Best things to do in Florianópolis: a local’s guide

Planning on traveling to Brazil and visiting the beautiful Florianópolis? The capital of the state of Santa Catarina, affectionately known as Floripa, is an island known for its paradisiacal beaches and natural beauty. There are indeed many lovely beaches to visit, and that’s not all: there are also other interesting things to do in Florianópolis.

I love the city and have explored many of its corners, from beaches to museums. That’s why I prepared this guide with the main attractions and activities on the “Ilha da Magia” (Magic Island, another nickname for the city). I’m also going to give practical tips so that you can make the most of your stay.

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Top things to do in Florianópolis: the best beaches

It’s hard not to start a guide on the best things to do in Florianópolis by talking about the beaches, which are certainly the most sought-after attraction in the city.

First of all, it’s important to know that Floripa is divided into five regions: Central (Centro), North (Norte), East (Leste), South (Sul) and Continental. Below I will talk about the most recommended beaches in each of the coastal regions (North, East and South). After all, the distances (and traffic jams, especially during high season) require you to set aside different days to explore each part of the island.

North of the island

The northern region of the island is the busiest and has the best infrastructure for tourism. It’s known for its nightlife and parties. In Jurerê Internacional beach you will find luxurious houses and yachts; this is the most sophisticated area of the city.

Since it’s very touristy, the region offers a wide variety of restaurants and street vendors. In addition, the waters in the north of Florianópolis are the warmest on the island.

These are the main beaches in this region:

Praia Brava

Praia Brava is characterized by its strong waves and strong currents, which make it one of the busiest surfing spots on the island. It is just over 1.5 km long and has kiosks and a bike path. It’s a beautiful place, but not very interesting for those traveling with children. During high season, there’s usually a lot of people at the beach and a lot of traffic around it.

Praia Mole

Praia Mole is a popular meeting point for young people, surfers and paragliders, thanks to its hillside with a take-off ramp. It’s also a popular place among the LGBTQIA+ community.

The scenery is very beautiful, but it isn’t very good for families with children either, because of the strong waves and because the sea quickly becomes much deeper after just a few steps in the water.

Praia Santo Antônio de Lisboa

Praia Santo Antônio de Lisboa is located in the neighborhood of the same name, which is the oldest in the capital and known for its preserved colonial architecture. The place maintains cultural traditions and celebrations such as the Festa do Divino Espírito Santo, Terno de Reis and Cacumbi. From the beach you can enjoy the view of Baía Norte (North Bay) and the mainland. The waterfront has several good restaurants and is a great place to watch the sunset in Florianópolis.

Praia da Daniela

Praia da Daniela, formerly known as Praia do Pontal de Jurerê, is a very peaceful beach. With calm waters and fine sand, it is ideal for children. The warm waters of Baía Norte (North Bay) and the wide strip of sand make it a great place to play and chill. The area is more residential and much less popular than other beaches in the northern region of Floripa. However, the infrastructure for visitors is more limited.

Praia de Jurerê

Praia de Jurerê is one of the best-known beaches in Florianópolis. It has fine, clear sand and the sea is usually calm. To the left is the planned neighborhood of Jurerê Internacional, with parks, supermarkets, an open-air shopping mall and bars. On the right, there is Jurerê Tradicional, a more traditional residential area where the Santa Catarina Yacht Club is located.

Jurerê is not one of the prettiest beaches, but it’s a good place for partygoers. There are beach clubs with restaurants where parties take place at night on weekends and holidays. Restaurants and accommodation there tend to have higher prices than in other parts of the city.

East of the Island

The eastern region of Florianópolis, which includes the beaches near Lagoa da Conceição, is a little more preserved. It offers options for both surfers and those looking for calm waters and hikes.

In this area, the sea is not usually too cold, and you will find a great diversity of landscapes, including dunes, lagoons and islands. It’s a very diverse region.

At night, Lagoa da Conceição becomes lively, with a variety of bars and restaurants. Although it does not have the same level of nightlife as Jurerê, it offers several leisure and options.

Check out the main things to do in Florianópolis in the eastern region:

Praia da Joaquina

Joaquina Beach is one of the best-structured beaches in Floripa, popular among young people and known for its concerts and events. If you’re looking for nightlife, it’s a great choice. This is my favorite beach in Florianópolis.

It offers several amenities, such as parking, lifeguards, local crafts shops, restaurants, bars and bathrooms. In the summer, it tends to get quite crowded.

With many dunes, Joaquina is the birthplace of sandboarding, which you can try there. Depending on the ocean conditions and the stretch of beach you choose to stay in, you can find good waves for surfing or calmer waters.

Praia do Moçambique

Mozambique Beach is the longest beach in Florianópolis, 13.5 km long, and is part of the Parque Florestal do Rio Vermelho reserve. With no buildings, it offers a well-preserved natural environment. With little infrastructure and strong waves, it’s not usually crowded, being frequented mainly by surfers.

Barra da Lagoa

The Barra da Lagoa is an excellent place for families and anyone who prefers a quieter environment. One side of the beach has good waves for surfing, and the other side usually has calmer waters. This region is a traditional fishing area, with a small-town atmosphere, but it also has good tourist infrastructure. There are some nice hikes there and it’s also worth visiting the Barra da Lagoa Canal, which connects the lagoon Lagoa de Conceição to the sea.

Praia do Gravatá

Gravatá Beach is another popular choice for those looking for a less crowded environment. With calm waters, it’s only 60 meters long, but it’s great for those who want to enjoy a sunny day in a quieter setting. The beach is surrounded by natural areas and hikes, providing an experience closer to nature. Access to the beach is via an easy hike. Near the start of the hike, you will find restaurants and bars.

South of the island

The southern region of Florianópolis is the quietest and most preserved part of the island. If you prefer less crowded beaches, beautiful hikes and a more rural environment, this region will certainly win you over. However, there are some disadvantages: the water tends to be colder and some of the beaches aren’t so easy to get to.

Discover the main beaches in the region:

Praia dos Naufragados

Located on the southern tip of Santa Catarina Island, Naufragados Beach is a delightful destination for those seeking to connect with nature in a more isolated location. With thick sand and open sea, it’s a popular spot for camping, hiking and fishing, although the infrastructure is quite limited. It’s not recommended for children.

It’s not so easy to get to the beach: you must hike for 3 km on a hill covered in vegetation, which offers spectacular views, or go by boat.

Praia de Lagoinha do Leste

Lagoinha do Leste Beach is a must-see on any list of things to do in Florianópolis. With its small strip of sand, it has an impressive setting, surrounded by green hills. In addition to the beach, around there you’ll also find cliffs, a lagoon and a waterfall.

To get there you need to hike for about an hour starting from Pântano do Sul beach. You can also go via Praia do Matadeiro; the hike takes a little longer but is more beautiful. However, it’s important to be in good physical condition, because it’s a quite difficult hike. Go early and in a group and bring food and water.

Praia da Solidão

Considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Santa Catarina, Praia da Solidão is a small cove between Costa de Dentro and Saquinho with crystal clear waters and surrounded by green hills. In addition to its natural beauty, the beach has a waterfall and a natural pool. However, the sea can be rough and the hike to get there is somewhat steep.

Praia da Armação

Originally a fishing village, Armação Beach is another one of my favorite places in Floripa. The northern stretch has rougher waves, while the southern stretch has calmer waters. The Lagoa do Peri Municipal Park is also located there, with hikes, waterfalls and ecotourism activities. During the summer, the beach comes alive with a vibrant nightlife scene.

Praia do Campeche

Campeche Beach is one of the best-known beaches in Florianópolis. The neighborhood of the same name, where it’s located, is a favorite among digital nomads. It has wilder stretches and others with more infrastructure, thus welcoming different types of tourists.

I love enjoying the beach itself, which is 12km long and is great for practicing sports or spending the day at the kiosks by the sea. But you can also take the opportunity to visit Campeche Island, taking boat tours (during high season, book in advance). Its calm clear waters are great for diving.

If you have the energy, be sure to hike the Morro do Lampião, which is very popular and leads to Pedra do Urubu, where you’ll enjoy a beautiful view.

Other things to see and do in Florianópolis

Although Floripa is known for its nature, it also has other interesting attractions, including more than 15 museums and several historical sites. Check out some of my other favorite things to do in Florianópolis:

Historic Center

The historic center of Florianópolis is, like in other large cities, a great place for those who want to get to know the local culture. It houses well-preserved colonial buildings and charming streets.

Among the must-see spots are the Public Market (Mercado Público), ideal for trying local cuisine and buying handicrafts, and the Metropolitan Cathedral (Catedral Metropolitana), a historical landmark of the city.

Santa Catarina Historical Museum

Located in XV de Novembro Square, the Santa Catarina Historical Museum (Museu Histórico de Santa Catarina), also known as Cruz e Souza Palace (Palácio Cruz e Souza), was the residence of the presidents of the province during the Empire and served as the state governor’s office until 1984.

Transformed into a museum in 1986, the large pink mansion was built with a mix of architectural styles, such as baroque and neoclassical, and is very beautiful both inside and outside. It tells the story of the state of Santa Catarina, in addition to housing temporary exhibitions.

Santo Antônio de Lisboa

This historic neighborhood, known for its traditional buildings made with shells and whale oil, is the oldest in Florianópolis, and to this day it tells a lot about the island’s history. The region is famous for its Portuguese cuisine and the Alfaias Market (Feira das Alfaias), held at Roldão da Rocha Pires Square on weekends, where you can admire and buy local crafts.

UFSC Planetarium

For astronomy enthusiasts, the planetarium at the Federal University of Santa Catarina offers observations of the night sky through telescopes. Visits to the observatory are free and open to adults and children accompanied by guardians. They currently take place every Wednesday, from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., as long as the sky is clear. Check out more information on their official website.

TAMAR Project

For those looking for things to do in Florianópolis besides the beaches, a visit to the TAMAR project headquarters in the city is another good option. This is a highly respected sea turtle preservation project present in different parts of Brazil.

There, visitors have the opportunity to see several species of turtles, watch the animals being fed, and participate in educational activities with guided tours.

TAMAR is currently open from Wednesday to Monday, including holidays, from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Other museums in Florianópolis

Florianópolis is also home to other interesting museums, such as the Santa Catarina Art Museum, the Military Police Museum, the Sambaqui Man Museum, the Natural History Museum, the Image and Sound Museum, and the Archaeology and Ethnography Museum. If you are interested in these topics, it is worth checking them out.

Where to stay in Florianópolis

As I mentioned at the beginning of the article, Florianópolis is divided into regions that offer visitors very different experiences. If you’re deciding on where to stay in Floripa, take that into consideration.

The city center is ideal for those looking for proximity to historical and cultural sites. If you prefer to be somewhere with good infrastructure and leisure options, the north of the island is recommended, particularly beaches like Jurerê, Canasvieiras, and Ingleses.

The south of the island is great if you prioritize tranquility and want to be close to nature. The highlights there are Campeche Beach and Lagoa da Conceição.

The east of the island is known for its hustle and bustle, with many bars, restaurants, and famous beaches such as Mole and Joaquina. Each region offers different accommodation options and activities, catering to all tastes and styles.

If you need help choosing where to stay, check out our complete guide on where to stay in Florianópolis.

Frequently asked questions about the best things to do in Florianópolis

Now that you know what to do in Florianópolis, it’s time to plan your trip. Below, I’ll answer some common questions:

When is the best time to visit Florianópolis?

The best time to visit Florianópolis depends on what you want to do. If you want to enjoy the beaches, summer (December to March) is the best choice, with high temperatures and inviting waters. However, this is also the busiest time, especially in January and February. It’s also the rainiest period.

For those who prefer to avoid crowds, autumn (April and May) or spring (September to November) are more interesting. Between these two seasons, autumn is better for enjoying the beaches, because it’s still somewhat warm and the rain tends to decrease. In spring, temperatures are usually lower and the weather more unpredictable, with a greater chance of cloudy or rainy days.

In winter (June to August), temperatures are obviously lower, but less so than in other parts of southern Brazil. Although the beaches are not as inviting, it’s a good time to go on hikes and enjoy local cuisine.

How long should I stay in Florianópolis?

The ideal time to stay in Florianópolis depends on your interests. For a complete experience, I recommend spending at least a week in the city. This allows you to explore both the northern and southern beaches, as well as visiting the lagoons and the historic center and going on a few hikes.

If you have less time, three to five days are enough to get a good taste of what the city has to offer.

What should I do in Florianópolis in 2 days?

With only two days, I would focus on the most emblematic points of the city. On the first day you can start by exploring the central region, with a visit to the Public Market and the Metropolitan Cathedral. In the afternoon, head to Lagoa da Conceição and nearby beaches, such as Praia Mole and Joaquina.

On the second day, I suggest exploring the north of the island, visiting beaches such as Jurerê Internacional and Canasvieiras, and ending the day with sunset in Santo Antônio de Lisboa.

What is there to do in Florianópolis at night?

There is no shortage of restaurants and nightclubs among the things to do in Florianópolis at night. In the city center, there are bars and restaurants around Lagoa da Conceição, a popular spot for both locals and tourists. If you prefer a more sophisticated atmosphere, Jurerê Internacional has beach clubs that become exclusive nightclubs at night.

Another good option to enjoy the nightlife in Floripa is to visit Feirinha da Lagoa market, where you will find more than 125 craft vendors. In addition, I recommend exploring Ribeirão da Ilha and tasting the region’s renowned oyster cuisine.

What is there to do in Florianópolis on rainy days?

On rainy days, a visit to the Public Market is an excellent option to explore the local culture and try typical dishes. Museums such as the Museu Histórico de Santa Catarina and the Museu de Arte de Santa Catarina (MASC) are also good alternatives.

Another option is to visit the TAMAR Project, where you can learn about the conservation of sea turtles and the efforts to protect them.

What should I eat in Florianópolis?

Floripa’s cuisine is famous for its seafood, such as oysters and shrimp. Local oysters are known for their quality and can be enjoyed in restaurants throughout the city, especially in Santo Antônio de Lisboa and Ribeirão da Ilha.

Tainha, a typical fish of the region, is especially popular in the winter. In addition, there are many options for shrimp dishes, from simple fried shrimp to recipes like bobó and moqueca. Another delicious typical dish is the pastel de berbigão, a small mollusk.

So, did you like my tips on the best things to do in Florianópolis? Tell us in the comments section!

Article written by Rafaela Beatriz, a contributor to the Janelas Abertas blog. Photos: Luísa Ferreira/Janelas Abertas and Deposit Photos.