The Ultimate Brazil Travel Guide: Florianópolis

The best beaches in Florianopolis

Florianópolis has more than 40 beaches spread across different parts of the island. Conditions vary significantly depending on location, so it is more useful to choose beaches based on what you are looking for rather than trying to visit as many as possible.

Best beaches for surfing

• Praia Mole is one of the main surf beaches on the island, known for consistent waves and a more social atmosphere.

• Praia da Joaquina regularly hosts surf competitions and is also known for its large sand dunes where sandboarding is common.

• Praia do Campeche is a long, open beach with reliable surf and fewer crowds than Mole and Joaquina.

Best beaches for swimming and easy access

• Barra da Lagoa has calmer water near the canal and easy access to restaurants and services, making it a great option for a full day.

• Jurerê / Jurerê Internacional offers sheltered water and a more structured beachfront with restaurants and beach clubs.

Best beaches for walking

• Praia do Moçambique is one of the longest beaches on the island, backed by protected forest and with limited development.

• Praia dos Ingleses is a large, developed beach with extensive accommodation and services, but it can be busy in peak season.

Best beaches in the south (quieter and less developed)

• Praia da Armação has a more local feel and acts as a starting point for nearby trails.

• Praia do Matadeiro is only accessible on foot and offers clearer water with fewer people.

• Pântano do Sul is a traditional fishing village with a quieter atmosphere and limited infrastructure.

Top things to see & do in Florianopolis

Surfing and water sports

• Surfing is one of the main activities on the island, with consistent conditions at beaches such as Praia Mole, Joaquina, and Barra da Lagoa, where surf lessons are widely available.

• Stand up paddleboarding is popular on the calmer waters of Lagoa da Conceição, which is sheltered from ocean swell.

• Boat trips run to Ilha do Campeche, where you can visit protected snorkelling areas.

Best hikes in Florianópolis

• Hiking is one of the best ways to access less developed parts of the island.

• The trail to Lagoinha do Leste is one of the most well-known, leading to a remote beach with no road access.  If you are not confident hiking alone, you can take a guide.

• Another popular route is the coastal hike from Barra da Lagoa to Praia da Galheta and onwards to Praia Mole, with viewpoints and natural pools along the way. Again, guides are available if desired.

Outdoor and adventure activities

• More structured activities are available across the island and nearby mainland areas.

• White water rafting can be done on rivers outside the island, and is a popular day trip

• Horseback riding is a unique way to visit the beach

• Camping is possible in designated areas, particularly near more remote beaches. It's best to go with a guide who can provide equipment and organise logistics.

  
  

Lagoa da Conceição and central areas

• Lagoa da Conceição is one of the main hubs for activities, with options for water sports, restaurants, and access to nearby trails and beaches.
  

Is Florianopolis worth it?

Yes, but it depends on how you plan your trip. Florianópolis is one of the most varied coastal destinations in Brazil, with a large number of beaches, hiking areas, and distinct neighbourhoods spread across the island. It offers more choice than most destinations, but that also means planning where to stay and how to get around is important.

When Florianópolis is worth it

• you want a wide range of beaches with different conditions

• you are planning to stay at least 3 to 5 days

• you are willing to base yourself in one area and travel to explore other areas

• you have a car or are comfortable using transport to move between beaches

  
  

When it may not be the best fit

• you are visiting for a very short stay (1 to 2 days)

• you prefer compact destinations where everything is close together

  
  

How long to spend in Florianopolis

I recommend to spend at least 5 days in Florianopolis to explore the island's top beaches and hiking trails, including Praia Mole, Praia Joaquina, Campeche Island, Lagoinha do Leste, and Barra da Lagoa. Ultimately, how long you stay in Florianópolis depends on how many areas of the island you want to explore.

1 to 2 days (limited)

A short stay is possible, but you will need to stay in one area and focus on nearby beaches. This works best if:

• you are passing through

• you plan to visit only one region (e.g. stay in a resort the north)

  
  

3 to 4 days (ideal for most visitors)

This gives enough time to explore more than one area without rushing. You can:

• visit a mix of beaches with different conditions

• explore areas like Lagoa da Conceição, as well as a variety of surf beaches

• include short hikes or viewpoints

• enjoy Florianopolis' nightlife

  
  

5 to 7 days (more complete trip)

With more time, you can:

• explore both the centre and south of the island

• visit quieter and more remote beaches

• take a longer hike, such asto Lagoinha do Leste