Holidaymakers keen to fit in a short break towards the end of the year could find property in Italy is one destination that suits their needs.

Stefania Gatta, spokeswoman for the Italian State Tourist Board, suggests Palermo, capital of Sicily, as one option open to vacationers.

"Sicily really is a big island and it's got a lot to offer," she explains.

"Palermo is a beautiful city with heritage from the Norman conquest and the Arab conquest."

She adds that people seeking property in Italy's island region's other areas, outside of the capital, may be wise to decide which part they wish to head to.

That is because of the scale of Sicily, which she says can take two to three weeks to explore in full.

From Palermo, other nearby destinations – such as the Aeolian Islands – can also be reached, expanding the number of places to explore still further.

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