In the Footsteps of White Lotus – Your Vacation in Sicily

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It's not surprising that the producers of the hit HBO series, White Lotus, chose Sicily as the setting for the show's second season. Sicily is a breathtakingly beautiful and diverse island. 

 

From the stunning beaches to the lush countryside and the vibrant cities, Sicily is a captivating and fascinating island. Like the show, it's both dramatic and mysterious and renowned for its stunning coastline, picturesque hilltop towns, ancient ruins, and unique culture and cuisine.

 

Sicily is home to many fascinating historic sites, including the Valley of the Temples and the world-famous Mount Etna, an active volcano, and its vibrant cities, such as Palermo and Taormina, are alive with the energy of art, music, and culture.

 

In case you missed it, the second season of the comedy-drama on HBO follows the guests and employees of the fictional White Lotus Resort (real-life San Domenico Palace). It showcases some of the most stunning jewels of the Island.

 

San Domenico Palace

Perched on a rocky cliffside high above the Ionian Sea, the iconic San Domenico Palace is a Four Seasons resort with panoramic views of Mount Etna and the ancient Greek Theatre. Savor award-winning dining, unwind in the spa, and swim in the clifftop infinity pool, with the charming town of Taormina at your doorstep to explore.

Taormina, Sicily

Taormina is a breathtakingly beautiful town in Sicily, Italy. It is atop a hill, with stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea and the nearby Mount Etna. The town is charming, with cobblestone streets and pastel-colored buildings. There are numerous churches and monuments, a lively market, and the Teatro Antico, an ancient Greek theater. Taormina is a favorite of visitors who sit in the sun, take in the stunning views, and stroll through the quaint streets. The beaches nearby are also popular for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling. 

Suggested Experience:

Discover the secrets of Mt Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe. Your guide will introduce you to the fascinating volcanic phenomena, walking through ancient woods, on old craters, and unique lava formations. You will visit a volcanic cave where your guide will explain speleology, the fascinating phenomena often related to eruptions, and discover the uses of a magnificent volcanic tube. You will then relax over a delicious lunch and wine tasting at a winery near Mt. Etna before arriving in the historical center of Taormina. Then visit the Greek Theater, with an astonishing view of the Ionic shore. 

Syracuse, Sicily

Founded by the Greeks, this town nurtured many famous Greek poets, mathematicians, and politicians. The Syracuse Greek Theatre was one of the biggest the Greeks ever constructed. Still, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Fountain of Arethusa, the more modern Cathedral of Castello Maniace, and the many palazzi deserve a visit, too.

Suggested Experience:

Visit the undisputed main attraction, the massive, 2,500-year-old Greek theater built to accommodate up to 15,000 spectators. Nearby, the old stone quarries are host to the famous "Ear of Dionysius," a slender arch cave cut into the rock face that is said to have been used by Dionysius the Tyrant as a prison for his most hated enemies. On Syracuse's Ortigia Island, see 2,500 years of history, encompassing Greek, Roman, and Norman influences, with a bounty of understated Baroque architecture. Visit Ortigia's Cathedral of Syracuse, built upon the old 5th-century BC Doric Temple of Athena, now boasting a stunning 18th-century Baroque facade. See how some ancient columns were incorporated into the rebuilt structure, preserving its original brilliance.

Noto, Sicily

Noto is a beautiful and historical city known for its stunning Baroque-style architecture and breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea. Noto is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its numerous churches, palaces, and buildings in the distinctive stucco Baroque style. Destroyed by an earthquake in 1693, it was rebuilt by three architects who decided to create a town built according to baroque ideals: a perfectly proportioned urban center divided into three parts by three roads running east to west, always to be exposed to the sunlight. 

Suggested Experience:

Experience the authentic side of Sicily and spend the day with a local Sicilian family on their farm near Noto. Stroll through the farm's citrus, almond, and olive groves and learn about the farm's history and production. Pick fresh ingredients from the garden or forage for wild herbs and asparagus and prepare lunch with your hosts, where you'll also sample the farm's olive oil and wine.

Palermo, Sicily

As the capital of Sicily, this majestic town boasts many grand sites that are well worth a visit, like the Cathedral, the Palazzo dei Normanni, and the Palazzo Abatellis. The Museo Archeologico Regionale Antonio Salinas, the botanical gardens, and the catacombs at the Capuchin Monastery are also worth exploring. 

Suggested Experience:

Palermo's traditional Sicilian Old Quarter and baroque palaces are enchanting. The city's main sights include Quattro Canti (the Four Corners), an extravagant baroque square ringed by four building facades with ornate sculptures depicting the four seasons, kings, and patron saints. Explore the 12th-century cathedral, which houses a pantheon of royal tombs, and visit Palermo's food market, Il Capo, full of color and folklore. Here you'll enjoy some included samplings of typical Sicilian street food such as "pani ca meusa," "panelle," and "arancini."  

Cefalú, Sicily

Cefalú has a rich and fascinating history, boasting a unique blend of Arab and Norman cultures and influences that have shaped the city's architecture, cuisine, and culture. With its old town center dating back to Medieval times, the city boasts spectacular views of the Mediterranean Sea from its rocky cliffs and beautiful beaches. The city is known for its stunning churches, colorful buildings, and cobbled streets. The bustling promenade, filled with cafes, restaurants, and souvenir shops, makes it the ideal coastal town.

Suggested Experience:

Walk through the town's delightful medieval squares and cobbled streets to the magnificent Cathedral, world-renowned for its astonishingly intricate mosaics and History. Crown your day with a stroll down to the evocative little port lined by fishing boats or along the airy "lungomare," the promenade facing the sea.

 

Sicily has been under the influence of different cultures for centuries. As a result, Sicily will enamor you with its diverse traditions, layered architecture, and delicious fusion of food. 

 

I'd love to help you plan a vacation to Sicily - with less drama than the guests of White Lotus, of course.

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