You probably know it: The White Lotus. The HBO series about eccentric guests and staff at a luxurious hotel in a breathtaking location has become a massive hit. The second season was filmed in Sicily and if you’ve ever been to the island or went after watching the show; you’ve likely recognized quite a few filming spots. In this article, I’m sharing some of the most iconic The White Lotus filming locations in Sicily.
The White Lotus Resort & Spa
In the series, The White Lotus Resort & Spa is actually the Four Seasons Hotel San Domenico Palace in Taormina. This grand luxury hotel consists of two wings, one of which—the Garden Wing—is a former 15th-century monastery. You’ll find everything you’d expect from a top-tier luxury hotel here.
Staying at San Domenico doesn’t come cheap: a night in a standard double room starts at around €1300 in the off-season. Want to go all out? You can book one of the suites featuring multiple living areas, views of the ancient Greek Theatre of Taormina and even a private plunge pool. Price tag? With a bit of luck, you might find one for around €6500 per night in low season.
Cefalù
The beautifully located town of Cefalù appears right in the opening scene of season two and features throughout the series. One of the most recognizable spots is the beach with its iconic blue-and-white umbrellas (marked as Strandpromenad i Cefalù on Google Maps). This beach is often shown with the charming town of Cefalù in the background, crowned by the striking Duomo di Cefalù.
In episode 6, Portia (Haley Lu Richardson) and Jack (Leo Woodall) are sitting on the pier in Cefalù. From this angle, you get a view of the small beach with colorful fishing boats and, in the distance, the long stretch of sand where most of the other beach scenes were filmed.
Ancient Greek Theatre
In episode 2, the ancient Greek theatre (one of Taormina’s most iconic landmarks) makes a striking appearance. Bert (F. Murray Abraham) visits the site together with his son Dominic (Michael Imperioli), his grandson Albie (Adam DiMarco) and Albie’s friend Portia (Haley Lu Richardson).
Taormina Bay
At the beginning of episode 1, along with the previously mentioned beach, the beautiful bay of Taormina comes into view as the White Lotus boat arrives with its new guests. One striking landmark is the Chiesa Parrocchiale Santa Maria Immacolata, a church with a very pointed roof that stands out in the landscape. Happen to be in the area and feeling hungry? I highly recommend Trattoria da Antonio. Their pasta with prawns and pistachio pesto is absolutely divine!
Public Garden Taormina
The city park of Taormina, Public Garden Taormina, appears several times throughout the series in atmospheric shots. These are often close-ups of a fountain or part of a building, usually with strong backlighting, making it easy to miss. But if you look closely, you’ll recognize the distinct architectural style of the structures in this charming garden.
Torre dell’Orologio and Porta di Mezzo
Taormina has several historic city gates and Torre dell’Orologio e Porta di Mezzo is one of the most recognizable. You’ll spot this gate when Ethan (Will Sharpe) goes for an early morning run. It also appears in episode 2, as Mia (Beatrice Grannò) and Lucia (Simona Tabasco) walk beneath it while window shopping. The gate makes another appearance when Albie (Adam DiMarco) and Portia (Haley Lu Richardson) head out for dinner at a restaurant called “Italian Dream”—which, in real life, is named Ristorante Baronessa.
Porta Messina
Another prominent city gate featured in the series is Porta Messina. You’ll see this gate clearly when Lucia (Simona Tabasco) and Albie (Adam DiMarco) are walking through town at night, enjoying a gelato. It’s during this scene that Lucia unexpectedly runs into a “familiar face.”
Noto
In episode 3, Harper (Aubrey Plaza) and Daphne (Meghann Fahy) take a trip together and rent a stunning palazzo in Noto. However, the estate shown in the series is actually Villa Tasca in Palermo, not in Noto. That said, Noto still makes a beautiful appearance. Harper and Daphne walk down the stairs of Chiesa di San Francesco d’Assisi all’Immacolata, after which Daphne goes to an ATM. Later, they sit on the terrace of La Cattedrale Pizzeria, next to Palazzo Ducezio, with the impressive Cattedrale di San Nicolò in the background.
The White Lotus Beach Club
In episode 4, many scenes are filmed at The White Lotus Beach Club. In reality, this location is the restaurant of UNA HOTELS Capotaormina: Le Grand Bleu. The secluded beach also belongs to this hotel and is accessed through a tunnel. Once on the beach, you can enjoy beautiful views of the small island Isola Bella.
Castello Degli Schiavi
Bert (F. Murray Abraham) takes his son Dominic (Michael Imperioli), grandson Albie (Adam DiMarco) and friend Portia (Haley Lu Richardson) to Castello Degli Schiavi, the estate featured in two The Godfather films, known as Villa Corleone. Located south of Taormina, the estate is not open to the public, but you can visit it on a guided tour.
Isola Bella
In episode 7, Daphne (Meghann Fahy) and Ethan (Will Sharpe) walk along a narrow strip of sand toward the island of Isola Bella. Isola Bella is part of a protected nature reserve and is considered by many to be the most beautiful island along the coast of Sicily.
Bam Bar
The manager of The White Lotus Hotel, Valentina (Sabrina Impacciatore), runs into Bam Bar for a coffee in the morning (episode 3). Bam Bar is located in a charming area of Taormina, surrounded by lovely restaurants. I personally recommend dining across from it at Ristorante Myle e I Suoi Sapori, a great choice!
Etna
If you don’t know where the series is filmed when you start watching, you’ll quickly recognize that it’s Sicily. Mount Etna is prominently featured in many scenes and it’s truly stunning. It’s so characteristic of this Italian island! After watching The White Lotus, you’re sure to want to visit this breathtaking region.
