final scenes of The God- father. You can take a guided tour around the theatre everyday from 9:30amd to 6pm or do it right and get yourself a ticket to an opera or a ballet. Opera dei Pupi is one of the long- standing Sicilian traditions. The play is a theatrical representation of Frankish romantic poems such as the Song of Roland or Orlando Furioso. Don't expect to under- stand much as it is performed in a Sicilian dialect that even Italians find difficult to follow. There is no script and the act is mostly impro- vised with the 20 plus characters played by just two puppeteers. Be prepared for some gruesome scenes as knights are sliced in half! FOOD MARKETS Palermo ranks as one of the world's top destinations for street food. Snacking on the street is a centuries-old tradition in Paler- mo, born of both practicality and poverty. Although street food has recently gained popularity with celebrity chefs offering their take on humble dishes, street food in Palermo remains true to its roots. Street stalls offer the authentic taste of Sicilian culture featuring flavours that range from the famil- iar (pizza-like sfincione) to the ex- otic (chickpea fritters with minty potato croquettes and pani ca' meusa – spleen sandwiches and skewered entrails). Palermo's back streets offer the most calories per euro with street snacks available for as little as €1 or €2. The three main markets are Vucciria, Ballaro and Capo, all within walking distance from each other in the heart of Palermo. One of the best things about these mar- kets is that they never sleep. After dark Vucciria and Ballaro turn into night-life hubs where you can enjoy a good glass of house wine, a street snack and a chat with the locals. Whether you are wandering the streets on your own, or taking one of the organised tours around the markets and stalls – some of which are recommended by the likes of Jamie Oliver, make sure you go with an open mind and empty belly. If understanding a city through its food culture is your thing, then why not take a cooking class, where you can learn the whole process of cooking a Palermitan meal, from shopping for ingredi- ents in Palermo's oldest market, to cooking and enjoying your meal. BEACHES As much as we love this little city, getting outside in the scorch- ing heat is a must with the incred- ible beaches the coastal areas of the province of Palermo has to of- fer. From Balestrate to Pollina, the coastline is approximately 150km long offering beautiful natural landscapes and pristine environ- ments. Long, sandy beaches or wild, rocky cliffs there is some- thing for everyone along the coast, whether it is lazing around on the beach with the kids playing in the sand, hiking up rocky cliffs or snorkelling or diving in the pris- tine waters. Mondello is the closest beach to the city with some rocky areas on both sides of the beach for those who would like to get away from the madding crowd. Capi Gallo has an amazing nature reserve with crystal clear waters and white rocks. Addaura, on the opposite coast is a more upmarket loca- tion and the prefect spot to en- joy a cocktail on a comfy sunbed. Sferracavallo is a little fishermen's village that will make you feel like you travelled back in time. This place is best known for its incred- ible seafood restaurants on the waterfront. Getting there Air Malta started operating di- rect flights between Malta and Palermo this July, on Monday and Thursdays. Flights including taxes and charges start from €49 one- way. Total flying time is under an hour. The Duomo is characterised by a long history of additions, alterations and restorations from 1185 to the 18th century Street stalls offer the authentic taste of Sicilian culture featuring flavours that range from the familiar (pizza- like sfincione) to the exotic, like this pani ca' meusa or spleen sandwich