Located in the heart of southern Brazil lies the tropical paradise, Florianópolis. With over 40 beaches, mountains, lush jungles, serene lakes, and dunes, Florianópolis offers an unforgettable escape for travelers seeking natural beauty and adventure. Florianópolis, known as Floripa to locals, was where we kicked off our Williams World Tour. Although our trip was cut short, we were captivated by the scenery, culture, cuisine, and hospitality in Floripa. If you're planning an upcoming trip, check out our ultimate travel guide to Florianópolis, Brazil.
How to Get to Florianópolis
Depending on where you're coming from, you may need to fly into São Paulo before catching a connecting flight to Florianópolis airport. From there, taxis, rideshare services, or the efficient public bus system can take you to your final destination.
Getting Around Florianópolis
During the off-season, getting a rental car offers the flexibility to explore the island at your own pace. In the busy summer months, taxis and rideshare services are readily available, alongside affordable local buses. Don't forget to download the local taxi app for convenient rides throughout Floripa. The 99 Taxi app is a great app to connect you with a taxi driver while in Brazil. For public transportation, we suggest using the"Floripa on point" app.
Best Time to Visit Florianópolis
Some of the best times to visit Floripa are during the Summer months from December to March. During this time you'll get to enjoy the beautiful beaches with amazing weather and lively Carnival celebrations. Alternatively, from July to November, watch the incredible Southern Right Whales migrating along the coast. If you are visiting to experience the best surfing, you will find optimal conditions during the Winter months from June to September.
Where to Stay in Florianópolis
Campeche
For a laid-back vibe, check out Campeche located in the southern part of Floripa. This area is perfect for surfers and beach goers.
This beachfront property offers an excellent location in Praia do Campeche. Amenities include a pool, hot tub, and breakfast is included with your stay.
Photo Credit: Pousada Dora via Booking.com
Jurerê
Located on the north side of the island, Jurere is an upscale area with luxury homes and condos. During the summer it's very popular for its beach clubs, which bring national and international concerts and famous DJs.
Located on Jurerê Beach, IL Campanario Villaggio Resort offers luxury amenities including indoor and outdoor pools, a spa, gym, restaurant, and bar.
Photo Credit: Il Campanario Villagio Resort via Booking.com
Lagoa da Conceição and Praia Mole
This area is known for its natural beauty with amazing beaches, the Lagoa da Conceição saltwater lagoon, green mountains, and soft white sand dunes. Here you will find many activities like surfing, snorkeling, fishing, hiking and more!
This boutique hotel features 19th-century classic Portuguese architecture with modern amenities. Their charming rooms offer private balconies with views of their beautiful garden and Conceição Lagoon. Enjoy the relaxing swimming pools and amazing location just two blocks from local shops and restaurants.
Photo Credit: Hotel Boutique Quinta das Videiras via Booking.com
Praia dos Ingleses
This popular resort area offers beautiful beaches, hiking trails, and great seafood. Located on the north side of the island, this is a more touristy area with lots of beach shops and beachfront restaurants.
This 4-star beachfront hotel is located on Ingleses Beach and offers an indoor and outdoor swimming pool, lounge area, breakfast buffet, and more.
Photo Credit: Ingleses Palace Hotel via Booking.com
Things to Do in Florianópolis
Explore the Beaches
Floripa is full of unique and stunning beaches to explore. We suggest beach hopping to see all the diverse beaches that Floripa has to offer. We loved relaxing on Praia do Santinho, a more secluded beach near Praia dos Ingleses.
Visit Campeche Island
This island is located off the southern coast of Floripa and offers hiking trails in the Rainforest and snorkeling spots to explore. To visit this island you will need to schedule a trip from Praia do Campeche, Armação, or Barra da Lagoa.
Go Sand boarding
Floripa is home to sand dunes and if you are looking for a unique and thrilling activity, try sand boarding at Joaquina Dunes. The dunes can be up to 200 feet high and you can rent boards for just $5 USD per hour.
Go Surfing
The beaches of Floripa are home to some well-known surf spots. Praia Mole, Joaquina, and Campeche are just a few of the popular surf spots in Floripa. If you're a beginner check out surf lessons with a local.
Go Hiking
There are many hiking trails in Floripa from trails to high viewpoints to rainforest hikes to the lagoon. Hike to Lagoinha do Leste, a remote and secluded beach that can only be reached by a steep 2 hour hike. Once you arrive you can go swimming in a freshwater lagoon or even go surfing.
Go Shopping
Browse local shops for souvenirs, including the best flip flops, Havaianas. I also loved shopping at Farm Rio with the prices about 1/3 of what they are in the US! For top souvenirs, I suggest Havaianas flip flops, cachaca, coffee, and Brazilian snacks!
Where to Eat in Florianópolis
Savor the flavors of Florianópolis from oysters and sequência de camarão (shrimp platters) to refreshing açai bowls. You'll find a wide range of cheap eats to fine dining in Floripa. Check out some of our recommendations below!
Paixão Restaurante - $$
Paixão is an amazing seafood restaurant located right on Praia dos Ingleses. They offer some of the freshest seafood, amazing oysters, and refreshing cocktails.
Kuay/Jay Bistro - $$$
For an upscale Japanese restaurant, head over to Kuay in Jurerê. We had an amazing experience at Kuay and highly recommend the king crab risotto, ceviche, and ebi ten roll. You can't go wrong with any of their delicious cocktails but we loved the lychee martini, Fuji, and espresso martinis!
For a cute beachside restaurant with great food, look no further than Camarão. We loved coming here for great drinks, oysters. Their portions are extremely generous and thought this was a great affordable restaurant. They have amazing caipirinhas and offer different flavors like strawberry, mango, and pineapple.
Shack Steakhouse - $$
For a delicious Brazilian steak, we enjoyed Shack Steakhouse located in Floripa Shopping. We ordered the prime rib for two people and it was perfectly cooked.
Florianópolis, Brazil Travel Guide Takeaways
While our month-long trip in Florianópolis was unfortunately cut short, we enjoyed exploring this destination as much as we could! From enjoying the beaches to indulging in the local cuisine, and of course, drinking plenty of caipirinhas, our adventure in Floripa was nothing short of memorable and a great way to start our Williams World Tour. We hope to visit Brazil again in the future!
Remember to brush up on basic Portuguese and have your translate app ready as many locals do not speak English.
