Sicily, Italy
White Lotus Season 2 filmed in Taormina and other parts of Sicily, and the show's aesthetic wasn't contrived — it was do…
Best Time: April–May or September–October (warm, fewer tourists than summer)
Daily Budget: $45–75 (accommodation $25–45, food $12–20, activities $8–15)
Getting There: Fly to Palermo or Catania, rent car for island exploration
Visa: Schengen visa (if required); Italy Schengen member
Currency: Euro (1 USD ≈ 0.93 EUR)
Language: Italian and Sicilian; English in tourist areas
Why Go
White Lotus Season 2 filmed in Taormina and other parts of Sicily, and the show's aesthetic wasn't contrived — it was documentary. The Baroque architecture of Modica and Ragusa is actually that ornate. The beaches are actually that blue. The food is actually that good.
Sicily isn't undiscovered (it's been touristed for centuries), but the show boosted interest in a specific way. Now you go to Sicily knowing what to expect, which ironically makes it easier to find the parts worth visiting. The island has two coasts (Ionian and Tyrrhenian), multiple small cities with distinct identities, and landscapes that shift from beach resorts to mountain villages to wine country.
The eastern coast (Taormina, Modica, Ragusa) has the dramatic cliffs and Baroque towns. The northern coast (Palermo, Mondello, Cefalù) has port energy and street food. The western coast (Marsala wine region, Mondello beaches) is quieter. Plan for 5–7 days minimum — rushing Sicily defeats the purpose.
Top Experiences
Taormina town walk and Teatro Greco: The main set location from the show. Walk the main street (Corso Umberto), visit the ancient Greek theatre ($8 entry). Sunset views of the coast are free from public areas. Expect crowds.
Modica and Ragusa Baroque towns: Staircase streets, ornate buildings, less crowded than Taormina. Free to walk. Climb the steps of Modica's church ($8 entry inside). $5–10 for meals at local spots.
Mondello Beach day trip: Just outside Palermo. Cheaper than Taormina beaches, still swimmable. $15 taxi or bus. Beach is free.
Marsala wine region visits: Small wineries offer tastings and tours. $10–20 per person. Tastings often come with a plate of cheese and bread.
Where to Stay
Budget:: Guesthouses in smaller towns (Modica, Ragusa). $25–35/night. Hotels in Taormina are pricier ($40–60).
Mid-Range:: Boutique hotels in Taormina or Modica. $60–100/night. Expect sea views in Taormina, Baroque architecture in Modica.
Splurge:: Luxury resort or historic palazzo hotel. $120–200/night.
What to Eat
Pasta alla Norma: Pasta with eggplant, tomato, and basil. The Sicilian classic. $8–14.
Arancini: Fried rice balls with ragù, pea, and egg. Street food, $2–4 for one or three.
Fresh seafood: Grilled swordfish, tuna, sea urchin. Simple preparations. $16–28.
Cannoli: Pastry shells filled with ricotta and chocolate chips. Bakeries $2–3 per cannoli.
Granita and brioche: Shaved ice with fruit syrup, eaten with a buttery brioche for breakfast. $2–3.
Plan & budget
Getting there
Fly to Palermo or Catania, rent car for island exploration
Daily budget
$45–75 (accommodation $25–45, food $12–20, activities $8–15)
Best time
April–May or September–October (warm, fewer tourists than summer)
Insider Tip
Rent a car and spend time in smaller towns (Modica, Ragusa, Mondello) rather than defaulting to Taormina. Taormina gets touristy quickly; eating and staying there costs 30–50% more. The Baroque towns are more authentic and less crowded. Visit restaurants where you see locals eating — if Italian grandmothers are there, the food is good and cheap. Book accommodations ahead in peak season. Drive defensively; Sicilian drivers are fast and unpredictable.
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