STYLISH CITY: PALERMO

Now, we’ve been lucky enough to have had a pretty solid summer this year, but it’s nothing compared to the level of heat the locals experience down in Palermo. The temperature tends to fall just short of the 40 degrees celsius mark in August, so breezy garms are definitely the way forward. For SS18, revere collar shirts are having a moment, so opt for a retro-flavoured striped number like this one and pair it with stone-coloured tailored shorts to keep cool. A pair of adidas Gazelle trainers, a pastel-hued cross-body bag and old-school shades are just what you need to look fly and not feel hot and bothered when you're out and about.

In order to immerse yourself in the culture of the capital, finding an Airbnb with a traditional balcony is the way to go – and it shouldn’t be a difficult feat. Palermo is fairly easy to get around (stick to the buses over the horse-drawn carriages, though), so wherever you end up staying should be straightforward to commute back and forth from. However, we recommend choosing somewhere near the Quattro Canti – a baroque square in the historical part of the city. Not only is the area buzzing with restaurants and cafes, but it’s also home to impressive statues and classical fountains.

Whether you’re a history buff or prefer chilling by the sea, Palermo has something for everyone. Take a taxi up to Mondello to visit the capital’s most famous beach – grab yourself a sun lounger and enjoy the views of the turquoise water with a bevvie in hand.

As for the centre of the city itself, check out Teattro Massimo – the biggest opera house in Italy – before heading towards the Orto Botanico to take a look at the native plant life of the region. In the evening, head to the Ambasciatori Hotel for dinner or drinks with a rooftop view of the city. And what would a trip to Italy be without sampling some top-level gelato? Grab yourself a late-night snack from La Kala near the city’s harbour (it’s open until 2.30am on a Saturday). Fantastico!