Looking for beautiful beaches and turquoise waters during your stay in Brazil? Why not visit Florianópolis, on the tropical island of Santa Catarina?
Located on the Atlantic coast of southern Brazil, between São Paulo and Porto Alegre, the city of Florianópolis charms visitors with its ideal location on Santa Catarina Island. The many beaches that surround it make it a dream destination for a relaxing vacation. Numerous marked trails criss-cross the island to the delight of hikers, and the waves that break on the coast make it a popular spot for surfers. Combine nature and culture and soak up the Brazilian ambience and the town’s colonial past. To find out what to do in Florianópolis, we’ve put together a list of places not to be missed.
1. The Metropolitan Cathedral
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Helissa Grundemann
A visit to Florianópolis inevitably includes a visit to the Catedral Metropolitana de Florianópolis, the city’s emblem. Dedicated to Nossa Senhora do Desterro (Our Lady of Exile), it was built in 1753. Its two towers have been added over the centuries, while its bells were added in 1922. At the time, the cathedral was the largest set of bells in South America, weighing in at 5.8 tonnes.
When you visit, you’ll discover a facade with colors typical of the colonial era, a superb organ and the chiselled work of the stained glass windows made in São Paul.
2. The market
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Helissa Grundemann
If you’re looking for something to do in Florianópolis to immerse yourself in the true Brazilian atmosphere, head for the Mercado Público Municipal. Locals love to shop here or meet up for a drink! It’s also here that you’ll be able to sample typical Brazilian culinary specialities. And there’s something for everyone! In all, the market is home to over 140 stalls. These include clothing, ceramics and handicrafts. The perfect opportunity to pick up a few souvenirs!
3. Cruz e Sousa Palace
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The former state government palace stands imposingly on the city’s main square, plaza XV de Novembro. Originally, the Cruz e Sousa</em est palace was clad in colonial architecture. It was subsequently restored in 1894 and 1898, and adorned with decorative elements from a variety of influences. Today, it houses the Santa Catarina Historical Museum, which tells the story of the island’s colonization.
Stop in front of the ten allegorical statues adorning the building’s façade. Among them are Saint Catherine, the patron saint of the state, and the god Mercury. Once you’ve passed through the palace gates, face the monumental Carrara marble staircase! Art Nouveau stained glass and bronze statues of knights add a little extra spectacle to this local landmark.
4. Beira Mar Avenue
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Diego Grandi
For a beautiful sunset stroll, take the promenade along the seafront. Mingle with locals enjoying aperitifs on the terrace or sitting on the beach, to the sound of Brazilian music. If you’re lucky, you’ll come across a troupe demonstrating capoeira, a typically Brazilian acrobatic discipline that combines dance and combat sports. A must when you’re wondering what to do in Florianópolis.
5. The beaches
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If you come to visit Florianópolis, you won’t be disappointed by the beaches that surround it: there’s something for everyone. The northern beaches are home to the hotels and resorts, and are therefore the busiest. Here you’ll find the best range of accommodation and water sports. Praia dos Ingleses is ideal for surfing, while Praia do Jurerê is considered by many to be the most beautiful beach on the island. To the south, you’ll find wilder beaches, often deserted and surrounded by jungle, which will delight nature lovers visiting Florianópolis.
You can reach Praia dos Naufragados via a three-kilometre path through the forest. This leads to a beautiful white-sand cove nestled between tropical vegetation and turquoise waters. Praia Mole, to the east, is a paradise for surfers wondering what to do in Florianópolis. Its small bars and restaurants make it a lively place day and night. As for the Praia de Joaquina, this is undoubtedly the most spectacular: it’s almost 3 kilometers long! You shouldn’t have any trouble finding a quiet place to lay your towel…
6. São José da Ponta Grossa Fortress
Photo credit: Shutterstock / garlaschelli franco
Head for the northeastern tip of Santa Catarina Island to discover the fortress of São José da Ponta Grossa! Built in the 18th century to watch over the passage to the north of the island, it is now open to the public. You can even visit the interior, on your own or with a guide.
Linger in the rooms steeped in history, watch the sea from the loopholes and climb the ramparts where the cannons are still posted. Below, you’ll see your next destination, the Praia do Forte, where you can dine overlooking the ocean before taking a dip in the translucent waters that line the beach.
7. Joaquina Dunes
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Near the beach of the same name are immense sand dunes stretching right down to the ocean. A rare phenomenon not to be missed when visiting Florianópolis. You can get up high and watch the waves roll in from these sand mountains. For thrill-seekers, it’s possible to rent a board and hurtle down the slope, surfing the fine sand as if it were snow.
8. Barra da Lagoa
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This small village is perfect for relaxing. Nestled between the Lagoa da Conceição and the ocean, it is bordered by a magnificent sandy beach. Small restaurants serve typical Brazilian dishes, and you can even sample fresh fruit and fish in the stalls along the lanes.
For nature lovers visiting Florianópolis, it’s possible to visit a sea turtle conservation center.
9. Barra lighthouse trail
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If you’re still wondering what to do in Florianópolis, take the path leading to the Barra lighthouse! It’s the promise of a pleasant walk amidst breathtaking scenery. First cross the suspension bridge over the canal at Barra da Lagoa, then climb the few steps to Prainha beach. At the end of the beach, follow the signs and the path winding through the hillside. After about 30 minutes of gravel and sand, you’ll reach the lighthouse. The panoramic view is yours! On either side, the Conceição lagoon, the ocean and the beaches of Barra and do Moçambique provide a picture-postcard backdrop.
10. Campeche Island
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Ines Sacramento
South of Florianópolis, opposite Campeche beach, lies the island of the same name. A ten-minute boat ride from this beach, or 1h15 from Barra da Lagoa, takes you to a beautiful white-sand cove bordered by turquoise waters. The island is still untouched by tourism and retains its wild, tropical feel, ideal for those visiting Florianópolis to get away from it all.
To follow the paths through the forest, you’ll need a guide to take you to the viewpoint. Here, too, is the pedra fincada, a huge rock balanced on top of another. Legend has it that it was placed there by prehistoric man. Nearby, rock paintings cover the walls, making this one of Brazil’s greatest archaeological sites.
The bat cave is another attraction not to be missed on your visit to Campeche Island. You can cover the entire trail in three hours, before laying out your towel on the fine sand and enjoying a well-deserved rest.
11. Hercílio Luz Bridge
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Odairson Antonello
The Hercílio Luz Bridge takes its name from Governor Hercílio Luz, who initiated the construction project. Inaugurated in 1926, it is the symbol of the city, as it was the only road linking the island of Santa Catarina to the mainland. A must if you want to visit Florianopolis by car! It is also the largest suspension bridge in Brazil and the second longest in South America.
To discover a monument combining tradition and modernity, you can visit Fort Santana, at the foot of the bridge. This white stone bastion, which guarded the passage between Santa Catarina and the mainland, now houses a museum. Here you’ll find historical maps, period photographs and a few cannons.
12. Whale watching
Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons – Adtormena
Overlooking the eponymous district, the Morro das Pedras viewpoint offers a panoramic view of the ocean. Above all, it’s the ideal spot for whale watching! The cetaceans pass by Florianópolis on their annual migration, and Morro das Pedras was once known as a fishing ground.
Fortunately, the industry has since been banned in the region, much to the delight of tourists who can watch the marine giants in their aquatic ballet. If you’re wondering what to do in Florianópolis with children, you’ve come to the right place!
How do I get to Florianópolis?
To visit Florianópolis, you can travel by plane or bus from other major Brazilian cities.
By plane
There are no direct flights from Europe to Florianópolis. You’ll need to make at least one stopover, usually in São Paulo or Rio de Janeiro. It takes between 11 and 14 hours to reach the South American continent from France. You can then reach Florianópolis in 1h 0 from São Paulo and 1h40 from Rio de Janeiro. Hercilio Luz International Airport serves flights operated by Avianca, Azul, GOL, LATAM, TAP Portugal and Trip. To find the best travel deals to Florianópolis, we recommend you use the Ulysses flight comparison service.
The airport is 15 kilometers from the city center. Once there, buses run every 30 minutes, and cabs can take you to the center or surrounding beaches for fares ranging from €7 to €17.
By bus
If you’re already in Brazil, you can also visit Florianópolis by bus.
- From São Paulo: 12-hour journey operated by various companies such as Auto Viação Catarinense, 1001, Eucatur and Planalto. Departures are every two hours.
- From Porto Alegre: allow 6-7 hours with Santo Anjo, Eucatur or Flecha Bus. Departures are every hour.
Where to stay in Florianopolis?
Florianópolis offers a wide range of accommodation options. The city center boasts numerous hotels in all price and comfort ranges. Use a hotel comparator to find the right room for you, in a charming colonial-style hotel for example.
If you prefer the beach and more touristy areas, choose the north of Florianópolis. The beaches of Jureré Internacional and Praia Brava are bordered by resorts offering all the activities you’d dream of on vacation.
If you’re looking for peace and quiet for a relaxing vacation, choose accommodation in the south of the city. The Azores district is quiet and gives you access to wild beaches ideal for relaxing. The village of Campeche is also a good option for visiting Florianópolis, between beaches and mountains.
Map of hotels and accommodation – Florianópolis,br