The White Lotus - and Its Sparkling Sicilian Filming Locations - is Taking the World by Storm


Where is The White Lotus filmed?
If you’ve been watching The White Lotus and wondering where such a stunning backdrop could exist (it’s almost unreal), the answer is one of our favourite holiday destinations - Sicily. We’re not surprised they chose it. The island is a visual feast, from the beautiful architecture to the jaw-dropping natural beauty - including the iconic Mount Etna.
More specifically, many of the scenes in the new series are filmed in the seaside resort of Taormina, a village on the eastern side of the island, not far from Mount Etna itself. That’s where you’ll find the hotel, which plays host to many of the key parts of the series.


© HBO
What is The White Lotus about?
The White Lotus follows the dramatic and sometimes sinister events connected to a fictional hotel chain. While in the first season the hotel is based in Hawaii, it jumps to another in Sicily for the second.
Jennifer Collidge reprises her role as the glamorous Tanya, but this time she’s joined by new faces including the enigmatic Aubrey Plaza. The show itself follows the intricate lives of both the guests and employees at the hotel, with comedy and intrigue around every turn. This series serves us a mystery from episode one, so we won’t reveal any more details than that - no spoilers here!
What does ‘white lotus’ mean?
The ancient Egyptians were some of the first to use the white lotus as a symbol of purity. This is because they grow out of the mud, but emerge white and unblemished. These flowers are, therefore, also seen as a symbol of rebirth and new beginnings, something that the staff and guests of The White Lotus are trying to achieve themselves.
What to watch after The White Lotus
If you’re after beautifully shot shows with amazing backdrops, complex characters and plenty of suspense, then you might now be asking what can scratch your White Lotus itch next?
One series we love is Inspector Montalbano, also set in Sicily, which has brought the towns of Ragusa, Scicli, Noto and Modica to life. This series is perfect for anyone who loves a detective story filled with twists and turns and a gorgeous Mediterranean backdrop.
We’d also recommend revisiting The Durrells, the story of an eccentric English family that becomes enthralled with the enchanting island of Corfu. This show is truly a love letter to the Ionian Island it’s set on, and shows off just why it’s one of our favourite holiday destinations. And once you’ve watched it, why not also book to stay in the house featured in the series? We are accepting bookings for the historic and glorious Posillipo, where many of the show’s scenes were filmed.
Still not sold that The Durrells should be the next show on your watchlist? Read through our blog post dedicated to series for more information on the plot, setting and more.If you’ve been wanting to jump into your TV screen to visit the beautiful resort in The White Lotus, now is the time to make that fantasy a reality. Take a look at the villas we have on offer for more inspiration, or contact us for assistance in planning your White Lotus-inspired adventure in Sicily.