Thrill seekers need to look no further than Sicily for a holiday that combines relaxation with high adrenaline adventure. An island known for its rich culture and delicious Italian cuisine, Sicily's striking scenery also lends itself to a whole host of adventure sports ranging from rock climbing the colourful limestone crags of San Vito lo Capo and river trekking in the crystal-clear waters of the Alcantara Gorge to competing in a marathon through the historic streets of Palermo or cycling Europe's most active volcano. Villa specialist soloSicily has picked out their favourite island sporting adventures and the best villas to stay at when competing in them.

The soloSicily team of on-island experts can assist with guides, any equipment required, in-villa post work-out spa treatments, a chef for the night to cook a celebratory meal or carb-load the night before.

The Etna Bike Marathon September 2017

The ultimate volcanic sporting challenge, the Etna Marathon held on 24 September 2017, is a mountain bike race like no other in Europe - riders cycle 17km of single-track through thick forests to a lunar-like landscape. The Etna Marathon is open to non-professionals and anyone looking to get their adrenaline pumping is encouraged to enter.

Situated on the slopes of Mount Etna, Talea is a traditional Sicilian villa that combines comfort and style to create a homely atmosphere. Sleeping six, Talea features fabulous outdoor space, with pool, covered BBQ area, play area and ping pong table. One week at Talea costs from £1,238 (1,400 euros) in the low season to £2,121 (2,400 euros) in the high season, when sleeping six. http://www.solosicily.com/talea.aspx 

San Vito – Rock Climbing October 2017

Close to Trapani, in the north of Sicily is the famous coastal town of San Vito lo Capo which boasts a great coastal cliff nearly 4km long with some of the best rock climbing on the island. Ideal for those with climbing experience, the marble and limestone cliff offers a range of single pitch easy to mid-range routes. From 12 to 15 October 2017 the town hosts a rock climbing festival for keen climbers and spectators with competitions, non-competitive events and masterclasses.

Itaca, a newly built villa, sleeping five in three bedrooms, with views out to the sea and Monte Cofano, is half an hour's drive from San Vito Lo Capo and within walking distance to the beach. The villa has a large covered patio with its own outdoor wood-burning oven and a large saltwater pool with sun-loungers and a stylish gazebo. One week at Itaca costs from £1,170 (1,400 euros) in the low season to £2,345 (2,800 euros) in the high season http://www.solosicily.com/itaca.aspx 

Palermo Marathon November 2017

Growing in popularity every year, runners now travel all over the world to take part in their next 'big' race. Held on 19 November 2017, the Palermo Marathon is a scenic well organised race, offering both full and half marathon options. Taking guests along the winding streets of this historic, 2,700-year-old city, the marathon route passes through the beach district of Mondello and the winding slopes of Mount Pelegrino to Via de Liberta, the main shopping street in Palermo and the courtyard of the Royal Palace of Palermo. Including narrow Sicilian streets and broad avenues, past quaint Sicilian markets and architecture, it is easy to see why this city has been named the Italian Capital of Culture for 2018.

Featuring its own private spa featuring jacuzzi and steam room and direct access to the beach, Villa Lory is located just outside Palermo and is perfect for pre-and-post marathon relaxation. Surrounded by landscaped gardens, terraces and shaded seating areas, Lory is spread over three floors with spacious living areas and sleeping 10. One week at Lory costs from £2,312 (2,625 euros) in the low season to £3,244 (3,685 euros) in the high season, when sleeping ten. http://www.solosicily.com/lory.aspx 

Alcantara Gorges – Canyoning, River Trekking and Tubing

Suitable for adults and children, the Alcantara Gorges are a must visit when staying in east Sicily. A beautiful natural sight, the gorges feature black lava walls up to 50 metres high through which the crystal-clear waters of the Alcantara run surrounded by an unspoiled landscape of rare fauna and flora. Guests can plunge through the water of the gorge as they take part in canyoning, complete an exhilarating journey along the rapids in either a tube or hydro-speed (a floatation device and flippers) or wade through the waters on a river trek.

The Alcantara Gorges are an easy daytrip from Villa Nabila. Once a winery, this spacious villa is situated in the village of Milo amidst the vine-covered slopes of Mount Etna. In a beautiful rural location with sea views, this authentic Sicilian villa is brimming with character and sleeps eight. One week at Nabila costs from £2,121 (2,400 euros) in the low season to £3,181 (3,600 euros) in the high season, when sleeping eight. http://www.solosicily.com/nabila.asp 

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

Ends

26 July 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.