01/24/2023
Let's talk about the show "the White Lotus"
Have you binged the White Lotus season two yet? If so, you know where is your next Italian destination. After the success of the White Lotus series, it seems like Sicily is being discovered again, mostly the places shown in the famed series, but there is more!
Sicily is a Mediterranean paradise, where beauty, culture, and history merge together. A magical land forged by Mount Etna, one of the world’s most active volcanoes. Etna’s dominating presence divides the island into an idyllic east and a bustling west.
In the series, the town of Taormina is kind of “still the scene”, and here is why: Taormina, the coastal hilltown so close to Mount Etna that the Greeks made it a backdrop for their Teatro Greco, an ancient theater overlooking the sea. It is proof of the centuries bequeathed Roman, medieval, and Baroque architecture, and creates a perfect destination, including the famed San Domenico Palace, Taormina, A Four Seasons Hotel that serves as The White Lotus.
Some of eastern Sicily’s most picturesque beaches are just off Taormina, like Isola Bella, a tiny island connected to the mainland by a narrow path where we see Daphne and Ethan walking in the finale. Some of the beach scenes, however, were filmed in the sandier Cefalu, which is located in northern Sicily. This small town is certainly one that’s worth a visit while you’re staying in Sicily. Visiting the Madonie National Park or hiking up La Rocca is highly recommended. There are also small coastal towns to explore such as Letojanni, Furci Siculo, and Giarre.
While the Sicilian coast is gorgeous, inland is worth exploring, especially the Val di Noto in southeastern Sicily. Of the eight towns, the top of the list is Noto, Modica, and Ragusa, a triumvirate of Sicilian Baroque. Each city feels like a fairy tale, with ornate cathedrals and palaces of yellow sandstone.
The White Lotus journeys one week in the lives of guests at Taormina’s ritziest resort, with a trip to Noto and Palermo, but for a true taste of authentic Sicily, look beyond the places depicted on the show.
On the other side of Sicily, you can have a completely different experience. If you were intrigued by the scenes shot at the ancient Greek theater in Taormina, you might want to explore the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, a UNESCO World Heritage site. If you go in summer, take an evening tour to avoid the crowds and sweltering heat. On the way there, you can visit the Scala dei Turchi, a sinuous cliff made of dazzling white marl rock. You can sunbathe and swim at the beaches where the cliff descends gently into the sea and sip an Aperol Spritz while watching the sunset. The nearby town of Sciacca is known for hand-painted ceramics like the Moor’s heads that decorate the White Lotus.
If you’re looking for a spacious, five-star resort experience without the chaos, we have some excellent villas available. Why not treat yourself to a stay away from the crowds, with a full service at your request - we particularly recommend indulging in a private chef to dish up their favorite Sicilian gastronomical delights. Other enviable features include the tennis courts, extensive grounds, enchanting gardens, and luxurious interiors - pure perfection. Combine comfort, charm, and luxury.
This itinerary is just a starting point as all services are 100% customizable to suit your travel wants and needs. Looking for different hotels, other experiences, or an alternative route? Get in touch with WINKITALY today to receive your personalized itinerary.
More info: [email protected] and get to discover the other side of Sicily.