White Lotus Tour of Sicily
Let us take you on a tour of all the filming locations used in the popular TV show White Lotus’ Season 2! The show begins when the hotel guests arrive in Taromina, Sicily, a resort town located on a hilltop on the Northeast side of the island. Taormina overlooks the Ionian Sea and near Mount Etna, an active volcano. "White Lotus" executive producer David Bernad told People Magazine. "It has so much personality, Taormina is this very ancient city up in the hills, and you feel the history and the life that's been lived there."
San Domenico Palace, a Four Seasons Property
San Domenico Palace, a Four Seasons property, is the venue used as the main hotel where the families are staying. This property’s origins go as far back as the 14th century when this building was used as a convent. It was transformed into a luxury hotel in 1896. This property has hosted notable historical figures including Oscar Wilde, Elizabeth Taylor and Audrey Hepburn. This beautiful hotel has views of the sea, Mount Etna and the Greek Theater- Teatro Antico di Taormina. Swim in the infinity edge pool, dine at Michelin-starred restaurants and stroll in the magnificant gardens featured in the show.
San Domenico pool and views of Sicily
Another picturesque luxury hotel we would be remiss not to mention in Taormina is the Belmond Timeo. At both the Belmond Timeo and the Four Seasons, Live The Dream Travel clients receive exclusive benefits and perks to ensure the the perfect White Lotus luxury living experience.
Belmond Timeo, Taormina, Sicily
Belmond Timeo, Taormina, Sicily
First scene of the show
The majestic beach that appears in the very first scene is Cefalù Beach which is actually on the other side of Sicily but had the look the producers wanted for the scene.
Cefalu Beach, Sicily
Episode 2
The second episode takes us to the Greek Theatre of Taormina: a historical landmark dating back to the third century B.C. and has hosted gladiator games during the Roman Empire. It was directly carved into the rocks of Monte Tauro..
Teatro Antico di Taormina Sicily
Episode 3
In the third episode, the DiGrassos (along with Portia) go on another day tour as part of their mission to reconnect with their Sicilian roots. Because of their love for the movie, The Godfather, their first stop is to Castello degli Schiavi.
In the 1972 film The Godfather, Castello degli Schiavi stood as the grand estate where Michael Corleone was sent to hide from his mafia father’s enemies. It sits on the outskirts of Fiumefreddo, a town 30 minutes from Taormina.
Girls’ Trip, also episode 3
Daphne and Harper take a last minute girls’ trip and spend an afternoon shopping around Piazza del Municipio: a baroque town square surrounded by centuries-old palazzos that now house boutiques and cafes. Daphne and Harper also stroll down the steps of the Noto Cathedral.
What was supposed to be a day trip to Noto ends up as an overnight stay in Palazzo Ducezio, which Daphne disguised as a whim to play mind games with her husband. Standing in for this Noto spot is Villa Tasca which is actually in Palermo.
Villa Tasca, Palermo
Villa Tasca Interior shown in that episode
Villa Tasca pool where Daphne reveals to Harper that she and her husband have an understanding…
Episode 5
In the fifth episode, the friendly Europeans invite Tanya and Portia to a manor in Palermo. Villa Elena is a 17th centry monastery that was later revived into the Sicilian home of world renowned French architect Jacques Garcia.
Villa Elena Palermo, Sicily Season 2 episode 5
Villa Elena dining room shown as a sitting room in episode 5.
Also during episode 5, we see Harper and Daphne with husbands in tow walking through the beautiful wine estate Planeta Sciaranuova, Castiglione di Sicilia situated at the foot of Mt. Etna. Enjoy wine sampling and tasting menus produced from the vineyard’s volcanic soil.
Isola Bella appears several times, and is the scene of Daphne and Ethan’s mysterious walk after Ethan says that something might have happened between his wife and Daphne’s husband.
This small island is reachable by foot across a narrow strip called Mazzaro Beach. On this island resides a mansion and gardens made public property in 1990 and is protected by Italian wildlife conservation laws. Enjoy exploring the property or take a swim and find the hidden caves.
Isola Bella, Taormina Sicily
The chic resort town of Taormina is a favorite for high rollers and celebrities. Its rocky facade boasts designer shopping, breathtaking views and ancient artifacts at the base of Mount Etna. It is not surprising that White Lotus producers chose this costal city for its backdrop.
To learn more about Sicily, explore our Sicily Family Blog.
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