Situated in the highlands 47kms by road, south of Dili, Aileu is mountainous, with heights ranging between 350 to 1500 metres above sea level. On the winding road up from Dili visitors can stop at the Dare Memorial Centre and Cafe to pay homage to those Timorese and Australians who fought side by side during World War II in Timor-Leste to resist the Japanese occupation. Aileu district has many organic market gardens providing fresh organic fruit and vegetables to Dili’s restaurants and markets. In the last few years new agricultural products such as basil, rocket, asparagus, broccoli and cauliflower have been grown by innovative organic co-operatives. Local farmers divide the year into four distinct seasons, namely the wet season, mid-October to April,  cold season in May and June,  windy season in July and August, and the dry season from mid-August to mid-October. Aileu boasts beautiful walks, ancient plane trees, a river, cool evenings and a vibrant local market and eateries.