If you want a truly unique experience of Italy then you need to head as far south as the “boot” stretches down, and keep going until you reach the island of Sicily.

It’s an island that is teaming with friendly locals, great foodie markets, wonderful restaurants and a true sense of people living their best lives.

It’s also a stunningly beautiful island, as these 7 gorgeous Instagrammable spots will prove…

Sicily Instagram spots:

1. Taormina

Taormina is a small, simple village on a rocky mountain, but in the summer it absolutely comes to life as people flock to it. From here you can look out over the bay and see the famed volcano.

 

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A post shared by A R M I D A (@theycallmearmida) on Jan 31, 2019 at 4:10am PST

2. Ragusa Ibla

A charming city that’s made up of two clear and distinct sectors: the old, and the new. It was created especially so after an earthquake in 1693. The old town is a maze of gorgeous streets – you’ll spend hours wandering through them.

 

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A post shared by 🔺Sergio🔺 (@andiamoconnoi_) on Jan 30, 2019 at 12:40am PST

3. Valle dei Templi

The Greeks made it as far as here way back and their empire included Sicily as part of “Greater Greece”. These remains are as well-preserved as any that you’ll find in Athens.

 

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A post shared by elle abbagnano 🐚 (@vongolainviaggio) on Jan 30, 2019 at 4:24am PST

4. Cala Rossa

Quite simply one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The water when the sun shines is the most fantastic shade of aquamarine blue. Absolute bliss.

 

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A post shared by Alessio Giordano (@alessiogio1985) on Aug 22, 2018 at 6:28am PDT

5. Palermo Cathedral

First erected in 1185, Palermo Cathedral has been restored and updated throughout the years to leave the stunning work of art you see today. A place where kings have been crowned and buried. You can read more about the history here.

 

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A post shared by F R A N C E S C O 👔⚓️ (@francesco_lisciandra_) on Jan 31, 2019 at 12:29am PST

6. Ortygia

Ortigia was the historical centre of the city of Syracuse, Sicily. The island is a joy during the summer months and a photographer’s dream with fresh fish, markets and interesting characters everywhere you glance.

 

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A post shared by Eduardo Insignares Serrano (@eduardoinsignares) on Jan 29, 2019 at 9:51am PST

7. Mt. Etna

You can take trips to climb parts of what is officially the highest active volcano in Europe. On a clear day, the views of the island from up here are breathtaking.

 

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Now I know where they film all those movies where people go to the moon –> 🌋 #climbingEtna #restingspot #soawesome

A post shared by Sara Reinikainen (@sarasteessa) on Jul 15, 2016 at 5:37am PDT