Last Updated on March 8, 2026
Two popular television shows played an important role in boosting vacations to Italy: Season 2 of The White Lotus and Season 3 of Succession. The White Lotus was entirely filmed on the island of Sicily, specifically in Taormina. While parts of Season 3 of Succession were filmed amongst the gorgeous hills of the Val d’Orcia region in Tuscany. Both shows demonstrate what it means to take a vacation in Italy: gorgeous sceneries, luxurious palazzos, friendly locals, interesting history, vibrant culture and of course- amazing Mediterranean cuisine. I’m a big fan of The White Lotus show and would love to take you through five outstanding White Lotus Filming locations in Italy that you can visit (Season two).
Table of contents
Estimated reading time: 12 minutes
What is The White Lotus about?
Chances are that you’ve heard of HBO‘s The White Lotus television series. If not, I will quickly introduce it here:
The White Lotus is a drama-comedy television series that revolves around the lives of guests and staff at a fictional luxury resort over the course of a week. Every episode follows the dramatic and sometimes sinister events connected to the fictional resort. Every season begins with a death. The series is known for its sharp social commentary, character development and dark humor, as it takes a critical look at issues of class, race and wealth in society.
A short introduction to Sicily, Italy
Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean and a region known for its history, culture, and natural beauty, including the iconic Mount Etna. The island’s cuisine is a delightful fusion of Mediterranean flavors, offering delicious dishes like arancini, cannoli and pasta (with fresh seafood).
Five outstanding White Lotus Filming locations in Sicily, Italy
Below I will take you through five outstanding White Lotus Filming locations in Italy including San Vito Lo Capo, Cefalù, Noto, Palermo and Scropello:
1. San Vito Lo Capo: the real-life White Lotus resort
The heart of The White Lotus is the outstanding resort where guests unravel their (funny) stories. The White Lotus resort in Sicily is located in San Vito Lo Capo (location). This beach town boasts crystal-clear waters, pretty beaches and stunning views of the Tyrrhenian Sea. It’s the perfect place to stroll along the beach, enjoy some water sports or simply relax under the Mediterranean sun.
To be precise, San Domenico Palace, the Four Seasons Hotel was the resort where season 2 of The White Lotus was filmed. It’s a beautiful resort situated high on the rocks on Sicily’s north east coast. The resort consists of 111 beautiful furnished rooms and suites. It also features a Michelin-starred restaurant, a spa, ancient gardens and an outdoor infinity pool, that offers breathtaking views of the Ionian Sea.
You can book the hotel via the official website or via an online booking platform like Booking.com or Bluepillow. If you can’t afford to stay at the resort itself, you can capture the essence of the series by waking around in this charming Sicilian town and indulging yourself in the delicious Sicilian cuisine.
Another popular thing to do in San Vito Lo Capo is hiking the nearby Zingaro Nature Reserve (location). This reserve is a protected known for its coastal cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and hiking trails. The reserve is home to diverse flora and fauna and features coves and beaches perfect for swimming or relaxing. To enter the reserve, you need to purchase a ticket at one of its two entrances: Scopello, at the southern end, or San Vito Lo Capo, at the northern end. Tickets are available at the visitor centers located at these access points, and they are reasonably priced. More info: https://www.riservazingaro.it/en/information/
Tip: plan to arrive early, especially during peak tourist season, to make the most of your visit!
2. Cefalù: the opening scene and mysterious cave
The opening scene of Season two was filmed on the Lido di Cefalù beach of Cefalù, up on the northern coast of Sicily and a 1-hour drive from Palermo. Here, Daphne (Meghann Fahy) finds a body floating in the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean.
Cefalù (location) is a picturesque coastal town known for its stunning beaches, historic charm and breathtaking landscapes. The iconic Norman Cathedral (location), a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the Piazza Marina (location) are two of the most fascinating attractions in Cefalù.
Although the show didn’t disclose the exact filming location of the mysterious cave in season two, Grotta dell’Olio is believed to be the cave from some amazing scenes. This sea cave is known for its blue waters and unique rock formations. You can access the cave by swimming, canoe or guided boat that are usually waiting in front of the cave. In the cave you have the opportunity to climb a small rock so that you can admire everything in peace.
Tip: If you decide to visit Cefalù, I also recommend visiting the Madonie National Park (location) or hiking up La Rocca (location).
3. Noto: a beautiful city and Villa Elena
Daphne (Meghann Fahy) and Harper (Aubrey Plaza) take a day trip to Noto in season two. Noto is located in the south-east of Sicily and perhaps the second best known city of the island. It’s well-known for its spectacular Baroque architecture and limestone piazzas.
Daphne and Harper spend an afternoon shopping around Piazza del Municipio (location). This is a baroque town square surrounded by centuries-old palazzos that now house boutiques and cafes, as well as the Noto Cathedral (location).
In the fifth episode of the series, you can see the villa of Quentin and his friends in Palermo. The location used is the beautiful Villa Elena, which is actually just outside the town of Noto. It’s a former 17th century convent that interior designer Jacques Garcia bought and renovated.
4. Palermo: Villa Tasca and the Teatro Massimo
After spending the day in Noto, Daphne (Meghann Fahy) and Harper (Aubrey Plaza) spend the night in a palazzo (Villa Tasca) in Palermo. This palazzo is amazing and consists of four ensuite bedrooms, toweringly tall ceilings and windows, beautiful Italian art, stunning rugs, marble bathrooms and gardens with a swimming pool. If you’d like to experience this super luxurious palazzo yourself, you can book for a minimum stay of 3 nights at Villa Tasca.
Palermo itself offers a rich blend of history, architecture, and cuisine. In season two, Tanya (Jennifer Coolidge) attends a performance at the Teatro Massimo in Palermo (location). This theater is one of the most beautiful in Sicily and the third largest in Europe. Unfortunately, the Teatro Massimo was not available at the time of filming, so it only appears from the outside.
Tip: you can join guided tours to admire the interior of the Teatro Massimo, including the auditorium, the Royal Box, and the Hall of Mirrors. For an even more immersive experience, consider attending a live performance or an opera, which allows you to witness its world-class acoustics firsthand. Tickets for a performance can be purchased online through the Teatro Massimo’s official website or at the box office, and it’s recommended to book in advance during peak travel seasons.
I also recommend strolling through Palermo’s streets to discover the culture and try some local food. Consider joining a guided street food and historical walking tour, such as this one. You’ll get to taste traditional specialties like arancini, panelle, and cannoli while learning fascinating stories about Palermo.
5. Scopello: exploring natural beauty
Scopello, a small village on the northwest coast of Sicily (location), is another filming location for The White Lotus. The rugged coastline, dramatic cliffs and beautiful beaches provide the perfect backdrop for the show’s outdoor scenes.
Be sure to visit the Faraglioni di Scopello (location), a beautiful sea with some rocks. The entrance ticket is around 15 EUR per person and contains a guided tour of the little tuna fishing museum. There are some little boutiques with toilets, drinks and snacks. I recommend going by boat to Faraglioni di Scopello to avoid the crowds on the beach and parking costs for your car.
More White Lotus filming locations
Some other White Lotus Filming locations that are worth to visit in Italy:
- Planeta Sciaranuova, Castiglione di Sicilia (location)
- Isola Bella, Taormina (guide to Taormina)
- Greek Theatre of Taormina (official website or Skip-the-Line Ticket & Audio Guide)
- Castello degli Schiavi, Fiumefreddo (location)
How to travel to Sicily, Italy?
Sicily, being an island in southern Italy, can be reached by various modes of transportation. Here are some common ways to reach Sicily:
- By air: The most common way to reach Sicily is by flying into one of its major airports. The two main airports are Catania-Fontanarossa Airport (CTA) on the east coast and Falcone-Borsellino Airport (PMO) in Palermo on the northwest coast. Many international flights connect to these airports. Use Skyscanner to find the most comfortable and cheapest flight.
- By sea: Sicily is well-connected by ferry services from mainland Italy. There are ferry routes from cities like Naples, Genoa, and Livorno to various ports in Sicily, including Palermo, Messina, and Catania.
- By train and ferry: You can take a train to cities on the mainland (such as Reggio Calabria) and then board a ferry to Sicily.
- By car: If you’re traveling from mainland Italy, you can drive to Sicily. The Strait of Messina is crossed by the Messina Bridge. Keep in mind that driving in Sicily requires attention to local driving habits and regulations.
- By bus and ferry: Long-distance buses connect various cities in Italy, and some may include ferry services to Sicily.
Transportation tip
I always use 12GoAsia when traveling in other countries. With just a few taps, you can easily book a ride ensuring a seamless and budget-friendly travel experience. Most of the time, you will receive a digital transportation ticket, so you don’t have to worry about printing.
Some practical tips for visiting Sicily, Italy
Here are some practical tips for visiting Sicily, Italy:
- Timing and weather: Sicily enjoys a Mediterranean climate, so the best time to visit is during the spring (April to June) or the fall (September to October) when the weather is pleasantly warm and the crowds are smaller.
- Cuisine: Try local specialties like arancini (rice balls), pasta alla norma, pasta con le sarde, cannoli, granita and fresh seafood.
- Language: While Italian is the official language, many Sicilians also speak Sicilian. It’s helpful to learn a few basic Italian phrases or have a translation app handy.
- Cash: While credit cards are widely accepted, it’s a good idea to have some cash on hand, especially in smaller towns and markets.
- Reservations: During peak tourist seasons, it’s a good idea to make reservations for accommodations and popular restaurants in advance to avoid disappointment. Some useful platforms to find and book accommodations are Bluepillow, Airbnb, Booking.com or Hostelworld.
- Beach etiquette: When visiting the beaches, remember that many areas have both public and private sections. Be prepared to pay a fee for access to certain private beach clubs with amenities.
- Adapters: Sicily uses the Europlug Type C and Type F sockets, so bring the appropriate power adapters if needed.
Conclusion
By visiting these filming locations in Sicily, you can immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes and rich culture of Italy that made the White Lotus so captivating. As you plan your visit, keep in mind the practical tips mentioned to make the most of your journey. Whether you’re a fan of the White Lotus or simply are seeking a vacation in Italy, I am sure that Sicily will leave you with lasting memories of la dolce vita.
If you have any questions about the above mentioned information, please let me know in the comment section below. I’m happy to help you. Safe travels!
Save for later!
Pin this post for later if you’re planning to visit White Lotus Filming Locations.
