Florianopolis
South America · Brazil
Did you know?
- Lagoa da Conceição is a hub for water sports.
- Projeto Tamar runs a sea turtle center.
- Trails lead to Lagoinha do Leste and Naufragados.
See also
Joinville
Brazil26.30°S 48.85°W · 4 m
Overview
Beaches range from lively resorts to quieter stretches reached along trails. Forested mountains and a large lagoon add variety to an island stay.
Languages: Portuguese
Why go?
Florianopolis, known as Floripa, is a stunning island city in southern Brazil. It boasts over 42 beaches, from lively resorts to isolated trails, alongside forested mountains and a large lagoon. Less dangerous than Rio or Recife, it offers a vibrant culture, excellent surfing, and a backpacker-friendly atmosphere. The city swells in summer, so off-season visits are recommended for a more relaxed experience.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Getting in
Fly into Hercílio Luz International Airport (FLN), 12 km from the city center, connected by local buses and taxis. Long-distance buses arrive at Terminal Rita Maria, linking Florianopolis to major Brazilian cities and neighboring countries. The terminal has free WiFi.
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Getting around
Public buses run from the city center to all beaches; the fare is R$6 (June 2023) and takes 35-60 minutes. An air-conditioned yellow bus (Linhas Executivas) costs R$15 and goes directly to main beaches. Car rentals are available from R$120/day with A/C, recommended for exploring fully, but traffic can be heavy in summer.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
When to go
Best weather is from December to March, with hot, sunny days averaging 29°C (84°F). This is also peak tourist season, causing crowds and high prices. Winter (June-August) is cooler and drier, with average highs of 21°C (70°F), suitable for surfing but not swimming.
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Where to stay
Accommodation ranges from budget hostels in Lagoa da Conceição (dorms from R$20-30) to resorts in Jurerê and Canasvieiras. The northern beaches are touristy with many hotels, while the east is popular with young surfers. Off-season rates drop significantly.
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Food and drink
Fresh seafood is a highlight, along with Portuguese and Italian influences. Downtown offers 'per kilo' buffets with a full meal and juice for under R$6. For nightlife, Lagoa da Conceição is the hub in winter, with bars and clubs like John Bull Pub.
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Things to do
Beach-hop at Praia Mole, Joaquina, and Barra da Lagoa. Surf, sandboard, windsurf, or paraglide. Hike to Lagoa do Peri, Naufragados, or Lagoinha do Leste. Visit the historic forts and the Projeto Tamar sea turtle center (R$15). Lagoa da Conceição is perfect for water sports.
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Safety
Florianopolis is safer than most large Brazilian cities. Tourist areas are well-policed, but remain vigilant: avoid flaunting valuables, be wary of pickpockets on buses and crowded beaches, and avoid favelas. Don't trust overly helpful strangers.
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Connectivity
Free WiFi is available at the bus terminal. No specific SIM card information is provided, but major Brazilian carriers likely offer coverage.
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Budget
Backpacker daily budget: dorm bed R$20-30, bus ride R$6-15, per-kilo lunch under R$6. Car rental R$120/day split if shared. Activities like paragliding cost extra; many beaches are free.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Day trips
Nearby destinations include Balneário Camboriú, São Joaquim, Laguna, and Garopaba. These are reachable by bus or car and offer beaches, mountains, or historical sites.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Go next
From Florianopolis, continue north to Balneário Camboriú or south to Laguna and Garopaba. The BR-101 highway connects to Curitiba (north) and Tubarão (south).
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Field guide adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0. Text has been adapted and organized for this guide. About our sources.
Places to know
A few starting points from the guide. Check current hours and prices before you go.
- eat
Bar do Arante
Praia do Pântano, in the south of the island. Interesting restaurant where the custom is for customers to hang slips of paper on the wall to mark their passage. The custom comes from pre-electricity days when people would use the slips to let friends know what part of the beach to find them in. Specializing in seafood at moderate prices. Try the Tainha Grelhada.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Bistrô Isadora Duncan
Named after a famous ballerina, this bistro is a great romantic spot for two. It only has five tables and some veranda space. The bistro offers a wide variety of cuisine, ranging from leafy green salads to filet mignon. Alcohol is also served on this cozy, beach front bistro.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Estilo Restaurante
Good food, with that taste of home cooking. Air-conditioned environment and excellent service. Very good atmosphere.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Kulturas Restaurante
Cozy place with well-seasoned food. Always diversified menu, very tasty. Plenty vegan options.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Magrão Lanches
Fantastic burgers. very good homemade green mayonnaise. Everything very fresh, clean and tasty. It is hidden behind a green residence on a small street at a dead end street.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Mein Haus Churrascaria
Campinas - São José. It is further across the bridge but worth the effort. The restaurant offers a nice cheap à la carte barbecue with free garlic bread and salad.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Mini Kalzone
Sensational calzone. Lots of options. Clean place, quick service. Also branches in other locations.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Pier 54
This restaurant serves local cuisine from 19:00. Pier 54's cellar contains over 250 labels of different wines and champagnes. The restaurant offers a wide range of healthy dishes, made from ingredients local to the region.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
Before you go
Language
Most locals speak only Portuguese. Some Spanish in tourist areas. English is rare.
Money
Per-kilo meals under R$6. Hostel dorms from R$20-30. Cash is king; ATMs available.
Safety
Safer than Rio but still exercise caution. Avoid favelas and keep valuables hidden.
Transport
Bus fare R$6 (regular), R$15 (executive yellow bus). Car rental from R$120/day.
Water
Check daily bathing report for beach water quality before swimming.
Weather
Best Dec-Mar (hot, sunny). Winter (Jun-Aug) cool and windy.