Florianópolis: Complete Guide on Delving into Brazil’s Island of Magic
Florianópolis: Complete Guide on Delving into Brazil’s Island of Magic
Brazil is home to paradisiac beaches, lush forests, and plenty of other captivating landscapes. But you already knew that. You’re here to learn about Florianópolis, the capital of the State of Santa Catarina and the country’s most charming destination.
You arrived at the right place. I’ve been there several times, so I can assure you. It is not called “the Island of Magic” for no reason.
Floripa has everything you need to have the time of your life! Paradisiacal beaches, an effervescent nightlife, mouth-watering food, and lodging so beautiful and integrated within nature, you might never want to leave.
All of this used to be true before. But what if I told you the best time to travel to Florianópolis is right now?
Spending time in Brazil has become so much cheaper over the last few years. However, this spring of good fortune for travelers will no longer be the norm soon. If I were you, I’d explore this spectacular destination before it gets too expensive!
Not sure where to start? I’ll help you discover Floripa’s best spots for swimming, surfing, eating, trekking, relaxing, and partying in this complete guide. Stick around to find out!
Florianópolis’s South and North regions
If you already started researching about Florianópolis, you’ve probably heard people referring to the North side and the South side of the island. Both are very unique regions and it’s 100% worth checking them out!
There’s no need to decide between one of them. But you’ll grasp the vibe of the city much better if you know the difference.
And of course, like anywhere else in the world, you’ll be able to get the most out of your trip if you’re sure of where to go for the experiences you’re longing for.
North Floripa: extravagant beaches for swimming and relaxing
Along the north of Florianópolis, you’ll find the best beaches for swimming. The sea is pristine along the lines of blue and green and there isn’t much wind on the waterfront. It’s the perfect place for dipping in calm, warm waters or relaxing on the sandy seashore.
What to do in North Florianópolis
On most beaches, you can enjoy a caipirinha and great seafood in a pé na areia bar, which literally means “foot on the sand”. They have chairs, tables, and beach umbrellas awaiting the tourists meters away from the sea.
If seaside day-drinking is not your thing, you can also explore other spots. There are award-winning restaurants, luxurious shops, and trendy nightclubs which are always crawling with enthusiastic people during the high season.
So, it should come as no surprise that the North is home to some of the Island’s busiest spots, such as Canasvieiras, Santinho, Jurerê Internacional, and Ingleses.
The downside? Accommodation is considerably most expensive than in the South.
However, it’s worth it if you want to explore the North thoroughly. The traffic in Florianópolis is terrible and you might spend a few hours inside a cab if you take the main road to get from one region to the other during rush hour.
South Floripa: wild, remote landscapes and surfers galore
This is where athletes and nature lovers get their trip’s worth! In South Floripa, tourists can expect strong winds and high waves, which make up for a flawless surfers’ paradise.
Of course, you can still take a dip in the sea and enjoy your day while relaxing on the sand. However, the waters won’t be as warm. And you might have to run after your umbrella if it gets too windy and it flies away.
In general, beaches in South Floripa are less urbanized because they used to be fishermen’s colonies. Therefore, this region is thrilling for all nature enthusiasts!
What to do in South Florianópolis
One of the main attractions is Lagoinha do Leste. It is one of the Island’s last uninhabited beaches, accessible only by trail or boat. Once you get there, you can also hike all the way up to Morro da Coroa, where you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the wild surroundings.
The South is also home to:
- Campeche Island: region reminds many tourists of Caribbean locations for its clear waters and white sand;
- Armação: the beach is known for the landscape of many fishermen’s boats along the horizon.
Needless to say, you might find fewer options for eating and drinking. But being so deep in the wild and contemplating nature is a priceless experience. You should save some days of your trip for relaxing in the South, even if you’re a big fan of partying.
Staying in South Floripa is also arguably cheaper than staying in the North. But beware of bad traffic! There are many single-lane roads going around the hills and they get insanely busy on the rush hour. Going from one tip to the other can take as long as 2 hours.
Where to go in Florianópolis
Dazzling, wild beaches you can’t find anywhere else in the world
Along the coast of Southern Brazil, you’re unlikely to find anywhere as paradisiacal as the state of Santa Catarina.
It’s great to know that Floripa harbors 42 beaches altogether. But you don’t need to know them all to enjoy their best!
See our selection of the best beaches in Florianópolis below for tips on how to choose your itinerary.
Best beaches for indulging: Jurerê Internacional, Praia Mole, and Ingleses
Among Floripa’s most sought-after attractions, there are neighborhoods where you can enjoy the beach, eat at incredible restaurants, and relish endless nights of partying. You’ll find amazing New Year’s Eve celebrations as well!
One of them is Jurerê Internacional, which is where all rich people, celebrities, and demanding tourists settle as soon as summer starts. High-standard accommodation, award-winning restaurants, and thrilling nightclubs are some of Jurerê’s pros.
Anyone who’s into architecture will enjoy their stay over there as well. After all, the world-famous Brazilian architect is behind the region’s design!
At Praia Mole, you won’t find fancy buildings or clubs. But it’s no problem at all! The party unfolds along the waterfront in broad daylight, where many bars keep tourists occupied with live music, freezing cold liquor, and delicious snacks.
Last but not least, Praia dos Ingleses is a great option for enjoying Floripa’s nightlife with complete infrastructure. Besides great restaurants and bars by the sea, this region is known for the prominence of local businesses.
Beaches for surfing: Praia Brava, Joaquina, and Armação
Wandering around Florianópolis, you’ll certainly find many surfers who journey along the beaches looking for the best waters.
In the northern part of the Island, Praia Brava is one of the spots with the highest waves. Unlike other beaches, you don’t have to hike a trail in order to get there, which can be tricky when you’re carrying a huge surfboard with you.
It is also known for its stunning natural beauty, since the waterfront is surrounded by huge rocks and lavishing trees.
Going south, Joaquina is mostly known for being a surfers’ paradise, but it has something for everyone. Tall waves for water sports enthusiasts, complete infrastructure for families, and gigantic sand dunes (where you can practice esquibunda, the locals’ nickname for sandboard) make up for an unforgettable landscape.
Now, for anyone looking for picturesque scenery, Armação used to be a fishing village with a gorgeous peninsula. The beach itself is 3.2 km long, but the surfers concentrate along the open sea on the left corner.
On the opposite side, there is a stream you can cross in order to get to Matadeiro, one of the beaches we’ll discuss in our next topic.
Beaches for nature lovers: Matadeiro and Campeche
Some people like to run away from the crowds to observe nature and let their ears fill up with the sea’s overpowering, yet peaceful blast.
If you relate, Matadeiro is the right choice for spending the day. To get there, go to Armação and cross the stream along the right corner of the peninsula. You’ll be met with locals’ homes, clear waters, traditional restaurants, and a stunning view.
Going a bit north, Campeche is a great option for being immersed in nature with the added bonus of great accommodation and infrastructure.
The real attraction, however, is Campeche Island. It is an untouched paradise where you can find archaeological sites and waters perfect for snorkeling and going underwater to observe the rich sea life.
It may be a bit expensive since it’s only accessible by boat and there is a limit to the daily number of visitors. But keep in mind they’re all efforts to conserve the region as naturally as possible.
Beach for hiking enthusiasts: Lagoinha do Leste
For hiking enthusiasts, a more exciting option is Lagoinha do Leste. There are two trails you can walk in order to reach it.
- Start from Matadeiro and walk for about three hours along the coastline. I recommend preparing well beforehand because it is tiring indeed, but you’ll see — Floripa’s most gorgeous views will make it all worth it!
- Start from Pântano do Sul and go up and down the hill for about an hour. People with low physical conditioning can still take this on with no problem, but they’ll certainly be exhausted by the end of the day.
Of course, you can also go by boat, but it’ll be much more expensive (and less appealing!).
Once you arrive, you’ll be stunned with Lagoinha do Leste’s wild landscape. There are waterfalls, sand dunes covered by native vegetation, and a small lagoon that meets the sea. Go up to Morro da Coroa for a panoramic view of the whole waterfront!
Beaches for families: Lagoinha, Praia do Forte, and Daniela
With calm waters and fluffy, snow-white sand, it should come as no surprise that a few of the beaches of Florianópolis are the preferred destinations for families with children!
Lagoinha de Ponta das Canas (do not confuse with Lagoinha do Leste) is located upon a cove in the North of the Island. Besides having wide stretches of sand and little to no waves, it is not very sought after by people who are looking for parties and hype.
To sum up, a great spot for enjoying the sea and relaxing with your loved ones!
Another great choice for families in the North is Praia do Forte, which is located between Jurerê and Daniela. The beach faces the continent of Santa Catarina, which means that hills flourishing with trees and vegetation are part of the gorgeous landscape.
From there, it is also super easy to get to Fortaleza de São José da Ponta Grossa. This touristic spot is an imposing fortress that used to protect Floripa’s territory against invaders.
Our last suggestion is Daniela, another beach which is continent-facing. It is a very calm region as well, with little to no businesses and restaurants. Of course, that means you can’t forget to take water and a few snacks to enjoy by the sea!
What to see in Florianópolis
A modern city center in the middle of a tropical paradise
Even though Floripa’s main attractions are its beaches and natural landscapes, there is plenty to do in the city center as well!
There, you’ll find Ponte Hercílio Luz, which connects the Island to the mainland and is reminiscent of San Francisco’s Golden Gate. In fact, it’s the longest suspension bridge in the whole country! Go at night to see the lights and enjoy one of Floripa’s most-known postcards.
At Praça XV de Novembro, there is a centenary fig tree whose branches are supported in place by metal bars.
The architecture is also quite interesting and has a strong Portuguese Influence. You’ll notice that in buildings such as the Metropolitan Cathedral and the Historical Museum of Santa Catarina.
Lastly, one of the city center’s unmissable attractions is the Public Market. It offers a whole assortment of fresh seafood and handmade souvenirs that are perfect for gifting your loved ones back home!
Where to stay in Florianópolis
Hotels, hostels, resorts, inns, and all kinds of idyllic getaways
One of Santa Catarina’s main activities is tourism, which means you’ll find all kinds of stays over Florianópolis.
If you’re looking for spending a relaxing vacation in Floripa, consider renting a room in a hotel that offers complimentary breakfast. A tip from Brazilian tourists: they love to fill up their stomachs in the morning so they don’t spend that much money on lunch!
Florianópolis also has many options for all-inclusive resorts. Of course, they tend to be much more expensive. But they offer a complete experience that can’t be found anywhere else.
For spending less on accommodation, see if you can find a nice pousada. Basically, it’s what you’d call an inn. The rooms and food options are simpler, but it’s worth it if saving money is a priority.
Experiencing all that Florianópolis has to offer is just one flight away!
Are you thinking out loud and wondering what your time in Floripa will be like already? I know I am!
If you’re planning on taking a trip there, let me know in the comments and tell me how I can improve this piece of content to best suit your needs! We’ll talk soon 🙂