You don’t need to be a millionaire to explore these White Lotus S2 filming locations in Sicily

The setting of White Lotus season 2 continues to inspire us nearly three years after its release—and rightly so! The decadence and wild beauty of Sicily is second to none.

Take a special White Lotus tour of Italy with us, and discover the filming locations of this iconic series…along with our predictions for the next season, set to take place in France! Andiamo?

Article overview:

• When the Four Seasons opens its doors
• Scenes filmed in Taormina
• The iconic beach of White Lotus season 2
• Noto: Daphne and Harper’s “spiritual” journey
• Scenes filmed in Palermo
• Excursion ideas in Sicily
• Ferries to Sicily
• Filming locations of other seasons

White Lotus S2: When the Four Seasons opens its doors

Just like S1 (filmed in Hawaii) and S3 (shot in Thailand), the second season of the White Lotus is set in one of the most luxurious hotel chains in the world: the Four Seasons. To give you an idea, a basic suite in Paris would cost around €3,000 per night. For S2, Mike White (director and screenwriter) chose the San Domenico Palace in Taormina, on the east coast of Sicily. This former 14th-century monastery was converted into a hotel in 1897 but was unfortunately bombed during the Second World War. It only became part of the prestigious Four Seasons chain in 2021.

Former monastery San Domenico Palace is now a luxury hotel. Source: iStock.

You don’t need to stay overnight to visit the locations featured in the show, or spend a fortune to do it. Exploring Sicily by ferry with the show’s filming locations as your itinerary is a surprisingly affordable option — here’s how!

White Lotus season 2 scenes filmed in Taormina

Ethan’s morning run

From the highest point of the town, you can admire Taormina’s main historical and tourist attractions. Source: Ferryscanner.

Ethan’s morning run in episode 2, “The Italian Dream”, takes him to the highest point of the town, offering panoramic views of Taormina’s highlights—from the ancient theatre to Isola Bella, including of course the San Domenico Palace.

Be warned: the climb is quite long. As tempting as it may be to run it like Ethan early in the morning, take your time to reach the top! Once there, a small surprise awaits: the Madonna della Rocca sanctuary, carved into the rock, offers spectacular sea views. You can also grab a refreshing drink at the small café at the summit.

Mia and Lucia’s favourite streets

Our two favourite Italian schemers, plotting to extract as much money as possible from the White Lotus guests, know Taormina’s streets like the back of their hand. We often see them walking along a narrow, bustling street filled with tourists during their conversations. This is Corso Umberto, ending at the old city gate Porta Messina.

Before you leave, don’t forget to pick up a souvenir from Corso Umberto. Source: Pixabay.

You’ll find excellent restaurants, souvenir shops, and authentic artisan workshops! It’s located less than a 10-minute walk from the San Domenico Palace.

Isola Bella: Daphne and Ethan’s meeting point

One of the main plotlines of White Lotus season 2 reaches its climax on the small island visible from above. No spoilers—but if you’ve seen the series, you know exactly what we mean!

With its legends, history, and preserved nature, Isola Bella embodies Sicily’s heritage. Source: Unsplash.

Isola Bella is accessible on foot from the shore. Also known as the “Pearl of the Ionian Sea”, it was purchased by the Sicilian region in 1990 and is now a protected natural reserve.

Villa Comunale di Taormina

White Lotus fans know well how Mike White relies on atmosphere to build tension. Some of the season’s most iconic shots were filmed at Villa Comunale di Taormina, a free public garden filled with beautiful flowers, historic structures, and a peaceful yet almost mystical atmosphere.

The Villa Comunale is bursting with colour, freshness, and nature—perfect for recharging your batteries. Source: iStock.

The garden is about a 15-minute walk from the town centre and offers a great view of the Four Seasons hotel.

The iconic beach of White Lotus season 2

You might think the characters simply walked down from their luxury hotel—or had a car drop them off—to enjoy a swim on a private beach. But that’s not entirely true, and that’s the magic of film and television.

The major beach scenes, including the very first one where Daphne goes for a final swim and finds… well, you know! In fact, these scenes were not filmed in Taormina, but in Cefalù, a coastal village in northern Sicily—and yes, it’s absolutely worth a visit!

Cefalù is an authentic Sicilian gem. Its narrow streets and stunning beach transport you into Mediterranean history. Source: Unsplash.

Located about an hour’s drive from Palermo, it’s also accessible by train. Cefalù is charming for its unique seafront, where old buildings with multiple apartments seem to plunge directly into the water—their balconies overlooking the sea.

It also boasts a beautiful cathedral in the town centre, and you’ll love exploring the streets in search of the best arancini—fried rice balls typical of the region.

Cefalù Cathedral is one of Sicily’s most famous landmarks. Source: Unsplash

The main beach scenes of White Lotus season 2 were filmed on Cefalù’s main beach, chosen for its crystal-clear waters and stunning Sicilian backdrop of mountains, churches, and traditional houses.

Noto: Daphne and Harper’s “spiritual” journey

You can’t talk about the filming locations of White Lotus season 2 without mentioning the spectacular town of Noto. Here’s the context again: the two friends-turned-rivals leave their husbands behind for a night to discover the island’s interior on their own. But before checking into a sumptuous palace to rest up (why not, after all?), the two heroines first stop in a town of narrow streets and imposing monuments.

In this cult scene from season 2, they seem to fall into a trance, accompanied by music that is both unsettling and playful, chosen by the series’ brilliant composer Cristobal Tapia de Veer: Ommil Habiba, by Omar Khorshid. The two protagonists wander through the town, apparently hypnotising every man they pass. This scene is in fact a direct reference to another classic film from 1960: L’Avventura, by Franco-Italian director Michelangelo Antonioni.

Noto Cathedral is the centrepiece of the town. Source: Pexels.

But Noto is not famous for White Lotus alone. Over time, the town has served as the backdrop for many productions for both the big and small screen. After being devastated by a terrible earthquake in 1693, Noto adopted the Baroque architecture for which it is now known. Noto Cathedral, which also appears in White Lotus season 2, is an architectural marvel that seems somewhat oversized compared with the rest of the town, wouldn’t you say?

White Lotus season 2 filming locations in Palermo

Palermo is the largest city and the capital of Sicily. It has an industrial port and a ferry terminal linking the island to other key points across the Mediterranean. From Palermo, you can visit the Aeolian Islands (Stromboli, Vulcano, etc.) or return to mainland Italy, including Genoa, near the French border. And all by ferry!

When creating season 2 of White Lotus, Mike White drew inspiration for both his stories and his atmosphere from Sicily’s transient character: a crossroads of cultures. Sicily is a meeting point in the Mediterranean. Did you notice that each season begins with hotel guests arriving by boat? That could be you.

Teatro Massimo: where Tanya is moved by Madame Butterfly

One of the most significant scenes of White Lotus season 2 also takes place in one of Palermo’s most iconic landmarks. The dashing Quentin takes Tanya (played by Jennifer Coolidge) to see Madame Butterfly at the real Teatro Massimo. It is the city’s most recognisable monument, with its imposing dome, majestic columned entrance, and threatening lions.

Teatro Massimo: a well-known gem in the city of Palermo, capital of Sicily. Source: Unsplash.

Like many scenes featured in HBO series, this one was filmed on location. The production team really did set up its equipment and crew inside the theatre for this emotional sequence in which Tanya unknowingly discovers her own fate, mirroring that of Madame Butterfly.

Villa Tasca: perfect for a girls’ night away

During their trip, Daphne and Harper do not just stop in Noto, but decide to spend the night in a villa. Although it is nowhere near Noto, which lies in the east of the island, the scenes from their girls’ getaway were actually filmed in a residence near Palermo: Villa Tasca.

Built in the 14th century by the Baron of Montefalco, it now houses the Tasca family’s private art collection, including historic frescoes. You can, however, visit it with a guide during a tour lasting around 45 minutes.

Visit the gallery on their website to immerse yourself in the atmosphere!

Why did Mike White choose Sicily for White Lotus season 2?

Italian islands offer classic Mediterranean landscapes, mild weather all year round, and a history stretching back thousands of years. If the director chose Sicily as the setting for season 2 of his cult series, it is because the themes of this season revolved around desire, jealousy, and the clash of cultures.

Many legends, from the Iliad and the Odyssey to other island folklore such as the Testa di Moro, deal with these themes. What’s more, Sicily is home to Europe’s largest active volcano: Mount Etna.

The rooftops of the city of Catania, in the east of the island, with the imposing Mount Etna, still an active volcano, in the background: iStock

As with the first season, White wanted to give this one a sense of unavoidable catastrophe. What better way to symbolise that than with a volcano visible from much of the island, and especially from the hotel?

But White could just as easily have chosen other iconic Italian islands. The islands neighbouring Sicily, easily reached by ferry, are less well known and yet just as charming. If you too are travelling to Sicily in true White Lotus style, here’s one tip: don’t do as the extravagant characters in the series do and spend the entire day at the hotel. Head out on an excursion to one of the neighbouring islands.

Our day-trip ideas

Stromboli

A true giant of stone and lava rising from the middle of the sea, Stromboli dominates the landscape and sparks the imagination. Source: iStock.

Island of Aeolus, god of the winds, Stromboli also has a large volcano at its centre. It can be reached from Messina in 2 hours by boat. You will need to leave your car at the port.

⛴️ Ferry route Messina – Stromboli

Levanzo

Small harbour on the island of Levanzo. Source: Ferryscanner.

Located to the west of Sicily’s main island, this small island can be reached in 25 minutes from the port of Trapani. Perfect for a day trip if you are near Palermo! You will need to leave your car at the port.

⛴️ Ferry route Trapani – Levanzo

The rest of the island

Sicily is packed with history, nature, and culture! While the filming locations of White Lotus season 2 are now a must if you are visiting, don’t limit yourself to what you saw on screen. The series obviously did not cover every point of interest.

Want to discover more about the island? Read our article on what makes Sicily an Italian island full of magic.

Ferries to Sicily from France

Are you travelling directly from France by car? No problem! The journey is very manageable in stages, and once on the island, you will really benefit from exploring it on four wheels. To reach Sicily by car from France, there are several options, but in every case, you will need to take a ferry.

Unlike islands close to the coast such as Noirmoutier or Île d’Oléron, Sicily is not connected to the mainland by a bridge. The nearest point to the toe of Italy’s boot is Messina, but even there, you will still need to board a ferry to reach the island.

Route with less driving time

A majestic GNV ferry sailing through crystal-clear waters. Source: Grandi Navi Veloci.

If you would rather arrive in Sicily more directly and take your time once you are there exploring the sets and filming locations of White Lotus season 2, you will still need to make your way to the South of France.

1. Head for Nice, then Menton.
2. Cross the Italian border.
3. Travel to Genoa (the stop is worth it!).
4. Take a Genoa–Palermo ferry.

⛴️ Information about the Genoa–Palermo route

• Crossing time: around 20 hours depending on the vessel and weather conditions
• Ferry companies: Grandi Navi Veloci
• Can you board with a car or campervan? yes (subject to availability)
• Cabins on board: available (depending on the vessel)
• Price: from €80.80 (indicative)
• 🎟️ More information and tickets for the route here.

With this route, you will spend less time driving, reach Sicily more directly, and can book a cabin on board. Grandi Navi Veloci offers all the services and facilities needed to make your trip pleasant. Your crossing will be part of your White Lotus adventure!

Half driving, half ferry route

A motorhome or van: freedom at its purest! Perfect for exploring wild Sardinia. Source: Pexels

Driving can also be part of the journey, and discovering mainland Italy before heading to Sicily can be a lovely way to make your holiday last longer. For this alternative, we suggest making a few stops on Italy’s north-west coast before continuing to Salerno (south of Naples) to take the ferry.

1. Head for Nice, then Menton.
2. Cross the Italian border.
3. Make your first stop in Florence.
4. Make your second stop in Rome.
5. Travel to Salerno.
6. Take a Salerno–Messina ferry.

⛴️ Information about the Salerno–Messina route

• Crossing time: around 9 hours depending on the vessel and weather conditions
• Ferry companies: Caronte & Tourist
• Can you board with a car or campervan? yes (subject to availability)
• Cabins on board: available (depending on the vessel)
• Price: from €37.50 (indicative)
• 🎟️ More information and tickets for the route here.

With this route, you will drive a little longer and get to discover Italy before reaching Sicily. It is also a slightly more economical option, and you will spend less time on board. Caronte & Tourist offers all the services and facilities needed to make your trip pleasant.

Ticket tip: if you are planning to travel in peak season, book your ferry tickets as soon as your dates are more or less set—especially if you are travelling with a vehicle. Prices and availability can vary.

Where were the other seasons of White Lotus filmed?

Seasons 1 and 3

As mentioned earlier, season 1 of White Lotus was filmed at the Wailea Resort Maui in Hawaii. HBO had originally put the series aside, but during Covid, executives wanted to produce something in a closed setting in order to comply with health restrictions with a limited number of actors and crew members… and that is when the project was revived and went on to become the success it is today.

Season 3, meanwhile, was filmed in Thailand, mostly on the island of Koh Samui. That is where the Four Seasons of the same name is located. Ferryscanner has also recently expanded its destinations to Asia, and it is entirely possible to visit the filming locations from the Thai peninsula! As White Lotus fans ourselves, we were thrilled by the news. A little trip to Thailand is hard to resist. To reach the island and embrace the “Buddhism” vibe, the easiest option is to depart from Lomprayah.

A little slice of paradise awaits you on the island of Koh Samui, accessible by ferry from the peninsula. Source: Unsplash.

⛴️ Information about the Lomprayah – Koh Samui route

• Crossing time: around 4 hours depending on the vessel and weather conditions
• Ferry companies: Lomprayah Ferries
• Can you board with a car or campervan?
• Cabins on board:
• Price: from €24.91 (indicative)
• 🎟️ More information and tickets for the route here.

Season 4

If you are a fan, you probably already know… Season 4 will be filmed in France! Some speculation suggests that the plot could take place between the French Riviera and Paris, a bit like season 3, part of which was filmed in Bangkok. If Mike White wants to remain faithful to his island atmosphere, however, it is not impossible that the splendid landscapes of Corsica will be brought to the fore!

As for the cast… although no French actor has officially announced their participation yet, Helena Bonham Carter’s name has been circulating. We might also expect the return of Chloe, played by French-speaking Canadian actress Charlotte Le Bon.

Feel like you’re at the White Lotus with Ferryscanner

Islands are our speciality! So it is hardly surprising that at Ferryscanner, we are die-hard White Lotus fans. And for a trip inspired by White Lotus season 2, the ferry is not just a logistical detail: it is often the easiest way to reach Sicily, travel with more luggage, or bring your car along so you can explore the filming locations at your own pace.

In White Lotus season 2, we discovered Sicily’s landscapes and unique culture on our screens. What if you turned fiction into reality? Sicily is only a few hours away—or one comfortable night in a cabin by ferry—from the French and Italian coasts! Book your ferry tickets on Ferryscanner or via our mobile app and relive the iconic scenes of this second season—from Palermo to Cefalù, from Taormina to Noto.

And once you are on board, don’t forget to spare a thought for our dear Tanya!

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