What to do and see in Florianópolis, the "Magic Island"
- Alana Imaizumi
- 25 de jun.
- 5 min de leitura
Atualizado: 27 de jun.
Florianópolis, affectionately known as Floripa, is the capital of Santa Catarina state. Despite being in Brazil's South, where it only gets truly hot in the summer, Floripa is a super popular spot for beaches, particularly with our Argentine and Uruguayan neighbors. So, if you're looking to check out some of our country's southern charm or just passing through, Floripa is absolutely a special place to see.
What makes Floripa so special?
A big chunk of Floripa is actually on Santa Catarina Island, which is why everyone calls it "Ilha da Magia" (Magic Island). This nickname comes from all the old stories about witches and magical creatures hanging out here, plus, the island's just naturally enchanting.
Floripa pretty much nails it: amazing nature with super clear beaches, mountains, and lagoons, all mixed with a modern city that's got everything you need.
Paradisiacal Beaches
With over 40 beaches, Floripa offers options for all tastes. Generally, the northern beaches have more infrastructure, with luxury hotels, good restaurants, and bars, while the southern beaches are more preserved and wild. Finally, the eastern beaches face the ocean, with stronger waves, making them very popular with surfers.
I'll start by talking about the southern beaches, which I personally find more beautiful and less crowded:
Praia do Campeche: Certainly the most famous in the south, with a long 3.5 km stretch of sand and a wilder setting, with views of Ilha do Campeche, which can also be visited. More recently, a new section called Novo Campeche has become famous, with condominiums, bars, and restaurants with a cooler vibe.
Campeche Island: totally considered one of Floripa's treasures, with its white sand and turquoise water. You can catch a boat to the island from Armação Beach, but I'd definitely recommend getting there early. They limit how many tourists can go each day, so don't miss out! Besides just chilling on the beach, you can also hit some hiking trails in the woods and check out the ancient rock paintings on the island. How cool is that?
Lagoinha do Leste: for the adventurous types out there! It's Floripa's most isolated beach,
meaning no car access. You've got two hiking trails to get there, but I'd totally recommend the Pântano do Sul trail – it's considered the easier one. It takes about an hour and a half, and while it's got a lot of uphill stretches, the views are totally worth it, and the beach itself is gorgeous! Plus, there's a freshwater lagoon right behind it.
If hiking isn't your jam or you just can't do it, local boat operators offer rides from Pântano do Sul or Armação Beach. That's a quicker and easier way to get there.
Tip: Since it's a remote beach, make sure to bring plenty of water and snacks!
East coast beaches: a surfer's paradise
Praia Mole: One of the most sought-after beaches by surfers. Here, the sea is very rough, with dangerous stretches and strong currents – so be careful! The beach also has some kiosks, like Barraco da Mole, easily accessible at the beach entrance.
Joaquina: Joaquina is one of the city's most famous, as it hosts surf championships. Additionally, it has excellent surrounding infrastructure (parking, restaurants, hotel). It's also surrounded by a set of dunes, where you can admire beautiful landscapes!
Lastly, let's talk about the north: where the buzz is
Jurerê Internacional: This beach is best known for its nightlife and luxury, with mansions and extensive infrastructure, but I'll tell you upfront it's not the most beautiful beach on the island. However, it's a good place if you want to combine beach time with entertainment, as Jurerê has a variety of restaurants, shopping centers, and events throughout the year. What's more, it's a place that really rolls out the red carpet for international tourists, offering all the necessary tourism infrastructure.
Besides Jurerê, there are other northern beaches that are worth mentioning, such as:
Canasvieiras, perfect for families, as it's a beach with calmer waters; Praia do Forte, that has a fortress on the right tip of the beach,
Lagoons and Dunes
Beyond the beaches, the city features stunning lagoons, such as Lagoa da Conceição, an important center for leisure, water sports, restaurants, and nightlife. The dunes of Joaquina and Lagoa complement the landscape, offering opportunities for sandboarding.
Nature and Adventure
In addition to sun and sea, Floripa is a paradise for nature and sports lovers. Hiking, surfing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, stand-up paddle, and paragliding are just some of the activities you can enjoy.
Where to Eat?
Floripa was strongly influenced by Azorean colonization. You can find signs of it in villages like Santo Antônio de Lisboa and Ribeirão da Ilha, which preserve traditions and especially their cuisine. The Public Market is another iconic spot, where you can feel the pulse of the city and sample fresh seafood.
Florianópolis is known as the "National Oyster Capital" (Capital Nacional da Ostra) and is responsible for the vast majority of Brazil's cultivated oyster production. The island is a key hub for oyster farming, and you'll find plenty of delicious fresh oysters on menus across the city, especially in areas like Ribeirão da Ilha. I've had oysters all over the globe, and I can tell you Floripa's are among the top! For famous oyster and seafood options, you've got Ostradamus and Rancho Açoriano, both located in that neighborhood. They both serve up delicious seafood menus, with their fresh oysters being a real highlight.
Another excellent seafood spot is Restaurante Deca, which is located near the Lagoon. It's a more traditional restaurant, open since 1989, serving a wide variety of oyster and seafood dishes. If you're tired of seafood, we also recommend Macarronada Italiana in the city center. It's a classic Italian restaurant that serves up delicious and generous pasta dishes.
When to Go?
I recommend going in the summer (December to March). Floripa is in the southern region of Brazil, one of the few places that actually gets cold in winter. Furthermore, it's quite windy there, and the sea is colder, making beach outings more difficult during this season. So summer is when the weather will be warmer and more pleasant to enjoying nature.
How to Get There?
The best way to arrive is by plane. Florianópolis is 700 km from São Paulo, which is a long 9-hour car journey. If you wish, you can take a bus from Rodoviária Tietê for US$45, but it will take up to 12 hours to get there.
*If you are going by car, use Rentcars.com. If you are in São Paulo, there is a good option by bus with Flixbus, which can make your trip a little cheaper. This way you help me maintain this blog alive. :)
I hope these tips help you discover this amazing city, buzzing with life and natural beauty!