Traveling to Brazil’s seaside cities or just settling down? Here’s where to stay in Florianópolis!
Brazil ‘s second most popular tourist destination after Rio de Janeiro, Florianópolis has been the capital of the state of Santa Catarina since 1823. World-renowned for its many subtropical beaches, it is also one of Brazil’s most renowned cities for its high quality of life and is the economic hub of the southern region, between São Paulo and Porto Alegre. Founded in 1675 by the Portuguese, Florianópolis had a population of 421,403 in 2010, with almost 795,000 souls living in the 433 km² urban area. Florianópolis is also one of the safest cities in Brazil, which makes it well worth a visit. But where to stay in Florianópolis? An apartment in Florianópolis won’t be expensive.
Florianópolis is renowned for its beaches, hiking, lush nature and cultural heritage. Expatriates or tourists, here’s where to stay in Florianópolis.
Centro
Photo credit: Flickr – Francisco Anzola
The historic center lies at the head of the Hercilio Luz Bridge, in the center of Santa Catarina Island. It’s packed with historic buildings to visit, such as the Metropolitan Cathedral: located opposite Praça XV de Novembro – home to the Centenary Fig Tree – it was built in 1753 and dedicated to Nossa Senhora do Desterro (Our Lady of Exile). Fancy a spot of shopping? Take a trip to the Mercado Publico Municipal, easily recognizable by its two wings topped by towers and its central bay: clothes, local foodstuffs, ceramic and wicker handicrafts are all on sale. Next door, don’t miss the Palais Cruz e Sousa, one of the oldest buildings in Florianópolis. The building also houses the Santa Catarina Historical Museum. Also in the center, visit the Victor Meirelles Museum.
All in all, it’s a good place to stay in Florianópolis, as it’s very centrally located. It’s also a great place to party, with numerous cafés, pubs, bars, discotheques and restaurants. Looking for more peace and quiet? Check out the eastern « neighborhoods »: Lagoa da Conceição!
North of Florianópolis
Photo credit: Flickr – Andreia Reis
Would you like to stay in Florianópolis by the water? Beware: the vast majority of tourists visiting Florianópolis are mainly drawn to the beaches, so they’re bound to be crowded. Staying at Jureré Internacional beach and Praia Brava, in the north of the island, means you can take advantage of the bay’s excellent tourist infrastructure, while also having the chance to visit the Fortress of São José da Ponta Grossa or the Aquatic Park (along the Rodovia Armando Calil Bullos). If you’re looking for quiet beaches and/or are visiting Florianópolis with children, opt for the Ponta Das Canas, Daniela, do Forte, Canasvieiras, Lagoinha and Cachoeira do Bom Jesus areas.
South of Florianópolis
Photo credit: Flickr – Pedro Soares de Oliveira Neto
Would you like to find a place to stay in Florianópolis, in a quieter, wilder area away from the beaches and bustling urban areas? Aim for the south of the island of Santa Catarina: if you choose to stay in the Azores (the district, not the Atlantic archipelago), you’ll have access to superb tropical beaches, such as the beautiful Praia de Naufragados, the beach for those shipwrecked after a hike in the « pampa », but also the Praia dos Açores and the Praia da Solidão . The town of Campeche is also well positioned: staying in Campeche allows you to hike up Mount Lampiaõ and swim on a large stretch of sand at the beach of the same name.