Celorico de Basto is increasingly recognized as the Capital of the Camellias, for its graceful camellia gardens in grand emblazoned houses, for the collectors and passionate about this flower, for the International Camellia Festival, for the merchandising and for the beauty that is spreading throughout the county.
Rally Portugal
One of the oldest, best supported and most popular rounds of the WRC. Fast, technical and tricky gravel roads in the north of the country are soft and sandy initially, but become rocky and rutted later.
Sandy roads ensure grip is at a premium for the early starters during the first pass through the stages.
Rocks and deep ruts present an altogether different hazard for the second pass, often requiring teams to raise the ride height on their cars to avoid mechanical damage.
In May 2020 Rally Portugal will be once again in Celorico region.
First held in 1967 and one of the founding events in the inaugural 1973 WRC.
Initially a mixed surface rally, it switched to a pure gravel format but lost its place in the calendar after bad weather ruined the 2001 event.
Organisers moved from the north to the Algarve holiday region in the south and it regained its place in 2007.
Moved back to the north in 2015.
Named ‘Best Rally in the World’ on five occasions.
Gastronomy and handycraft fair
The Gastronomy and Handicraft Fair and Wine Show attracts, every year, thousands of people to Celorico de Basto in August.