The White Lotus, HBO’s award-winning satirical drama, returned in Season 2 with a brand-new setting: the breathtaking island of Sicily. From ancient theatres and charming seaside towns to luxury hotels and dramatic landscapes, Sicily’s cinematic appeal set the perfect backdrop for another round of intrigue and lavish escapism. In this article, discover all the real-life filming locations featured in the show and how you can visit them yourself.
Read this article in DutchSan Domenico Palace: the real White Lotus Hotel in Taormina
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 iconic beach scenes from The White Lotus
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. Nice accommodation in Cefalù: Duomo Apartments Cefalù
Teatro Antico di Taormina: a historic backdrop in the series
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: where the guests arrive in episode 1
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! Nice accommodation in Taormina Bay: Residence Villa Il Glicine
Giardino Pubblico: peaceful moments in the city park
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 & Porta di Mezzo: iconic arches seen in the series
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: an evening walk through Taormina’s city gate
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: baroque beauty and a surprising villa location
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. Beautiful accommodation in Noto: Hotel Porta Reale
Le Grand Bleu: the real White Lotus Beach Club setting
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: The Godfather villa featured in The White Lotus
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: the romantic beach walk in episode 7
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: Valentina’s morning coffee spot in Taormina
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!
Majestic Mount Etna: a volcanic backdrop in the series
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.
