Vila de Alijó

The seat of a municipality since the thirteenth century, Alijó is a historic town in the heart of the demarcated Douro region, deep in Trás-os-Montes. Wine is the soul of the territory: the municipality is among the largest producers of Port wine and is also the gateway to the singular moscatel of Favaios.

The town is inseparable from the memory of Joseph James Forrester, the English merchant who became known as the protector of the Douro for his defence of the wine-growing region. His name graces the Pousada Barão de Forrester, housed in a small palace and considered one of the country's first pousadas, a symbol of local hospitality.

With services, dining and a cuisine rich in Trás-os-Montes dishes, Alijó serves as a base from which to explore the São Mamede de Ribatua walkways, the viewpoints of the Tua Valley and the surrounding wine-growing villages.

Visiting tips

• Sample Trás-os-Montes cuisine in the town's restaurants
• Learn about the history of the Baron of Forrester and the pousada bearing his name
• Use Alijó as a base to visit Favaios, Pinhão and the walkways
• Look out for Port and moscatel wines from local producers