The 12 things to do in Florianópolis

Looking for beautiful beaches and turquoise water during your stay in Brazil? Why not visit Florianópolis on the tropical island of Santa Catarina?

Located on the Atlantic coast south of Brazil, between São Paulo and Porto Alegre, the city of Florianópolis charms visitors for its ideal location on the island of Santa Catarina. The many beaches around it make it a dream destination for a relaxing holiday. Numerous marked trails swirl the island for the greatest happiness of hikers, and the waves that break down on the coast make it a place caught with surfing. Combine nature and culture with the Brazilian atmosphere and the colonial past of the city. To find out what to do in Florianópolis, we have compiled a list of places not to be missed.

1. Metropolitan Cathedral

Visiting Florianópolis is necessarily discovering Catedral Metropolitana de Florianópolis, the emblem of the city. Consume to Nossa Senhora do Desterro (Notre-Dame de l’Exil), it was built in 1753. Its two towers have been added over the centuries and its bells have seen the day in 1922. At the time, the cathedral signs the largest set of bells in South America with a weight of 5.8 tons.

By visiting it, you will discover a façade with typical colours of the colonial era, a superb organ and the cozy work of the stained-glass windows made in São Paul.

2. The market

If you are looking for what to do in Florianópolis to immerse yourself in the true Brazilian atmosphere, take the direction of Mercado Público Municipal . The locals enjoy doing their shopping or finding themselves around a glass! This is also where you can taste typical culinary specialties. And there will be for everyone! In total, the market houses more than 140 stands. These include clothing, ceramic objects and crafts. The ideal opportunity to discover a few memories!

3. The Palace Cruz e Sousa

The former palace of the government of the state draws its imposing silhouette on the main square of the city, plaza XV de Novembro . Originally, the palace Cruz e Sousa 4. Beira Mar Avenue

For a beautiful walk at sunset, take the walk along the seaside. Join the premises that take the aperitif on the terrace or sit on the beach, at the sound of Brazilian music. If you are lucky, you will fall on a troupe in the middle of a capoeira demonstration, this acrobatic discipline typically Brazilian, which mixes dance and combat sport. An immanquable when one wonders what to do in Florianópolis.

5. The beaches

If you come to visit Florianópolis, you will not be disappointed by the beaches around it: there are for all tastes. The beaches of the north gather hotels and tourist complexes, and are therefore more frequented. There is the best offer of accommodation but also nautical activities. The Praia dos Ingleses allows surfing, while the Praia do Jurerê is considered by many as the most beautiful beach on the island. In the south you will find more wild beaches, often deserted and surrounded by the jungle, which will delight nature lovers visiting Florianópolis.

You can reach Praia dos Naufragados by a three-kilometre trail across the forest. You will lead to a beautiful blouse of white sand stuck between tropical vegetation and turquoise waters. The Praia Mole, in the east, is the paradise of surfers who wonder what to do in Florianópolis. Its small bars and restaurants make it a lively place day and night. When at the Praia de Joaquina, it is probably the most spectacular: it is about 3 kilometers long! You shouldn't have trouble finding a quiet place to put your towel...

6. La Forteresse São José da Ponta Grossa

Direction the northeast tip of the island of Santa Catarina to discover the fortress of São José da Ponta Grossa ! Built in the 18th century to monitor the passage north of the island, it is now open to the public. You can even visit the inside, alone or with a guide.

Attard yourself in the historic rooms, watch the sea from the murderers and climb the ramparts or are still posted the cannons. Over there, you will see your next destination, the Praia do Forte, where you can restore face to the ocean before stinging a head in the translucent waters that border the beach.

7. The Dunes of Joaquina

Near the beach of the same name are huge sand dunes stretching to the ocean. A rare phenomenon not to be missed if you come to visit Florianópolis. You can take height and contemplate the waves from these sandy mountains. For lovers of strong emotions, it is possible to rent boards, to devalue the slope and surf on the fine sand as if it were snow.

8. Barra da Lagoa

This small village is perfect for relaxing. Nestled between Lagoa da Conceição and the ocean, it is bordered by a beautiful sandy beach. Small restaurants serve typical dishes of Brazilian gastronomy, you can even taste fresh fruit and fish in alleys.

For nature lovers who come to visit Florianópolis, it is possible to visit a sea turtle conservation center.

9. The Barra Lighthouse Trail

If you are still looking for what to do in Florianópolis, follow the path leading to the Barra lighthouse! Indeed, it is the promise of a pleasant walk in the middle of a breathtaking landscape. First pass the bridge suspended above the channel to Barra da Lagoa , then climb the few steps that lead to the beach of Prainha. At the end of the beach, follow the signs and the trail winding through the hill. After about 30 minutes between gravel and sandy passage, you will reach the lighthouse. Here, to you the panoramic view! On both sides, the Conceição lagoon, the ocean and the beaches of Barra and Do Moçambique offer you a postcard decor.

10. Campeche Island

South of Florianópolis, opposite the beach of Campeche, is the island of the same name. After ten minutes of boat from this beach or 1h15 from Barra da Lagoa, you land on a beautiful white sand handle by turquoise waters. The island is still preserved from tourism and retains its tropical and wild appearance, ideal for those who come to visit Florianópolis to get green.

To go through the paths that cross the forest, you will need a guide that will lead you to the point of view. Here too is the pedra fincada , a huge rock placed in balance on another. According to legend, he was placed there by men during the prehistory. Not far, cave paintings cover the walls, making the place one of the largest archaeological sites in Brazil.

The cave with bats is another attraction not to be missed during your visit to Campeche Island. You can walk all the trails in three hours, before extending your towel on the fine sand and enjoying a well-deserved resting time.

11. The Hercílio Luz Bridge

The bridge Hercílio Luz holds its name from Governor Hercílio Luz, the origin of the construction project. Inaugurated in 1926, it was the symbol of the city as it was the only road linking the island of Santa Catarina to the continent. A must-see if you want to visit Florianopolis by car! It is also the largest suspended bridge in Brazil and the second longest bridge in South America.

To discover a monument combining tradition and modernity, you can pass through Fort Santana, at the foot of the bridge. This bastion of white stones, which supervised the passage between Santa Catarina and the continent, now houses a museum. Here you will find historical maps, period photographs and some canons.

12. Observe whales

Overlooking the eponymous district, the mirador Morro das Pedras offers a panoramic view of the ocean. It is also and above all, the ideal place to observe whales! Indeed, cetaceans pass off Florianópolis during their annual migration, in fact Morro das Pedras was previously known to be a fishing place.

Fortunately, the industry has since been banned in the region, for the greatest happiness of tourists who can observe the marine giants in their aquatic ballet. If you ask that to do in Florianópolis with children, you have the answer!

How to get to Florianópolis?

To visit Florianópolis, you can fly or bus from other major cities in Brazil.

By plane

There is no direct flight from Europe to Florianópolis. You will need to make at least one stopover, usually at São Paulo or Rio de Janeiro . Count between 11 and 14 hours to reach the South American continent from France. You will then connect Florianópolis in 1h 0 from São Paulo and 1h40 from Rio de Janeiro. Hercilio Luz International Airport welcomes flights from Avianca, Azul, GOL, LATAM, TAP Portugal and Trip. To find the best travel deals to Florianópolis, we recommend using the flight comparisons Ulysses .

The airport is located 15 kilometres from the city centre. Once on site, buses provide the connection with departures every 30 minutes , and taxis will take you to the center or the surrounding beaches for rates between 7 and 17€.

By bus

If you are already in Brazil, you can also visit Florianópolis by bus.

• From São Paulo : count 12 hours of travel by various companies like Auto Viação Catarinense, 1001, Eucatur and Planalto. Departures are done every two hours.
• From Porto Alegre : count between 6 and 7 hours with the companies Santo Anjo, Eucatur or Flecha Bus. Departures are done every hour.

Where to stay in Florianopolis?

The offer of accommodation is very varied to seduce those who wish to visit Florianópolis. The city center has many hotels in all ranges of prices and comfort. Use one Compare hotels to find the room adapted to your criteria, in a small charming hotel in colonial style for example.

If you prefer to enjoy the beach and more tourist areas, prefer the north of Florianópolis. The beaches of Jureré Internacional and Praia Brava are lined with hotel complexes offering all activities for a holiday.

Looking for a quiet holiday, choose to stay south of the city. The district of Azores is quiet and will give you access to wild beaches ideal for relaxing. The village of Campeche turns out to be a good option also to visit Florianópolis, between beaches and mountains.