Where was The White Lotus season 2 filmed? All filming locations explored

The White Lotus season 2
The White Lotus season 2 (Image via HBO)

The White Lotus season 2 takes viewers on a journey through Sicily, blending suspense with breathtaking Italian landscapes. Premiered on HBO on October 30, 2022, this season gained massive popularity, for its mix of mystery, drama, and lush backdrops.

The main filming locations for The White Lotus season 2 deepened the story. Taormina's cobblestone streets, beaches, and historical buildings were featured in the series. Apart from Taormina, the production also visited Noto, Palermo, and Cefalù, creating a memorable visual experience.

Sicily's landscapes were strategically used to enhance plot elements, making the setting crucial to the story. The production team carefully selected story-appropriate locations. Luxury hotels and remote villas were more than backdrops. The White Lotus season 2 showed Italian culture and heritage, highlighting Sicily's landmarks.


The White Lotus season 2: Exploring filming locations

San Domenico Palace, Taormina: The luxurious White Lotus resort

The San Domenico Palace, a Four Seasons hotel in Taormina, is where Season 2 of The White Lotus kicks off. With its breathtaking views and plush rooms, this fancy hotel is where most of the drama in the show takes place.

The hotel shows off the beauty of Sicily and embodies the luxurious and private White Lotus experience. While Albie, Bert, Dominic Di Grasso, and Portia are away from the hotel, they go on an exciting adventure at the nearby ancient Greek Theatre, which was built in the third century BC.


Noto: The Baroque charm and a night to remember

There is a big part for Noto in The White Lotus season 2. It is famous for its baroque architecture and large history. The season's main plot point is Harper and Daphne's day trip to Noto which turns into an overnight stay. With its grand architecture, the beautiful Noto Cathedral is the backdrop for a major scene.

At first glance, Villa Tasca looks like it's in Noto, but it's actually close to Palermo. It is romantic and dramatic at the same time because of its gardens, pool, and neoclassical style.


Cefalù: The scenic beach with a mysterious start

The mysterious and suspenseful beginning and ending scenes of the show were filmed in Cefalù. This town on the northern coast has a lovely sandy beach which became the backdrop for important scenes.

Compared to Taormina's rocky shores, Cefalù's beach has a creepy beauty that goes well with the season's tense elements. This spot sets the right mood for the exciting beginning and end of the season.


Mount Etna and Etna Winery: A volcanic backdrop to rising tensions

Mount Etna, an active volcano, towers over many scenes in season 2 of The White Lotus, giving the show a dramatic background. Harper and Daphne enjoy a wine tasting at the Etna Winery, which is surrounded by volcanoes and has stunning views.

As tensions rise between characters, Mt. Etna's strong presence acts as a visual metaphor for how intense and complicated the relationships in the show are.


Villa Elena: Opulence and intrigue

The White Lotus season 2 (Image via HBO)
The White Lotus season 2 (Image via HBO)

The grand villa where Tanya joins Quentin and his friends is Villa Elena, which is introduced later in the season. Although the scenes filmed here were set in Palermo, the villa is actually located near Noto.

This 17th-century monastery, converted into a villa serves as a luxurious yet enigmatic backdrop for Tanya's exploits. The themes of intrigue and luxury that permeate the storyline are reinforced by the opulent interiors and historic charm, which contribute to the dramatic twists of the show.


Isola Bella: A symbolic island of secrecy and tension

Isola Bella, a small island located near Taormina, is a recurring presence in The White Lotus season 2. A potent metaphor for secrecy and isolation, Isola Bella is visible in numerous scenes.

Themes of tension and betrayal are underscored by the narrow sandbank that connects it to the mainland. Ethan and Daphne walk toward the island in a critical scene, which contributes symbolic depth to their relationship.


Castello degli Schiavi: An iconic Sicilian castle with cinematic history

The historic Castello degli Schiavi is just outside of Taormina. During season 2 of The White Lotus, the Di Grasso family and Portia eat lunch there. This adds another layer of movie history to the show, as the castle links The White Lotus to famous Sicilian settings from several old movies.


Studio Set outside Rome: A controlled space for key indoor scenes

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The White Lotus season 2 is mostly set in Sicily, but some indoor scenes, like hotel room scenes, were shot in a studio near Rome. In this way, the production could control certain environments that were important to the story. The show's look was seamless. It maintained its visual identity using a mix of real locations and studio settings.


The White Lotus season 2 showed the natural beauty and cultural diversity of Sicily. By using real Sicilian landmarks, the show gave viewers an immersive experience that mixed mystery with the beauty of the scenery.

From Taormina's San Domenico Palace to Cefalù's coastline, each place added something different to the story. The carefully chosen settings emphasized the story and the characters' emotional and moral arcs, supporting the show's themes.


The White Lotus season 2 is available to stream on HBO.

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Edited by Gayatri Chivukula
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