Palermo, Sicily has been named the Italian Capital of Culture for 2018 by the Italian Culture Ministry, throwing this relatively undiscovered city into the spotlight. The award recognises Palermo's enviable historical legacy, booming foodie scene and rich range of cultural venues. The city is planning a year long calendar of events to celebrate.

soloSicily, the Sicilian villa specialist, features a number of villas in and close to Palermo. Celebrating over ten years in business, soloSicily's team of local experts are passionate about the island and can arrange experiences in and around Palermo, including a street food tour to discover the city's buzzing markets and authentic street food stalls, as well as a historic walking tour.

2018 is set to be Palermo's year, as the Sicilian capital is hosting 'Manifesta 12', the European Biennial of Contemporary Art. In addition to this, and in homage to its history, Palermo is also looking at ways to promote the recently awarded UNESCO Arab-Norman route that connects the city with Cefalù and Monreale.

For traditional Sicilian art, Palazzo Abatellis or GAM (Gallery of Modern Art) for contemporary pieces, should be on every culture vulture's to-do list. Teatro Massimo — the biggest opera house in Italy and one of the largest in Europe—has already scheduled opera performances for 2018, including Verdi's “Nabucco,” Puccini's “Turandot,” and the ballet “Adam's Passion” by acclaimed American theatre director Bob Wilson.

As recently featured on Rick Stein's BBC Long Weekends, Palermo also has a vibrant culinary scene. soloSicily's Street Food Tour around Palermo's historical centre is led by a local expert, helping guests discover home-grown delicacies and traditional Sicilian specialities. The Historic Walking Tour is the perfect introduction to Palermo, exploring the city's palazzi, churches, hidden alleyways and squares. Highlights include the Cathedral, the Teatro Massimo, the Royal Palace, Cappuccini catacombs, and the Baroque Quattro Canti square. The Historic Walking Tour can be extended to incorporate an excursion to Monreale and Cefalu.

The ideal base for discovering Palermo, Kalia is a newly-built villa in the buzzing beach district of Mondello. The four-bedroomed property has all the mod-cons and comforts one could need, including a fabulous pool and jacuzzi, making it a great choice for a lively holiday in Sicily. One week at Kalia costs from £4,389 (Euros 5,200 euros) in shoulder season to £5,173 (Euros 6,130) in the high season for nine people. http://www.solosicily.com/kalia.aspx 

For reservations visit www.solosicily.com or call soloSicily on 020 7097 1413.

Ends

1 March 2017

For more information and images please contact Emma Hill or Tiggy Dean at Hill & Dean PR on 020 8875 9923.

Notes to editors

Founded in 2006, soloSicily is a private villa rental company with a collection of over 40 hand-picked villas in Sicily. The portfolio is designed to suit all needs, with romantic hideaways, chic beachfront villas, family-friendly holiday homes, luxury villas with private pools and aristocratic country estates. Based in Palermo, soloSicily has a dedicated team of people who are passionate about Sicily and use their local knowledge to find the best villas on the island.