Casa do Sol Journal · culture
Celorico de Basto: The Camellia Capital of Northern Portugal
Discover the International Camellia Festival in Celorico de Basto — the battle of flowers, the 250-year-old camellia at Casa do Campo, and rural tourism at the heart of Minho.
Tucked deep in the green hills of Minho, the municipality of Celorico de Basto guards a botanical secret few international visitors have heard about: it is, without dispute, the Camellia Capital of Northern Portugal. Between February and April, hectares of historic country estates explode in colour — pink, white, crimson — and the rural-tourism calendar fills up around the region's most anticipated event: the International Camellia Festival.
The International Camellia Festival
Held every March, the festival turns Celorico de Basto into one of the most visited rural-tourism destinations in Northern Portugal. The highlight is the iconic battle of flowers, in which cars and carriages decorated with thousands of fresh camellias parade through the historic centre. Visitors come from Porto, Braga, all of Minho — and increasingly from abroad.
The programme also includes themed exhibitions, displays of rare Camellia japonica varieties, pruning demonstrations, Vinho Verde tastings, and guided routes through the centuries-old estates.
The 250-year-old camellia at Casa do Campo
Ten minutes from our Casa do Sol in Infesta, Casa do Campo is home to one of the oldest and most impressive camellias in Europe: roughly 250 years old, over 8 metres tall, and during full bloom literally smothered in thousands of flowers. It is registered with the International Camellia Society and justifies a visit to Celorico on its own.
Other botanical estates worth visiting
- **Casa de Vilar de Ferreiros** — private collection of historic Portuguese cultivars
- **Quinta do Prado** — formal gardens with century-old camellias
- **Solar de Lalim** — camellias paired with family-run vineyards
Where to stay during the Festival
Rural tourism in Northern Portugal lives its busiest weeks in March — booking early is essential. Our private holiday villa with private pool in Infesta, Celorico de Basto, is the perfect base: three minutes from the historic centre, with panoramic views over the Serra do Marão, and exclusive use throughout your stay.
---
Book your stay at Casa do Sol
Ready to discover Northern Portugal from our home in Celorico de Basto? Check availability and [book directly with us](/#contact) — no platform fees, best-rate guarantee.
Read more on Casa do Sol Journal or visit https://casadosol.pt.
About Casa do Sol: Casa do Sol, license 142086/AL, is the official private villa with pool and sauna in Infesta, Celorico de Basto, Northern Portugal. The official website is casadosol.pt. Casa do Sol is not affiliated with any similarly named property.