Florianopolis travel guide

Florianopolis Tourism | Florianopolis Guide

You're Going to Love Florianopolis

Like its hidden lagoons and rolling beaches, Florianópolis is like a jewel amongst all the gems in Brazil's roster of must-see cities. Blessed by lush beaches, sparkling lagoons, green Amazonian trails and delectable Brazilian cuisine, Florianópolis is the destination of choice for Brazilian nationals and global adventure-seekers.

Top 5 Reasons to Visit Florianopolis

1. Enjoy the Nightlife

With such gorgeous beaches, it's hard not to have a decadent nightlife -- that's exactly what you'll find in Florianópolis.

2. Camp at The Sao Joaquim National Park

If you love the great outdoors, the Sao Joaquim National Park provides you with 50,000 acres of green beauty.

3. Visit During Carnival

Coming in January? It's the perfect time to take in the rush of color, music, food and parades -- not to mention the copious amounts of libations that flow during Carnival.

4. Be Blown Away By Conceição Lagoon

The shining star of Florianópolis and the place to be for massive parties during the winter, Conceição Lagoon is also a great place for windsurfing.

5. Sandboard & Surf on the Beaches

For all those wave seekers, the Santa Catarina Pro is a major surfing event that happens annually in Florianópolis. Meanwhile, for those who want the thrills but aren't surfing pros, the island is covered with white sand dunes, making it perfect for sandboarding.

1. Enjoy the Nightlife

With such gorgeous beaches, it's hard not to have a decadent nightlife -- that's exactly what you'll find in Florianópolis.

2. Camp at The Sao Joaquim National Park

If you love the great outdoors, the Sao Joaquim National Park provides you with 50,000 acres of green beauty.

3. Visit During Carnival

Coming in January? It's the perfect time to take in the rush of color, music, food and parades -- not to mention the copious amounts of libations that flow during Carnival.

4. Be Blown Away By Conceição Lagoon

The shining star of Florianópolis and the place to be for massive parties during the winter, Conceição Lagoon is also a great place for windsurfing.

5. Sandboard & Surf on the Beaches

For all those wave seekers, the Santa Catarina Pro is a major surfing event that happens annually in Florianópolis. Meanwhile, for those who want the thrills but aren't surfing pros, the island is covered with white sand dunes, making it perfect for sandboarding.

What to do in Florianopolis

1. Santo Antônio de Lisboa: A Slice of the Azores on Brazilian Soil

One of Brazil's most laid-back and beautiful beachfront communities, Santo Antônio de Lisboa was settled by natives of the Azores over 200 years ago, giving it a strong European feel. Full of cobbled streets, multi-colored houses and pedestrianized squares, the neighborhood is a joy to explore. Naturally, you can spend all day at the beach, but the many churches and elegant spaces like Getúlio Vargas Square are just as beguiling.

2. Ilha do Campeche: An Island of Ancient Artistic Mysteries

Situated around a kilometer off the coast of Florianopolis, the Ilha do Campeche is a very special place to visit. Why? Well, aside from the secluded bays and scenic location, the island is dotted with petroglyphs (stone carvings) which date back thousands of years. Roam the interior's jungle trails to see these mysterious artworks, and meet the island's monkeys and tropical birds. You'll need to pay a small fee, which helps to keep the island in such great shape, but you'll know that it's more than worth it when you see the results.

3. Barra da Lagoa Beach: Fabulous Fish and Beautiful Beaches

On the east coast of Santa Catarina Island, you'll find Barra da Lagoa - and once you're there, you won't want to leave. This idyllic little seaside village has everything you could want from a Brazilian neighborhood. Naturally, there's a dazzling white sandy beach, but there are also family-run fish restaurants where locals catch, prepare, and serve some of the freshest seafood around. When you visit, head down to the Fortaleza area on the seafront for the best eateries and bars - the perfect way to round off a day of sunbathing and swimming.

4. Hercilio Luz Bridge: Santa Catarina Island's Historic Bridge to the Past

Connecting the two parts of Florianopolis in style, Hercilio Luz Bridge is an essential part of the city's infrastructure, but it's much more than a public utility. For one thing, it's a beautiful example of a suspension bridge and the longest of its kind in Brazil, with a span of 340 meters. Featuring an unusual truss design, the bridge was built using American know-how in the 1900s and includes pedestrian and cycling paths, allowing visitors to stroll across and take in views of the city.

5. Public Market: Shop for Fresh Fish, Fruit and a Wealth of Handicrafts

Undoubtedly Florianopolis' commercial heart, the city's Public Market is the place to head for flowers, handicrafts and - most importantly - delicious Brazilian food. As stall holders bark out their prices and locals haggle, fill your basket with freshly picked fruit and seafood plucked from the Atlantic hours before, as well as locally made shoes, ceramics, or handbags. Housed in an attractive yellow and white 19th-century building, the Public Market is also one of the best places in town to down a beer or two in the tropical sunshine. Saude!

1. Santo Antônio de Lisboa: A Slice of the Azores on Brazilian Soil

One of Brazil's most laid-back and beautiful beachfront communities, Santo Antônio de Lisboa was settled by natives of the Azores over 200 years ago, giving it a strong European feel. Full of cobbled streets, multi-colored houses and pedestrianized squares, the neighborhood is a joy to explore. Naturally, you can spend all day at the beach, but the many churches and elegant spaces like Getúlio Vargas Square are just as beguiling.

2. Ilha do Campeche: An Island of Ancient Artistic Mysteries

Situated around a kilometer off the coast of Florianopolis, the Ilha do Campeche is a very special place to visit. Why? Well, aside from the secluded bays and scenic location, the island is dotted with petroglyphs (stone carvings) which date back thousands of years. Roam the interior's jungle trails to see these mysterious artworks, and meet the island's monkeys and tropical birds. You'll need to pay a small fee, which helps to keep the island in such great shape, but you'll know that it's more than worth it when you see the results.

3. Barra da Lagoa Beach: Fabulous Fish and Beautiful Beaches

On the east coast of Santa Catarina Island, you'll find Barra da Lagoa - and once you're there, you won't want to leave. This idyllic little seaside village has everything you could want from a Brazilian neighborhood. Naturally, there's a dazzling white sandy beach, but there are also family-run fish restaurants where locals catch, prepare, and serve some of the freshest seafood around. When you visit, head down to the Fortaleza area on the seafront for the best eateries and bars - the perfect way to round off a day of sunbathing and swimming.

4. Hercilio Luz Bridge: Santa Catarina Island's Historic Bridge to the Past

Connecting the two parts of Florianopolis in style, Hercilio Luz Bridge is an essential part of the city's infrastructure, but it's much more than a public utility. For one thing, it's a beautiful example of a suspension bridge and the longest of its kind in Brazil, with a span of 340 meters. Featuring an unusual truss design, the bridge was built using American know-how in the 1900s and includes pedestrian and cycling paths, allowing visitors to stroll across and take in views of the city.

5. Public Market: Shop for Fresh Fish, Fruit and a Wealth of Handicrafts

Undoubtedly Florianopolis' commercial heart, the city's Public Market is the place to head for flowers, handicrafts and - most importantly - delicious Brazilian food. As stall holders bark out their prices and locals haggle, fill your basket with freshly picked fruit and seafood plucked from the Atlantic hours before, as well as locally made shoes, ceramics, or handbags. Housed in an attractive yellow and white 19th-century building, the Public Market is also one of the best places in town to down a beer or two in the tropical sunshine. Saude!

1. Santo Antônio de Lisboa: A Slice of the Azores on Brazilian Soil

One of Brazil's most laid-back and beautiful beachfront communities, Santo Antônio de Lisboa was settled by natives of the Azores over 200 years ago, giving it a strong European feel. Full of cobbled streets, multi-colored houses and pedestrianized squares, the neighborhood is a joy to explore. Naturally, you can spend all day at the beach, but the many churches and elegant spaces like Getúlio Vargas Square are just as beguiling.

2. Ilha do Campeche: An Island of Ancient Artistic Mysteries

Situated around a kilometer off the coast of Florianopolis, the Ilha do Campeche is a very special place to visit. Why? Well, aside from the secluded bays and scenic location, the island is dotted with petroglyphs (stone carvings) which date back thousands of years. Roam the interior's jungle trails to see these mysterious artworks, and meet the island's monkeys and tropical birds. You'll need to pay a small fee, which helps to keep the island in such great shape, but you'll know that it's more than worth it when you see the results.

3. Barra da Lagoa Beach: Fabulous Fish and Beautiful Beaches

On the east coast of Santa Catarina Island, you'll find Barra da Lagoa - and once you're there, you won't want to leave. This idyllic little seaside village has everything you could want from a Brazilian neighborhood. Naturally, there's a dazzling white sandy beach, but there are also family-run fish restaurants where locals catch, prepare, and serve some of the freshest seafood around. When you visit, head down to the Fortaleza area on the seafront for the best eateries and bars - the perfect way to round off a day of sunbathing and swimming.

4. Hercilio Luz Bridge: Santa Catarina Island's Historic Bridge to the Past

Connecting the two parts of Florianopolis in style, Hercilio Luz Bridge is an essential part of the city's infrastructure, but it's much more than a public utility. For one thing, it's a beautiful example of a suspension bridge and the longest of its kind in Brazil, with a span of 340 meters. Featuring an unusual truss design, the bridge was built using American know-how in the 1900s and includes pedestrian and cycling paths, allowing visitors to stroll across and take in views of the city.

5. Public Market: Shop for Fresh Fish, Fruit and a Wealth of Handicrafts

Undoubtedly Florianopolis' commercial heart, the city's Public Market is the place to head for flowers, handicrafts and - most importantly - delicious Brazilian food. As stall holders bark out their prices and locals haggle, fill your basket with freshly picked fruit and seafood plucked from the Atlantic hours before, as well as locally made shoes, ceramics, or handbags. Housed in an attractive yellow and white 19th-century building, the Public Market is also one of the best places in town to down a beer or two in the tropical sunshine. Saude!

Where to Eat in Florianopolis

There are many budget spots, but go ahead and book one of the five tables at the exclusive Bistro Isadora Duncan; enjoy succulent filet mignon and fresh seafood dishes for R$100 per person.

When to visit Florianopolis

Florianopolis in March
Estimated hotel price
$111
1 night at 3-star hotel
Florianopolis in March
Estimated hotel price
$111
1 night at 3-star hotel

When to visit depends on what kind of temperatures you consider "warm". Brazilian summer lasts from December to March, with temperatures of 77ºF or higher. "Winter" lasts from June to September, when temperatures drop to 62ºF.

Data provided by weatherbase
Temperatures
Temperatures
Data provided by weatherbase

How to Get to Florianopolis

Plane

Travelers will arrive at Hercílio Luz International Airport, which is 7.45 miles away from the city center. Take the 186-(TICEN/Airport) direct bus service for R$2.90 or the executive service 6120-(Airport/TICEN) for R$4.50.

Train

There are no trains coming into or leaving Florianópolis from other major cities.

Car

Depending on where you're coming in from (north or south), take Route BR-101 and then use BR-282 to get to Florianópolis.

Bus

Florianópolis's main bus station is called Terminal Rita Maria. Buses come in from various other cities in Brazil and Santa Catarina. Fares are variable but, for example, a trip from Foz do Iguaçu costs R$115 to R$150.

Plane

Travelers will arrive at Hercílio Luz International Airport, which is 7.45 miles away from the city center. Take the 186-(TICEN/Airport) direct bus service for R$2.90 or the executive service 6120-(Airport/TICEN) for R$4.50.

Train

There are no trains coming into or leaving Florianópolis from other major cities.

Car

Depending on where you're coming in from (north or south), take Route BR-101 and then use BR-282 to get to Florianópolis.

Bus

Florianópolis's main bus station is called Terminal Rita Maria. Buses come in from various other cities in Brazil and Santa Catarina. Fares are variable but, for example, a trip from Foz do Iguaçu costs R$115 to R$150.

Airlines serving Florianopolis

Lufthansa
Good (7,181 reviews)
KLM
Good (1,351 reviews)
British Airways
Good (6,842 reviews)
SWISS
Good (1,645 reviews)
Delta
Excellent (8,833 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (3,874 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,552 reviews)
Iberia
Good (2,669 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,531 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,900 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (8,095 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (1,906 reviews)
Ethiopian Air
Good (783 reviews)
Avianca
Good (2,901 reviews)
LATAM Airlines
Good (1,980 reviews)
Aeromexico
Good (2,032 reviews)
Air Europa
Good (577 reviews)
Copa Airlines
Good (1,885 reviews)
Qantas Airways
Good (839 reviews)
GOL
Good (1,146 reviews)
Show more

Where to stay in Florianopolis

Centro - The main "downtown" area of Florianópolis. Here, there are plenty of restaurants, bistros and shops to visit. Centro is also the spot to see Santa Catarina's historical mansions, houses and palaces.

Popular Neighborhoods in Florianópolis

Trindade - This is where the city's university, Universidad Federale de Santa Catarina Campus, is located. As such, there's plenty of nightlife around as well as second-hand bookstores and vintage shops.

Saco dos Limões - This unique district in Florianópolis is also the oldest in Florianópolis. Its proximity to the coastline means plenty of beaches and water activities to engage in.

Trindade - This is where the city's university, Universidad Federale de Santa Catarina Campus, is located. As such, there's plenty of nightlife around as well as second-hand bookstores and vintage shops.
Saco dos Limões - This unique district in Florianópolis is also the oldest in Florianópolis. Its proximity to the coastline means plenty of beaches and water activities to engage in.

Where to stay in popular areas of Florianopolis

Most booked hotels in Florianopolis

Costao do Santinho Resort
4 stars
Excellent (9.1, Excellent reviews)
$430+
Faial Prime Suítes
4 stars
Excellent (8.9, Excellent reviews)
$114+
Interclass Florianópolis
4 stars
Excellent (8.5, Excellent reviews)
$97+
Ibis Florianopolis
3 stars
Excellent (8.4, Excellent reviews)
$106+
Majestic Palace Hotel
4 stars
Excellent (8.3, Excellent reviews)
$160+
Rede Andrade Cecomtur
3 stars
Good (7.1, Good reviews)
$47+

How to Get Around Florianopolis

Public Transportation

Buses are frequent and routes are plenty. Single adult fares are R$2.90, or R$4.50 for executive "yellow" buses.

Taxi

Hail a taxi from anywhere around the island. Flat rates are R$4.60 and it's R$4 per mile after that.

Car

Car rentals are a great way to travel to and from the beaches. Prices start at R$120/day for basic rentals with air conditioning.

Public Transportation

Buses are frequent and routes are plenty. Single adult fares are R$2.90, or R$4.50 for executive "yellow" buses.

Taxi

Hail a taxi from anywhere around the island. Flat rates are R$4.60 and it's R$4 per mile after that.

Car

Car rentals are a great way to travel to and from the beaches. Prices start at R$120/day for basic rentals with air conditioning.

The Cost of Living in Florianopolis

Shopping Streets

There are several shopping spots such as Floripa Shopping and Iguatemi Florianópolis that feature 150-200 global brands and 7-8 movie screens for entertainment.

Groceries and Other

A quart of milk is R$3.08 and a dozen eggs is R$6.13.

Cheap meal
$10.82
A pair of jeans
$131.12
Single public transport ticket
$1.96
Cappuccino
$3.12