High above the Atlantic, the cliffs of Sítio in Nazaré are not only steeped in the famous legend of Dom Fuas Roupinho but also host plants as extraordinary as the stories they inspire. Here, nature itself seems to echo the mythical aura of the place, with resilient species like Dittrichia viscosa and Agave americana thriving in this rugged environment.
Dittrichia viscosa, or sticky fleabane, carries its own mysterious charm. Known for its sharp, resinous smell, the plant has been used for centuries to repel fleas and lice, and its dried branches were burned to fumigate homes and ward off pests. In Mediterranean folklore, it was even believed to keep evil spirits and bad luck at bay, with bundles of it hung over doorways or burned in protective rituals. Perhaps it was this very plant that scared off the wicked spirit of the deer that Dom Fuas pursued to the edge of the cliff, saving the knight’s life.
Nearby grows Agave americana, the iconic “century plant,” whose dramatic presence mirrors the wild beauty of the cliffs. Blooming just once in its lifetime, it sends up a flower stalk up to 9 meters tall, a natural spectacle as awe-inspiring as the waves that crash below. The agave’s spiny leaves have served as a “green barbed wire,” deterring intruders, while its fibrous leaves have been used for ropes, mats, and paper. Its sugary core has given rise to cultural treasures like pulque and mezcal, blending survival and celebration in one remarkable plant.
Together, these plants are more than survivors of the rocky cliffs—they are living symbols of Sítio’s enduring spirit, where history, myth, and nature intertwine in a story as bold and unyielding as the cliffs themselves.
Start your journey at Nazaré’s beach, where the scent of the sea and the bustle of fresh seafood restaurants set the tone. From here, make your way to the historic funicular, a 19th-century marvel connecting the lower town to Sítio, the cliffside district perched high above.
At the top, visit Ermida da Memória, the small chapel tied to the legend of Dom Fuas Roupinho. In 1182, while chasing a deer on horseback, he narrowly avoided plunging off the cliff when he prayed to the Virgin Mary, who miraculously stopped his horse. Nearby, the Fort of São Miguel Arcanjo, built in the 16th century, stands as a guardian over Praia do Norte, where the world’s largest waves draw surfers from across the globe.
On your descent, stroll through the nostalgic streets of Nazaré’s lower town, where tiled facades, narrow alleys, and the rhythm of local life immerse you in the town’s enduring spirit. This walk captures Nazaré’s dual essence: the raw power of the ocean and the intimate charm of its community.