How to Spend 3 Days in Florianopolis

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. 

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. 

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.

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.