Sicily Can Be Seductive – Five Locations to See on A White Lotus and Aeolian Islands Tour
Sicily is an island of passions and extremes. It’s the largest and most populous island in the Mediterranean Sea, the location of Europe’s tallest active volcano and – some would say – home to the hottest men in Italy. Like its men, Sicily’s beauty is hard to rival. Fertile plains and rugged mountains separate quintessentially Italian towns. Stunning coastlines ring the islands with sandy beaches flanked by villa-lined cliff faces. Ancient cultures clash in cities of temples, baroque churches, and grandiose palaces – still standing as a testament to times before.
What better location for White Lotus Season 2’s explosive tale of intrigue and intermingling passions. ‘Sicily can be very seductive’ muses gay Englishmen Quentin, in the popular HBO show – and he isn’t wrong.
Come with us on a tour through Sicily to five key locations White Lotus viewers will recognise, and non-viewers will be seduced by all the same.
Taormina
There’s a reason the ‘Pearl of the Ionian Sea’ was chosen to be the center of the show’s action. The seaside resort village is – in a word – idyllic, and perfectly situated on a natural platform in the hills overlooking the Ionian Sea.
The Domenico Palace – now better known as the “White Lotus Hotel” – has become one of Taormina’s principal attractions, stayed in by those with the capital but still visited by those that don’t – you won’t have to sneak in like Mia and Lucia. Corso Umberto is the nearby cobblestoned village where Ethan would take his morning runs – always bustling with locals and tourists alike exploring its shops, restaurants, and quaint Italian cafes. Adjacent is the well-preserved Greek Amphitheatre, still in use for events and offering yet another spectacular view of the sea below.
There are many beautiful beaches near Taormina, such as Lido Mazzaro, but the main beach from White Lotus is located elsewhere on our tour. Still, there’s plenty to do, with hiking trails winding up the sides of Mount Etna – for those with the stamina to make the climb in the Scillian heat for an even better view – or one can realty absorb Taormina’s beauty by taking a romantic evening boat trip along the coast as the sunset sets.
Catania
Right under the foot of the active volcano Mount Etna – as precarious as that sounds – is the ancient port city of Catania. The second largest city in Sicily is known for continuously rising from the ashes – quite literally – and has earned the nickname “the black city” because of its lava rock buildings, which are mined from the ashes of the volcano itself.
Catania is a culturally rich city full of Baroque churches, winding streets and verdant green parks to lose oneself in. Its Cathedral is stunning, but the best view of the city – and Etna – is found above the decadent church of San Marina San Nicolo Lorina. For a – rather raw – taste of authentic Sicily, visit Catania’s famously vibrant fish market.
As the second biggest city on Sicily, Catania has a reputation for being especially LGBTQ+ friendly and its gay nightlife scene is full of options for those looking to meet both the locals and visiting tourists.
Noto
To the far south-east of the island is the Baroque town of Noto, also featured prominently in White Lotus. Its central plaza is the location of the “lots of horny guys in Noto” scene, where Audrey Plaza is surrounded by – slightly too eager – Italian men (a homage to the 1960’s film L’Avventura). Don’t worry though, the men in Noto may be friendly, but they aren’t THAT friendly.
Noto is most well-known for its golden yellow sandstone buildings that glow a spectacular gold on a sunny day. After the town’s destruction, at the hands of an earthquake in 1963, the town was rebuilt so that the streets line up to reflect the sun – which it does with resounding success during sunset.
The most impressive building in Noto is its 18th century Cathedral, dedicated to the patron saint of sailors. Inside, visitors can admire the cathedral’s ornate interior, which features beautiful frescoes, marble altars, and a stunning Baroque organ. Almost as impressive is the Palazzo Ducezio opposite, containing plushily decorated halls – including a surreal hall of mirrors – and a rooftop terrace with an amazing panoramic view over the town. After a hard day’s exploration head to Café Sicilia for a “cassata” (a traditionally Scillian sponge cake with cheese and fruit), coffee and some people watching.
Noto has also become popular as a location for gay men to visit while staying in Catania, especially in August for Giacinto Festival – a two-day festival celebrating the LGBTQ+ community and a great event to plan your visit around.
Cefalu
Far North across the vast plains of Sicily, we find the gorgeous coastal city of Cefalu. Cefalu is the true location of the main beach portrayed in White Lotus – no bodies in the water here though. Its pure blue waters and flour white sands make it clear why it was chosen for the show’s opening – and closing – scenes.
Once more there is an architectural wonder of a cathedral – you might notice a recurring trend here. Only this one is a Norman cathedral built in the 12th century, containing stunning mosaics and intricate architecture. Other notable historical sites include the Osterio Magno, a medieval washhouse, and the ruins of a Roman temple dedicated to Diana, the goddess of the hunt.
Palermo
No trip to Sicily is complete without a visit to its charismatic capital city in the North-East of the island. Tanya and Portia famously visited for a debauched few days of glamorous parties with their new gay “friends”.
Palermo is indeed a great place to party – with a thriving LGBTQ+ scene – but it’s also a grand representation of the island’s culture. There’s an impressive array of architectural treasures within, from ancient ruins to medieval palaces and – yet more – Baroque churches. Highlights include the Norman Palace (Palazzo dei Normanni) with its eerily atmospheric Palatine Chapel, the Cathedral of Palermo – a Norman Cathedral built upon the ruins of a Mosque – and the Arab-Norman architectural complex. For museums there’s the Archaeological Museum, the Palazzo Abatellis, and – rather oddly – the Museo delle Marionette (the Puppet Museum).
Palermo’s coastal location further adds to its allure, with picturesque harbors, a score of sandy beaches and scenic waterfront promenades, where you can take a leisurely stroll along the marina and savor some deliciously fresh seafood in one of its exquisite restaurants.
Sicily really is as seductive as they say, so why not take a full tour of the island of passion. After all, who doesn’t need a little seduction in their lives from time to time.
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