Florianopolis Travelers Recommend

With three days in Florianopolis, you’ll have plenty of time to visit several of the island’s 42 beaches, spend some time exploring its laid-back communities, and get off the island to see a bit more of coastal Brazil. Here are some tips for how to make the most of your three days in Florianopolis. 

Day 1: Northern Beaches

Northern Florianopolis is the most populated part of the island, offering loads of accessible swimming beaches and other things to do. Start your first day with a guided downtown tour to get a sense for the history of this former Portuguese colony, or head straight to the beach for some swimming and toes-in-the-sand relaxation. In the afternoon, take a guided cycling trip to some of the best stretches of sand in the region, including Mozambique, Santinho, and Ingleses beaches. Alternatively, hop aboard a family-friendly vintage-style pirate ship for an afternoon of sailing and snorkeling along Floripa’s gorgeous coastline. Back on dry land, head to the well-heeled neighborhood of Jurerê, where Brazil’s young, rich, and famous keep vacation homes, for a night of drinking and dancing at a beach club. 

Day 2: Southern Adventure

Lace up your hiking boots today for a trek to one of the island’s most spectacular beaches, Lagoinha do Leste, along the south coast and accessible only by walking trails. Spend the day relaxing in the sand or swimming in an emerald green lagoon that few visitors ever get to see. For something a bit more relaxed, opt for a convenient beach-hopping tour of the south. Stop in the southern fishing village of Riberão da Ilha for a dinner of fresh oysters.

Day 3: Off the Island

Spend your last day exploring another regional destination. Beach lovers can spend the day on secluded Campeche Island, a protected natural reserve known for its white-sand beaches and crystal clear waters. Those who prefer a more urban beach experience should head out on a tour of Balneário Camboriú, known as a mini Rio de Janeiro thanks to its cable cars and stellar coastal views. Families might want to visit Beto Carrero, Latin America’s largest theme park, while those interested in Brazil’s diverse cultures can day trip to the former German colony of Blumenau, known for its Bavarian food, European architecture, and local craft market. Wrap up your trip to the “Magic Island” back in Floripa with a relaxed dinner at a waterside restaurant in Lagoa da Conceição.

Two days in Florianopolis gives you enough time to travel the island end to end to see firsthand the diversity of its beaches and spectacular coastal scenery. Read on for tips on how to make the most of your 48 hours in Floripa. 

Day 1: Downtown and the Northern Beaches

**Morning:**Start your first day on the island with a guided tour of downtown Florianopolis, the capital city of Santa Catarina and the island’s commercial hub. Learn about Santa Catarina’s Portuguese history as you explore historic sites such as November 15 Square (Praça Novembro XV), Palace Cruz e Souza, and the Hercílio Luz Bridge.

**Afternoon:**This afternoon, head north to enjoy some of the island’s most accessible and  swimmable beaches. Hop in a car and explore on your own, or visit with a guide who can point out the best spots. For something a little more active, choose a cycling tour of northern Florianopolis to visit Mozambique, Santinho, and Ingleses beaches.

**Night:**As the sun goes down, head to one of the beach clubs on the northern coast to get a taste of the island’s glamorous nightlife. Depending on the time of year, you might hear an international DJ spinning tunes as Santa Catarina’s well-heeled dance late into the night.  

Day 2: The Wild South

**Morning:**Some of the island’s most beautiful, rugged, and pristine beaches lie to the south. Guided trips to this spectacular part of Santa Catarina often start near Conceição Lagoon (Lagoa da Conceição), with visits to Campeche Beach and the Morro das Pedras overlook for a panoramic view of this scenic stretch of Brazilian coast.  

**Afternoon:**Continue south for an afternoon of beach hopping to Saquino, Solidao, Pântano do Sul, Armação, and Matadeiro beaches. You’ll have plenty of time to stroll in the sand and swim in the calm seas of this lesser-visited part of Florianopolis. 

**Night:**As you head back north, stop at the charming seaside village of Riberão da Ilha, accessed by a lovely winding seaside road, to feast on an island specialty: oysters. You can see the white floats marking the locations of oyster farms as you dine on the fresh bounty of the sea.

Santa Catarina Island, often referred to by the name of its capital city Florianopolis, enjoys 350 miles (560 kilometers) of coastline, with a beach for any taste. Even if you only have a day to spend on the “Magic Island,” you’ll still get a taste for what’s on offer. Here are some tips for how to make the most of your day in Florianopolis. 

Morning: Historic Downtown

Start your day on the island with a guided tour of the downtown area. Learn more about the island’s early Portuguese settlers as you tour notable landmarks, such as November 15 Square (Praça Novembro XV), Palace Cruz e Souza, and the impressive Hercílio Luz Bridge (Ponte Hercílio Luz) linking Santa Catarina to mainland Brazil. Book your own private English-speaking guide to make sure you don’t miss anything on your must-see list. If time permits, continue your explorations in the historic Lagoa da Conceição neighborhood, known for its scenic lagoon.

Afternoon: Northern Beaches

Visitors come to Floripa, as the city is known, for its spectacular beaches, and those on the northern end of the island are the most accessible (and have the warmest waters, perfect for swimming). Many full-day tours of the island stop at Jurerê, a trendy beach on the northern end of the island where Brazil’s young, rich, and famous have their vacation homes. If you’re feeling active, opt for an afternoon cycling tour through the northern part of the island, with stops at Mozambique, Santinho, and Ingleses beaches along the way. 

Night: Lagoa da Conceição

While nightlife is a bit subdued in Florianopolis, one of the best places for dinner and a drink throughout the year is along the shores of Lagoa da Conceição. Sip a cocktail at the picturesque Morro da Lagoa da Conceição lookout before heading into the village for an evening of barhopping and local music. Alternatively, head to one of the beach clubs on the northern end of the island, where DJs spin tunes and visitors rub elbows with well-heeled locals.