Portugal is a curated masterpiece of Europe in a single destination. For the luxury traveller, this compact wonderland unfolds in sun-drenched coastlines, dramatic cliffs and historic villages with refined elegance and rich heritage. From the vine-clad terraces of the Douro Valley, Europe’s oldest demarcated wine region and a UNESCO World Heritage site, to the storybook palaces and lush gardens of Sintra, Portugal serves heritage and indulgence in equal measure. Its uncluttered charm, sophisticated culture and culinary finesse, think Michelin-starred dining, private vineyard tastings and seaside retreats, invite travelers to revel in luxury at every turn. Let us at Flying Squirrel Holidays craft your Portugal escape that is as graceful as it is unforgettable.
Located on the sun-drenched edge of the Iberian Peninsula, Portugal offers a masterful blend of Europe’s finest experiences in one sophisticated destination. From atmospheric old towns and golden coastlines to vineyard-draped valleys and dramatic cliffs, the country is a tapestry of culture, nature, and understated luxury.
Lisbon, Sintra and Porto present a captivating glimpse into Europe’s historic charm. Expect elegant boulevards, tiled façades, hillside neighbourhoods, and world-class gastronomy.
Venture into the Alentejo region for idyllic plains, boutique vineyards, medieval villages, and churches that seem suspended in time.
For UAE travellers seeking pristine waters and serene beachfront luxury, the Azores archipelago offers dramatic volcanic beauty. Closer to the mainland, Portugal’s 900 km coastline, stretching through Porto, Cascais, and beyond, boasts some of Europe’s most photogenic shores.
The Douro Valley reveals a sweeping landscape of terraced vineyards, sunlit hillsides, and a river that glides calmly through its heart, creating an atmosphere of quiet grandeur. Further north, the Minho region unfolds in lush shades of green, with gentle hills, cool forests, and clear rivers threading through peaceful villages. Together, they showcase two distinct expressions of Portugal’s natural charm: one warm and radiant, the other refreshingly tranquil and vividly alive.
Portugal’s north is a landscape of rugged mountains and wind-carved cliffs, ideal for adventurous travellers. In the south, the Algarve offers dramatic seaside crags, perfect for cliff-hikes and exhilarating climbs. Surfing at Barcos or hiking the Serra do Gerês range add a dash of outdoor thrill to any luxury holiday.
Portugal’s sacred architecture is a journey through time. From the elegant Manueline style of Mosteiro dos Jerónimos to Porto’s Gothic-Baroque masterpieces like Clérigos Church and St. Francis, each structure reveals its own chapter of European artistry.
Portugal’s museums match Europe’s finest. The Calouste Gulbenkian Museum in Lisbon houses global treasures spanning 4,000 years, perfect for travellers who appreciate history, beauty, and craftsmanship.
The country’s medieval towns are enchantingly preserved. Wander through Guimarães Castle, one of Portugal’s most cherished historic icons, and immerse yourself in centuries of heritage.
Whether it’s championship golf on over 90 world-class courses, immersive surf breaks, scenic hikes, or leisurely vineyard tours, Portugal offers luxury without ostentation: an effortless blend of elegance, culture, and natural splendour.
Portugal enjoys one of Europe’s warmer climates. For a refined and comfortable journey, consider March to early June or mid-September to late November, when the weather is pleasant and the landscapes glow. If you’re drawn to colour, rhythm, and culture, Portugal’s iconic February carnivals offer a vibrant spectacle.
Portugal is well connected to major global hubs. Direct and connecting flights from the Middle East, including cities such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi, offer an accessible gateway to Lisbon, Porto, or Faro.
Upon arrival, Portugal’s modern transport, from high-speed trains to efficient domestic flights, makes inter-city travel smooth and stylish, letting you glide from coastlines to countryside with ease.
UAE citizens can travel to Portugal visa-free for short stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period, making it an effortless destination for tourism or business. Passports should be valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay.
UAE residents holding non-Emirati passports, however, must obtain a Schengen visa before visiting, submitting their passport, UAE residence permit, travel itinerary, accommodation details, proof of funds, and travel insurance via authorized visa centers such as VFS Global in Dubai or Abu Dhabi. The Schengen visa allows a stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Travellers should ensure passports and residence permits are valid beyond their planned return, and residents must carry travel insurance covering at least €30,000 for the Schengen area.
The northern mountainous region boasts of a beautiful city Porto and four UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The city of Porto has invaluable monuments in every other alley. The city of Guimaraes, through its architecture, stands witness to the evolution of the Portuguese identity through the ages.
The Historic Centre of Porto, and The Historic Centre of Guimaraes, The Alto Douro Vineyards with its terraced vineyards, and The Coa Valley of rock art museum are places that are never to be missed heritage sites.
The Jeronimos Monastery, a maritime-inspired monastery of Gothic style and the Manueline styled Belem Tower on the Tagus river are the indispensable part of Portugal tour. Both are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Coimbra, the third-largest city of Portugal, is the capital city of the Central Region. It too boasts of UNESCO World Heritage Site in the historic University of Coimbra. The Bucaco National Forest in the region is among the most scenic places in entire Europe.
The Historic Centre of Evora, a museum city and the Town of Elvas, a fortified town are both UNESCO World Heritage Site. They are among the definite visit-worthy places also for the large tracts of expanded plains of the region.
Located in the western extreme of the southern part of the country, Algarve is part mountainous, part craggy and part beaches. There are broad beaches lined with pine trees and there are narrow beaches intruded by coloured cliffs.
Madeira, made up of two volcanic islands, with 2/3 of it a forest declared UNESCO World Heritage Site. Azores is a collection of nine forested volcanic islands rimmed by beaches. Tourists flock to Azores for its beaches and its mountain and its lush sceneries.
Make your Portugal holidays a memorable experience with the right choice of places to visit. Let us help you plan your holidays. You might even be able to broaden your horizon with only a little addition to your budget. Our Spain and Portugal tour packages from India might just be the right choice. Give it a look.
Visit the Heritage Sites. UNESCO has listed 17 World Heritage Sites, 16 of them cultural and one natural in Portugal. Adorning the lists are a university, a castle, a palace, few monasteries, a fortified town, a couple of historic town centres, a rock-art site and a vine region. You will never be short of places to visit.
Take city tour. Take city tours at Lisbon and Porto and stopover at as many towns as possible. The cobble-stoned lanes of the capital city, the colourful buildings amidst baroque manors of Porto, the white-washed charm of Aveiro buildings and the well-conserved medieval monuments of Guimaraes are just a few of the reasons why taking city tours in Portugal is an absolute must.
Soak in the scenic hinterland. Curving roads through the enchanting vineyards in the Douro valley, stunning views of the Alentejo plains from the medieval village of Monsaraz and the view from the hill-top castle of the village of Monsanto below with its curious cottages having ancient boulders for walls; just mesmerizing to get soaked in.
Wander and Wonder at Castles, fortresses and Towers. The colourful castle of Pena, the Belem Tower of Lisbon, the Moorish castle amidst thick forest, the medieval fortress of Guimaraes and the Obidos castles are places you will find yourself wandering and just wondering of the times and people that were. Let yourself to another world.
Appreciate the museums and galleries. Appreciating displays while ambling in the labyrinth of museums is the best way to know a country. It is soothing too. There are a wide variety of museums with awe-inspiring structures and amazing collections.
In Lisbon alone, there are over thirty of them including on arts, science, technology, history, culture, ancient art and archaeology. Costume and fashion, music and astronomy too have museums dedicated to the subject. The Museum of Gulbenkian is an absolute mandatory.
Pay homage or do pilgrimage. The parish and catholic shrine at Fatima and the Se de Lisboa are an irresistible part of a visit to Lisbon. Do pilgrimage or just appreciate the ambience.
There is so much to do in this small and enchanting country; the list is endless.
Marvel at the sea and landscapes of four different oceans recreated at the Oceanario de Lisboa and fall in love with the cuddly penguins too.
Get romantic at the Sintra Vila town while climbing the stairs to the castle. Go kayaking, beach bathing, bird watching and exploring coves between Lisbon and the resort town of Cascais.
Ride a funicular at the Bom Jesus do Monte, Braga or go hiking and trailing at Sera do Geres mountains in the Minho region, Or, just take a zipline and cross over to Spain in all of one minute.
There are a plethora of things to do in Portugal and the choices are mind-boggling.Brace yourself for all these exciting activities with our holiday packages that we will customise for you.
A symbol of Portuguese seafaring conquests the building is a must-sea. The monastery and the church are the finest examples of Manueline architecture.
Popular among the family travellers, the oceanarium displays life habitat of diverse oceans.
A UNESCO Heritage Site, the town with narrow streets and cobbled lanes meets a beautiful square with imposing pastel-coloured houses.
It is an amazing piece of military architecture using the Manueline style. A UNESCO Heritage Site.
The museum has a collection of over 6000 pieces belonging to periods of up to 4000 years back and belonging to different parts of the world.
This hill-top monument overlooking the township of Baixa is the city’s most prominent historic landmark.
The grandiose palace and the monastery loom over the subdued exuberance of beautiful countryside.
The spindle-like tower is iconic to the old city of Porto and confidently emanates baroque style.
A complex near Braga with the church of Bom Jesus is the grandest religious sanctuary. Go to pray or just get into a trance climbing the 116 meters long ornated granite staircase.
A mountain range in the northern most Minho region, it is famous for its granite peaks, lush forests and glittering lakes. Loved by hikers and trailers.
Opulent interiors of the palace that stand witness to the wealth pouring in at the time is a big attraction.
The indomitable castle overlooking the bewitching river-side town of Tomar with Charola the Templar church in the centre.
It is the country’s oldest seat of learning and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A stupendously decorated library is a big draw.
An impressive cathedral unique in its combining of Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque style in the enticing city of Evora.
Exploring the upcountry on horse-back is a fascination with tourists in this area. Rippling streams and flowery meadows are photo lovers’ favourite.
The museum is popular for its bizarre collection of ethnography and archaeology.
One of the top castles of Portugal, its immense wall of red colour sandstone is magical to look at. It is in the Algarve region.
Levada Walks and Madeira Botanical Garden in Madeira island are a popular tourist destination. Whale and dolphin watching, diving are wave-sports are popular attractions in the Azores islands.
The Coa Valley archaeology park, the Paiva Walkways of Arouca and the Zip-line border crossing are some other attractions.
There are so many attractions in Portugal, you are spoilt for choices. The fantastic part is that you are able to see all the best things of Europe in a small easy-to-commute area. If you are looking for a honeymoon, Portugal is the perfect destination.
Portugal honeymoon package takes care of all the hassles of a journey to make your holiday an experience to cherish for life.
Day 1
Arrival at Porto. Escorted transfer to the hotel and then a guided city tour. Later in the afternoon, you are free to do your own things. Stay at Porto.
Day 2
Early breakfast and a day trip to Viana do Castelo, old town and castle at the mouth of Rio Limia. Return and stay at Porto.
Day 3
Breakfast and departure for Aveiro. Then leave Aveiro for Fatima, a pilgrim centre, free time in the afternoon to do your own things. You can visit the basilica. Later after lunch, the travel continues for Lisbon. Dinner and Fado musical show in the evening. Stay at Lisbon.Day 4
Breakfast and then city tour of Lisbon. Tour includes a visit to Tower of Belem and Jeronimos Monastery. Later the tour takes you to the hilltop village of Sintra and seaside town of Cascais. Stay at Lisbon.Day 5
Transfer to the airport. Return home with memories of a happy journey.You have an option to add a three-day tour of the Madeira and Azores islandsPlease email me a copy of the sample itinerary
How can UAE travellers go to Portugal?
Emirates has direct flights to Lisbon from Dubai. It takes around 8 hours to reach Lisbon.
What is the cheapest month to fly to Portugal?
January is generally the cheapest month to fly to Portugal.
Do I need a visa for Portugal from UAE?
Visa-free entry: Holders of Emirates (UAE) passports can visit Portugal for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period without needing a visa. A passport valid for at least 6 months is required upon entry.UAE Residents (Non-Citizens)
Schengen visa required: Residents of the UAE who are not Emirati passport holders must apply for a Schengen (Portugal) visa through the relevant Spanish or Portuguese visa application centers. The UAE residence permit alone does not grant access to Portugal or other Schengen countries.
Also, make sure at the time of booking a holiday that you have a valid passport for the duration of the stay and at least 6 months thereafter.
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