- Following The White Lotus series 2 being aired in 2022, bookings for Sicily increased by double according to data from Italian specialists Citalia, known as ‘The White Lotus effect’
- Searches for ‘where was The White Lotus season 2 filmed’ and ‘Sicily holidays’ have increased +5000% over the past 30 days
- Heather Green, Head Of Product at Citalia comments on the rise of “set jetting” in the region and real-life locations you can visit from the show
Coined “set jetting” many of us are keen to step into the locations that play backdrop to some of our favourite on-screen stories – and Sicily plays the picture-perfect backdrop to many famous movies and TV shows from The Godfather, to The White Lotus. In fact, following season 2 of The White Lotus being filmed in the area, Italian specialists Citalia saw a +100% increase in bookings in Sicily the year 2022 to 2023.¹
As searches for ‘where was The White Lotus season 2 filmed’ and ‘Sicily holidays’ increasing +5000% in the past 30 days², Heather Green, Head Of Product of Citalia has shared the Sicilian holiday locations that played backdrop to the show.
Taormorina
Taormina, perched on a cliff overlooking the Ionian Sea, is a Sicilian treasure that blends ancient charm with modern luxury. Renowned for its Greco-Roman amphitheatre and Greek ruins, the historic town also offers chic boutiques like Dior and Louis Vuitton, alongside quaint cocktail bars. Fans of The White Lotus will recognize Taormina as a key backdrop in Season 2, Corso Umberto, a lively street linking Porta Catania to Porta Messina, with Piazza IX Aprile at its centre, recognisable to fans of the show. Local delicacies, from olives to limoncello, make for delightful souvenirs of your Sicilian stay.
A highlight is the Teatro Antico, showcased in Episode 4 when Albie takes his family and Portia to visit. The amphitheatre, with a diameter of 390 feet, is Sicily’s second-largest and still hosts concerts today. Its well-preserved walls frame a stunning view of Mount Etna, offering an unforgettable experience and cementing Taormina as a must-visit destination.
Noto
Good news for fans of The White Lotus: Daphne and Harper’s memorable trip to Noto was filmed in the real town. The scene captures them walking down the grand steps of the Chiesa di San Francesco d’Assisi all’Immacolata, where Harper leans against the steps as Daphne heads to a nearby cashpoint—which, yes, is actually there in real life.
Intoxicatingly beautiful the city is recognised as a UNESCO world heritage site, and as you walk the Corso Vittorio Emanuele, you’ll pass sandstone buildings that look like they’re permanently in golden hour mode.
Cefalù Beach
The series most iconic scenes were backdropped by stunning beach views, and for travellers looking to combine relaxation with film tourism, you’ll be pleased to know they were filmed at Cefalù beach on Sicily’s northern coast. The opening beach scene takes place in this picturesque town, known for its golden sands, dramatic cliffs, and charming old-world vibe.
Cefalù is about a 3-hour drive from Taormina and is well worth a visit. Explore the breathtaking Madonie National Park or hike up La Rocca, a towering rocky outcrop offering panoramic views. Along the way, you’ll discover ancient treasures like the Temple of Diana, dedicated to the Roman goddess of the hunt, nestled among its historic streets. And if you’re feeling indulgent, why not hire a yacht to complete The White Lotus experience?
Etna Wineries
Great news for wine enthusiasts: the wine tasting scenes from The White Lotus were filmed at a real winery on the slopes of Mount Etna. This region is celebrated for its mineral-rich soil and high-altitude vineyards, which produce distinctive wines like Nerello Mascalese and Carricante.
A visit to an Etna winery is an unforgettable experience, offering tastings of these unique wines alongside local Sicilian delicacies. With breathtaking views of the volcano and a deep dive into the island’s winemaking heritage, it’s a perfect way to explore Sicily’s vibrant culture and flavours.
Commenting Heather Green Head Of Product of Citalia said “Sicily has history, style, picturesque views, and amazing food in abundance – so it’s of little surprise that it has played backdrop to some of the world’s most iconic moments in TV and cinema. As travellers look to tread the steps of some of their favourite characters, ‘set jetting’ continues to be a popular trend – and ‘The White Lotus effect’ has had a significant effect on interest in Sicilian holidays in recent years, with bookings for the area up +100% over the 2022 to 2023 period.”
To discover more of Sicily and multi-centre holiday offerings in the area, please visit: https://www.citalia.com/holidays/italy/sicily-and-the-aeolian-islands/
Citalia are also offering up to £200 off of twin-destination and multi-destination holidays until 31st of January 2025.
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