The capital of Santa Catarina is known as the Magic Island, or Floripa, as it’s affectionately called by the locals. This enchanting tourist destination is divided into two parts: a coastal island and a small continental peninsula, connected by the majestic Hercílio Luz Bridge, one of the city’s main landmarks.

Florianópolis is famous for its natural beauty and irresistible charms, captivating all who visit. With approximately 100 stunning beaches, it’s a paradise for water sports enthusiasts, such as surfing, kitesurfing, and sailing. However, unlike other Brazilian coastal cities, temperatures in Floripa tend to drop a bit during winter, from June to August. So, be prepared to venture into a slightly colder sea during this time of the year.

Gravatá Beach in Florianópolis.

The strong influence of Portuguese and Azorean settlers is evident in the architecture, cuisine, and cultural and religious expressions of Floripa. Part of the city is an environmental preservation area, with beaches surrounded by hills covered in the lush vegetation of the Atlantic Forest.

Florianópolis offers a variety of attractions for visitors to explore, such as the vibrant Lagoa da Conceição, the serene Lagoa do Peri, the historic Old Town, the famous Public Market, the cosmopolitan Beira-Mar Avenue, and the picturesque Azorean neighborhoods of Santo Antônio de Lisboa and Ribeirão da Ilha. Additionally, the city boasts Portuguese forts, museums, churches, and theaters for those interested in history and culture.

For craft and gastronomy enthusiasts, the Public Market is a must-visit. Located in the heart of the Old Town, the building, inaugurated in 1899, is one of the city’s oldest. At the Market, you can purchase local handmade products and savor typical dishes such as fish, shrimp, crab meat, squid, shellfish, and oysters – the latter being a highlight, as the municipality is the country’s largest producer of farmed oysters.

Lagoa da Conceição, with its 15 km length, is one of the city’s most traditional spots and attracts both water sports enthusiasts and aficionados of the famous shrimp dishes, a series of shrimp-based dishes served successively. Jurerê Internacional, with its luxurious mansions and upscale restaurants, is a magnet for young people, offering one of the liveliest nightlife scenes in the region.

In terms of ecotourism and adventure sports, the city offers numerous attractions. Visitors can engage in activities such as hang gliding, parachuting, tree climbing, scuba diving, sandboarding, windsurfing, kitesurfing, rafting, trekking, rappelling, zip-lining, and many other sports, catering to various interests.

Surfing stands out in the city, recognized as a haven for the sport in Brazil. Floripa hosts national and international surfing championships, with Joaquina and Praia Mole beaches being the favorites among surfers. If you’re looking for a family-friendly beach, Daniela Beach is the ideal spot, being less crowded and with calmer waters.

If you have a few extra days, it’s worth exploring the city of Bombinhas, located 75 km from Floripa, which offers 39 beaches with crystal-clear waters. Another destination worth visiting is Balneário de Camboriú, located just 80.5 km away, with a lively nightlife and nine beautiful beaches.

How to get there

Plane | Airport
+55 (48) 3331-4000
Florianópolis International Airport, named Hercílio Luz, serves domestic and international flights.

Bus
+55 (48) 3212-3100
Floripa’s Bus Terminal is located in the city’s central region and offers services from various bus companies, connecting to over 500 destinations in Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, Chile, and Argentina.

Getting around

Bus
You can explore the entire island of Floripa using the tourist bus that stops at various points in the city. Also, check out the bus routes that operate there.

Bicycle
A great way to get around downtown Florianópolis is by bicycle. Check out some places that offer bicycle rentals.

Personal Vehicle or Rental Car
You can rent a car to explore Florianópolis and visit other nearby destinations in Santa Catarina.

Taxi | Ride-Sharing
Apps Taking a taxi or using ride-sharing apps is a convenient option for getting around the city.

Useful Numbers


Secretaria de Turismo:
+55 (48) 3952 7004
Tourist Information Center
0800 644 6300

Military Police: 190
Paramedics: 192
Fire Department: 193

Power Voltage

220V

Local Weather

The period from December to March marks the summer season, with an average temperature of 30ºC. This is also the rainiest period in the city. In the fall, the weather becomes more stable, perfect for outdoor activities. During winter, temperatures drop a bit, reaching around 10ºC.