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Florianópolis

South America

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Brazil

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Florianópolis

Florianópolis, lovingly called “Floripa” by the locals, is the capital of the state of Santa Catarina. Located in southern Brazil, the seaside city experiences four seasons, with temperatures dropping to 5°C in the winter. Florianópolis encompasses Santa Catarina Island, which is connected to the mainland by the historic Hercílio Luz Bridge.

With over 40 beaches surrounded by hills, Florianópolis’ most popular activities include surfing, hiking, and nature tours. In fact, it is considered one of the country’s best surfing destinations. Get on your surfboard and ride the waves at Barra da Lagoa, Joaquina, and Mole beaches.

In addition to its natural beauty, Florianópolis is also known for its nightlife. Rows of bars and clubs can be found in the area surrounding Conceição Lagoon, another top destination in Floripa. Whether you’re looking for some quiet time in nature or to party all night, Florianópolis is a great place to be!

Travel Tips for Florianopolis

What you need to know before traveling here

Getting Around Florianópolis

A guide to Florianópolis's local transportation

Tourist Bus

City Bus

Taxi

Car Rental

Bicycle

"Floripa by Bus" is the official city tour bus of Florianópolis. Each bus features an open deck that gives you unobstructed views of the gorgeous scenery. To enhance your experience, the tour also includes live commentary from a bilingual tour guide. The bus is wheelchair-accessible, and ticket prices range from R$70 to R$160.

Practical Tips for Florianópolis

Things to prepare and best way to visit

What are the best beaches in Florianópolis?

Florianópolis boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in Brazil. Joaquina Beach is a well-developed, popular spot with numerous food vendors, perfect for a day out. Located in the northern part of Florianopolis, Jurerê Beach is a high-end destination featuring an oceanfront shopping center. For surfers, Mole Beach is one of the best locations in Floripa to catch the waves. If you want to get away from the crowd, simply head to Lagoinha do Leste Beach. This secluded beach is only accessible by trail or boat, but its white sand and turquoise waters will make your journey worthwhile!

When is the best time to visit Florianópolis?

The best time to visit Florianópolis depends on your interests. Unlike many other popular destinations in Brazil, Florianópolis has a subtropical climate. The period from December to March is ideal for swimming in the sea and beach activities, thanks to warm temperatures and abundant sunshine. For those who prefer surfing, the mild winter that lasts from June to September offers higher ocean waves, making it perfect for catching the best surf.

What are the must-try foods in Florianópolis?

When in Florianópolis, make sure to try the fresh seafood, especially oysters—a regional specialty. Don’t miss feijoada, a hearty bean stew with beef, pork, and sausage served with white rice and orange slices. For a taste of local street food, indulge in coxinha, delicious chicken croquettes that are popular as a snack.

How do I get from Floripa Airport to Florianópolis?

The nearest airport, Florianópolis International Airport - Hercílio Luz, is located around 12 km from the city center. There are four bus lines operating at the airport. Lines 431, 468, and 477 connect you with various locations in the city for R$6. For more convenience, take the 4131 executive bus, which costs R$10. Alternatively, you can grab a taxi that will take you directly to your destination and is available 24/7.

Where can I party in Florianópolis?

There are plenty of party hotspots all over the island. No need to wait until the sun goes down; you can party all day long at Floripa’s many beach clubs, bars, and nightclubs. Head to Mole Beach or Brava Beach for summer beach parties. If clubbing or bar-hopping is more to your liking, the Lagoa da Conceição area offers great parties and live music. The party scene is particularly vibrant after Christmas until the end of February, which is Florianópolis’ high season period.