Official UK partner to the Paradors, Pousadas, Pestana Hotels & Resorts,
Teritoria, and European Hotels Collection. Keytours International,
formerly Keytel International, your agent in the UK.
Elegant country manor
Nestled in the old village of Alijó, just east of Vila Real, the Palacete Barão de Forrester offers an elegant escape in the heart of Portugal’s renowned Douro wine region. This graceful stone mansion, formerly a Pousada, is named after Joseph James Forrester - an Englishman who arrived in Oporto in 1809 and played a pivotal role in advancing the production and export of Port wine. Honoured by the Portuguese for his lasting contributions to the Douro Valley, Forrester's legacy lives on through this charming property.
The hotel blends classic architecture with contemporary comfort, featuring 21 tastefully decorated bedrooms, each equipped with air conditioning and some with balconies. Outdoors, guests can unwind by the swimming pool or enjoy a game on the tennis court - ideal for relaxation after a day of exploring the scenic wine country.
The in-house restaurant showcases the best of regional cuisine, prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients and paired with a carefully curated selection of Douro wines. Whether you're a wine lover, a history enthusiast, or simply seeking a peaceful retreat, Palacete Barão de Forrester invites you to experience the soul of the Douro Valley in style.
The village of Alijó provides a perfect base for exploring this wine-making region, surrounded by the famous 'quintas', small estates that produce port wine from their terraced vineyards. Many of the quintas offer guided tours and tasting sessions where you can learn more about the cultivation and production of the wine.
Visitors can enjoy a cruise on the River Douro, which winds through some of the most beautiful landscapes in Portugal. Another way to explore the Douro valley is by train, with trains running along a breath-taking route from Porto to the far east of the Douro region.
There are a number of charming villages nearby, such as the village of Pinhão which all produce wines and offers tasty local dishes. The city of Vila Real is just a 30 minute drive away and offers a number of interesting sights such as the Casa de Mateus, a beautiful baroque palace which lends its name to the well-known Mateus Rosé wine.
For Pousada pool information please visit our information on pools page.
Lunch is served from 12.30 to 15.00.
Dinner is served from 19.30 to 22.00.
From Murça centre:
Take the A4 heading southwest. At exit 27, take the IC5 towards Alijó.
Continue for 6.9km and at exit 6 take the N212 towards Alijó.
On entering Alijó take the 1st exit and Continue onto R. Comendador José Rufino, you will find the hotel on your left.
Pousada offers free parking for guests.
