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Visit the Real Locations from The White Lotus in Sicily

View of Etna and Duomo Catania, Catania, Sicily, Italy
View of Etna and Duomo Catania, Catania, Sicily, Italy | Photo by Samir Kharrat on Unsplash

The trend of Setjetting has been going in popularity in recent years. Film fans, TV aficionados and even casual travellers are looking for the real locations they’ve seen on screen. Here’s a look at how Culture Trip’s Sicily itinerary takes in some of the best places to see on the Italian island on a journey worthy of an Oscar!
Want to see Spectacular Sicily in all its cinematic glory? Join Culture Trip on an epic exploration of the Italian Island this year.

Where was ‘The White Lotus’ season 2 filmed?

The first series of The White Lotus focussed on a fictional luxury hotel in Hawaii. Guests and employees would drive the plot in darkly-comedic directions but it was the setting that truly allowed the viewer to experience the glamorous location. The show made a successful debut and a second season was quickly announced. Fans wondered where the next instalment would take place, and soon enough we were told that we would be visiting a branch of the White Lotus franchise in Sicily.

Sicily is known for its diverse landscapes, stunning beaches, ancient ruins, Baroque towns, and delicious cuisine. The show’s production team chose some of the most famous and picturesque locations in Sicily to portray the exotic destination. We’ve also got a fabulous trip to Sicily which features some of the iconic settings you would have seen on screen.

The streets of Palermo

Palermo is the capital city of Sicily and one of the most charming cities in Italy. It is known for its stunning architecture, lively markets, and rich history. In the show, some scenes were filmed in the Teatro Massimo, the largest opera house in Italy, and the Mercato Ballarò, a bustling open-air market.

Taormina is a picturesque hill town located on the eastern coast of Sicily. It is known for its stunning views of Mount Etna, its ancient Greek theater, and its elegant main street, Corso Umberto. In the show, some scenes were filmed at the Grand Hotel Timeo, a luxurious hotel that has hosted many celebrities and dignitaries.

Cefalù is a scenic coastal town located on the northern coast of Sicily. It is known for its sandy beaches, winding streets, and impressive Norman cathedral. The show features scenes filmed in the historical center of Cefalù that highlight the town’s charm and ambiance.
In The White Lotus, viewers get a glimpse of Noto‘s breathtaking beauty, which includes its intricately designed buildings, palaces, and cathedrals. The town’s architecture is particularly impressive, featuring decorative balustrades, statues, and carvings that have been carefully preserved over centuries. One of the standout structures in Noto is the Cathedral of Saint Nicholas, which is considered one of the finest examples of Baroque architecture in Italy. The cathedral’s stunning facade features intricate carvings, statues, and columns that make it a must-see for visitors to the town.

Films and TV shows shot in Sicily

The Godfather Trilogy: The iconic mafia saga was filmed extensively in Sicily, capturing the island’s rugged beauty and intimate relationship with organized crime. Scenes from the first two Godfather films were shot in the historic town of Corleone, which lent its name to the protagonist’s family. The third movie, however, was set in Palermo, the bustling capital of the island.

The idyllic setting of Scopello in Sicily

Cinema Paradiso: The Italian classic was partly filmed in the town of Scopello, an idyllic village located in the northwest of Sicily. Its famous Tonnara, a complex of ancient tuna fishing nets and buildings, serves as the backdrop for some of the movie’s most iconic scenes.

Malena: The coming-of-age drama starring Monica Bellucci was shot in the town of Siracusa, an ancient city with a rich history that combines Greek, Roman, and Byzantine influences. The film portrays the town’s charm and ethereal beauty through its architecture and landscapes.

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny: The fifth installment of the Indiana Jones franchise is set to be released in the summer of 2023. The production is set to feature several iconic locations on the island, like the ancient theater of Taormina and the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento. You can spot some of the locations in the trailer, and the film, which once again stars Harrison Ford as the swashbuckling lead character, will undoubtably host even more action from the movie.

About the author

Cassam Looch has been working within travel for more than a decade. An expert on film locations and set jetting destinations, Cassam is also a keen advocate of the many unique things to do in his home city of London. With more than 50 countries visited (so far), Cassam also has a great take on the rest of the world.

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