Last year, our screens were taken up with all things Wicked following the release of the cinematic adaptation of the stage musical of the same name.
Now we await the much-anticipated second instalment of the Wicked film, set to be released this November.
The movie brings to life a magical realm inspired by the famous novel and film, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.
But if you really can’t wait just one more month, you can discover a real-life version of the Emerald City – where much of the film’s action is set – for yourself.
Travel experts have reveal the real-life Emerald City as Wicked searches soar by 781 per cent ahead of new film’s release – and it’s just a short flight away from the UK.
Sintra – a tiny town in Portugal – has been dubbed the ‘real-life Emerald City’.
And it’s not hard to see why.
With brightly coloured palaces, misty forests, immaculate gardens and a picturesque village, it’s a perfect spot for a day or weekend trip.
Sintra – a magical town in Portugal – has been dubbed the ‘real-life Emerald City’
With brightly coloured palaces, misty forests, immaculate gardens and a picturesque village, it’s a perfect spot for a day or weekend trip
City break experts at Travel Republic have revealed that Sintra, Portugal has seen a 126 per cent surge in demand in the last month alone.
It’s racked up popularity on social media, too.
TikTokers have fallen for Sintra’s charm, with the hashtag #SintraPortugal amassing over 13.7 million views.
Travel Republic has highlighted the many ways in which Sintra – just a short train ride from Lisbon, Portugal’s capital – is reminiscent of the Emerald City.
Perched on a hilltop, the Palácio da Pena palace’s bright yellow walls and turrets seem like something out of a fairytale.
Hidden tunnels, secret staircases, and the spiral well have a similar playful allure as Munchkinland.
Surrounded by lush botanical gardens, the Palácio de Monserrate palace’s exotic Moorish and Gothic influences are like magical fictional lands.
Sintra’s Old Town evokes the quaint, whimsical village feel of Munchkinland, too.
City break experts at Travel Republic have revealed that Sintra, Portugal has seen a 126 per cent surge in demand in the last month alone
Winding, colourful paths through the palace grounds offer a natural resemblance to the ‘Yellow Brick Road,’ guiding visitors on a cinematic, magical journey.
Also known as the Moon Hill, Sintra was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995.
Just a short three-hour flight from the UK, travellers can enjoy the stunning beauty of this Portuguese town.
The easiest way to travel from Lisbon to Sintra is by train.
