The Most Instagrammable Destinations in Sicily

The sun-kissed island boasts many stunning places to explore, from incredibly gorgeous beaches to picturesque cliffside villages and fascinating archaeological sites. As one of Europe's most artistically rich destinations, your Instagram snaps from Sicily will leave your followers drooling.

Here are some of the most Instagrammable destinations in Sicily.

1. Etna Area

Among the many captivating luxury tours in Italy, consider booking one for your visit to Mount Etna. While you can explore the volcano independently, opting for a guided tour offers added convenience. If you're feeling adventurous, you can hike to the top and witness its craters and black lava fields up close. Alternatively, you can also admire the volcano or capture photos from the numerous viewing points around the island.

At 11,000 feet, Mount Etna is Europe's tallest active volcano and is believed to be the home of the Roman god of fire. It is one of Sicily's most photographed spots, which you can explore all year round. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the volcano lies on the island's east coast.

It's easy to visit Mount Etna by car. You can choose a base anywhere along the coast and drive to the volcano early in the morning. It's worth noting that the roads leading to Mount Etna can be rough and windy, so drive carefully. Nevertheless, the views along the way are very scenic, so have your camera ready. 

When taking public transport, you will find a bus departing from Catania's Stazione Centrale. The best access point to Mount Etna is on the southern side, from where you can take a cable car to the top. Be ready with your mobile phone since the views from the cable car deserve a spot on your Instagram.

2. Noto Area

You can find an incredible selection of villas in Sicily to make your stay truly memorable, and Noto is no different. Noto, one of Sicily's most beautiful cities, offers an abundance of traditional Sicilian properties. With its gorgeous Baroque architecture, it has numerous things worthy of an Instagram snap. The centre of the action is Corso Vittorio Emanuele, from where you will find many of the city's most impressive buildings.

Corso Vittorio Emanuele starts at Porta Reale, extending west through three piazzas. You'll also pass many stunning gardens and the Monastero del Santissimo Salvatore, with a graceful tower dominating the city. 

As you stroll through Noto's picturesque streets, have your phone or camera handy since there are many beautiful sights to capture. Labisi, Sinatra, and Gagliardi, under the supervision of the Duke of Camastra, designed the baroque-style architecture that graces most of Noto's buildings. The idea was to establish a linear and perfectly proportioned urban area with parallel lines offering diverse panoramas.

Near Piazza XVI Maggio, you'll find the beautiful Church of San Domenico with the lovely Fountain of Hercules. Head towards the town to Via Cavour, where you'll find magnificent noble palaces, such as Palazzo Astuto and Palazzo Trigona Cannicarao. You can enter all churches and some palaces for free, such as the Palazzo Nicolaci and Palazzo Castelluccio.

3. Syracuse Area

Syracuse is one of the prettiest places in Sicily, offering the perfect setting for Instagram-worthy snaps. Known locally as Siracusa, the UNESCO-listed city has a rich history and is home to an ancient amphitheatre from the 5th century B.C.

One of the most beautiful areas of Syracuse is the tiny island called Ortigia, the city's historical centre, which is connected to the rest of Syracuse through bridges. Ortigia boasts a labyrinth of ancient cobblestone streets leading to charming squares lined with beautiful buildings, fantastic restaurants, and boutiques. 

If you want to feature Sicily’s archaeological sites on your Instagram, Syracuse is the perfect place. Aside from the Valley of the Temples, the Neapolis Archaeological Park is an incredible site to discover Sicily's long and rich history. Capture the best shot of the Roman amphitheatre, one of Sicily's best-preserved sites. Made entirely of rocks, much of the structure remains intact. Check out the nearby Museo Archeologico Regionale Paolo Orsi, where you'll find an impressive collection of Greek and Roman artefacts. 

You will also find many traces of history outside the archaeological park. Wander around the pretty streets of Syracuse, where you'll discover all sorts of fascinating artefacts and impressive ruins.

4. Taormina

Taormina is one of the most magical places in Sicily and a favourite base for many visitors to the island. The charming city is nestled on a rocky plateau along Monte Tauro, overlooking the stunning Ionian Sea. Boasting rich historical and cultural heritage with an excellent climate and awe-inspiring natural scenery, Taormina is the perfect place for capturing envy-inducing photos for your Instagram.

Corso Umberto is the best place to begin your sightseeing in Taormina. With boutiques, souvenir shops, restaurants, and cafes flanking it, it's an ideal spot for a leisurely stroll. On your way, you'll come across Piazza IX Aprile, one of the city's best viewing points. It's a vibrant place, offering the perfect setting to take beautiful Instagram photos.

To take photos of a typical Sicilian church for Instagram, visit the Cathedral of Taormina. Also called Duomo di Taormina, the church has a magnificent medieval facade, a baroque door, and lavish interiors.

5. Valle dei Templi

If there's only one place in Sicily to highlight on your Instagram feed, it should be the Valley of the Temples. Nestled on a hilltop overlooking the gorgeous blue waters of the Mediterranean, the iconic temples were discovered at the end of the 18th century, when the first European settlers arrived in Sicily.

You'll find the Valle dei Templi outside Agrigento, along Sicily's southwestern coast. The complex comprises the temples of the gods, the necropolis area, and the Extra Moenia sanctuaries. Agrigento serves as the gateway to the Valle dei Templi. From here, the temple complex is only three kilometres away. You'll find many great accommodations and many things to do in Agrigento, making it an ideal base for your holiday in Sicily.

You can visit Valle dei Templi until late in the summer. These sunset and late-night openings are an increasingly popular time to capture perfect Instagram snaps of the temples illuminated by the setting sun and impressive light installations.