Are you looking for the best things to do in Florianopolis? How about wanting to learn why you should visit, or the easiest way to get there?
Florianopolis (also known as Floripa by locals) is one of our favorite places in Brazil. While we thought of it as a hidden gem, it truly is not hidden, and is super popular for vacation amongst locals and Argentinians. Whether you're into a relaxing beach getaway, a trip full of adventure, or some upscale nightlife, you'll find it all in Florianopolis, Brazil.
In this complete travel guide for Florianopolis we're going to share everything you need to know for visiting from how to get there and maneuver around, to a list of all of the fun things to do in Florianopolis, Brazil. Let's jump right in!
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Where is Florianopolis in Brazil?
Florianopolis is the capital of the state of Santa Catarina, in the south of Brazil. Located along the coast, this popular island is attached to the mainland by two bridges. Brazil is the biggest country in South America, and takes up the majority of the center and east of the continent.
Florianopolis is located off the coast of Southern Brazil.
How to Get to Florianopolis, Brazil
Florianopolis has an International airport, and it is located just 15 km outside the city center. There are plenty of buses and shuttle service options to get from the airport to the city.
Flying into Florianolis
Domestic cities that fly direct to Florianopolis include Belo Horizonte, Brasilia, Campinas, Chapeca, Cordoba, Cuiaba, Curitiba, Foz do Iguazu, Passo Fundo, Pelotas, Porto Alegre, Recife, Rio de Janeiro, Salvador, Santo Angelo, Sao Paulo, and Uruguaiana.
International cities that fly into Florianopolis include Buenos Aires, Montevideo, Rosario, Santa Maria, and Santiago.
Flight Tip: Skyscanner has a calendar option so that you can see which are the cheapest dates for flying to Florianopolis.
Look for a flight to Florianopolis:
Taking a Bus to Florianopolis
Coming from another city in the south of Brazil? Well, you can save a bit of money by taking a bus to Florianopolis, and even book seats that fully recline so that you can sleep.
Here are a few popular routes that you can book:
Entry Requirements for Brazil
Before traveling anywhere new it's important to keep in mind any requirements you may need to enter. Here are both the visa and Covid requirements to put into consideration when traveling to Florianopolis, Brazil.
Visa Entry Requirements For Brazil
The first time that I traveled to Brazil I actually needed a visa to enter. The last time I went and brought my visa, only to find out that US nationals no longer need them!
The nationalities that are exempt from tourist visas in Brazil include Andorra. Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Bermuda, Bolivia, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Denmark, Ecuador, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Japan, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, Morocco, Namibia, The Netherlands, Norway, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Portugal, San Marino, South Africa, Spain, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Trinidad and Tobago, United States, United Kingdom, Uruguay, and Venezuela.
Countries in the Mercosur region don't need to enter with their passport, and can simply bring their ID card. The countries that are included in Mercosur are Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay.
Covid Entry Requirements For Brazil
All passengers over the age of 12 need to present either a Covid vaccination, or a negative RT-PCR test. If you are not vaccinated, you must take a test within one day of traveling, and the results must be in English, Spanish, or Portuguese.
Local Adjustments for Traveling to Florianopolis, Brazil
Whenever traveling somewhere new, there are things that may be different from where you are coming from. These are what we like to call "local adjustments". Here are a few to keep in mind while traveling to Florianopolis, Brazil.
What Language is Spoken in Florianopolis, Brazil?
The official language in Brazil is Portuguese. We speak Spanish, and found that there were a decent amount of people that spoke either English or Spanish (particularly Spanish due to the number of tourists from Argentina).
We do suggest learning some of the basics to get by, as in some circumstances you may be able to haggle better if you speak Portuguese.
Do They Speak English in Florianopolis?
We did find some people spoke English in Florianopolis, but it is much easier to get by if you know some Portuguese or Spanish.
Currency Used in Florianopolis
The currency used in Brazil is the Real. Currently (February 2023) the exchange rate is 5.14 Brazilian Real for every 1 USD or Euro, and 6.34 Brazilian Real for every British pound.
Do You Need Cash in Florianopolis?
We found many places throughout Florianopolis accepted credit cards in restaurants and hotels, and even sometimes for tours. We do suggest having some cash on you though for those selling things on the beach, tipping, or other small expenses.
Electrical Outlets in Florianopolis
Brazil is interesting because it actually has a mix of different outlets. The majority are the ones that have two round prongs and a grounding pin, which are for plug types C & N.
We also did find a few places throughout Florianopolis that had international outlets, which accepted both US and European appliances. Brazil operates on a 127/220V supply voltage and 60Hz.
Can You Drink the Water in Florianopolis?
Generally speaking, the water isn't really safe or advised to be consumed in Florianopolis. We suggest buying big jugs of water, and refilling a reusable water bottle so that you can always stay hydrated (it gets pretty hot in Florianopolis!).
Tipping Culture in Florianopolis, Brazil
The tipping culture in Brazil is pretty similar to a lot of countries around the world. We suggest tipping an extra 10% while in restaurants, and to do so in cash.
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Things to Do in Florianopolis, Brazil
Now that you know almost everything you need to know about visiting Brazil, here are the best things to do in Florianopolis, Brazil.
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Enjoy the Beaches
The number one reason people flock to Florianopolis is for the amazing beaches. There are actually over 40 on the island, so there is something for everyone!
Some of the best beaches in Florianopolis are those that aren't easily accessed- our favorite being Lagoinha do Leste (we'll explain more soon). Another hidden beach that can only be accessed by foot is Praia do Gravata. Our next favorite beach is Mole Beach, as it has a beautiful backdrop of the mountains, and is slightly less crowded than some of the other surrounding beaches.
Mole Beach is one of the best beaches in Florianopolis, and has parts that are less crowded.
The most crowded beaches with a slew of amenities are Barra da Lagoa, Joaquina, and Armacao. These are the most popular for big families, and groups of friends looking to eat, drink, and do different activities at the beach.
Some of the beaches in Florianopolis are ridiculously crowded.
Hike to Lagoinha do Leste
Lagoinha do Leste was hands down our favorite beach, as it has an epic viewpoint, and you could really enjoy a relaxing time there since there are far less people there (you can't drive there).
Lagoinha do Leste is one of the most beautiful beaches in Florianopolis.
You can either reach here by boat or by hiking, and despite the extra efforts, it definitely is worth carving out some time for. We actually have a full travel guide for everything you need to know about visiting, which you can read below.
Check Out the Old Town
While our favorite things to do in Florianopolis are related to nature, the Old Town is worth a stop for just an hour or two. Browse the market, admire the colonial architecture, and look out for all of the cool art in the area. While this certainly wasn't the most impressive part of Florianopolis, it does deserve a visit before leaving.
Some of the noteworthy buildings to visit include the market, the pink Cruz e Sousa Palace, Mapa Church, and the Metropolitan Cathedral of Florianopolis.
This is definitely one of the prettiest buildings in Florianopolis.
We also loved the different street art that we found, which you can find on several different buildings.
Explore the Cute Towns
Want a happy medium of city and beach town? Well, there are actually two adorable tiny towns that you can check out. Ribeirao de Ilha and Santo Antonio de Lisboa both have colorful buildings and colonial architecture, and make for great places to take a stroll or stop by for a drink or bite to eat.
There are a couple of neighborhoods that have cute and colorful buildings.
Watch the Sunset at Mirante do Morro do Cruz
Looking for the most beautiful view in Florianopolis? Perched up on a hill, Mirante Morro de Cruz overlooks the entire city of Florianopolis, and is super beautiful for sunset especially.
You can visit here by driving up a windy road, or by taking a bus to the top. The viewpoint just takes a minute to get up to, and has almost 360 views of Florianopolis, completely free of charge.
This is the best view of Florianopolis, and is free to visit.
Visit the Sand Dunes and Go Sand boarding
Right nearby some of the popular beaches you can actually fin giant sand dunes! You'll feel like you transported to the desert, and get great views from the top. There are also sand boarding excursions you can sign up for if you'd like. Make sure to wear proper footwear, as the sand gets super hot!
The two different sand dunes are the dunes of Joaquina (right across from the beach), and Dunes Lagoon, which sit right across from Lagoa de Conceicao. They are free of charge, and you can find parking alongside the road nearby.
The Joaquina Sand Dunes give greta views of the surrounding landscapes.
Take a Trip to Campeche Island
This was another one of our favorite things to do in Florianopolis. The Island of Campeche is seriously stunning, and reminded us of Seychelles with its clear waters, fine sand, and giant boulders. To get here you'll need to take a boat excursion. Times are limited to 4 hours, as the island is a protected area, and tickets must be purchased in advance.
One of the most beautiful beaches in Florianopolis is on Campeche Island.
Want to learn more about this little slice of paradise? Make sure to check out our complete guide below.
Go on a Boat Trip
There are so many incredible places to visit in Florianopolis, and there are actually quite a few that can only be accessed by boat! There are quite a few different boat tours that you can choose from.
One of the most popular boat tours is one that takes you down the beautiful canal from Barra da Lagoa, and another one is one that takes you to natural pools.
There are a bunch of different boat trips that you can take in Florianopolis.
Many of these tours go from Barra da Lagoa or surrounding beach towns, and can be booked online in advance, or in an agency right inside the beach towns.
Book a boat tour in Florianopolis:
Go Paragliding
Being that Florianopolis has a ton of beaches surrounded by big hills, it makes for the perfect place to go paragliding! If you're looking for great views and a fun activity, then this is perfect to add to your list of things to do in Florianopolis.
One of the most fun things to do in Florianopolis is paragliding.
Hike to a Waterfall
Did you know that there is actually a waterfall on the island of Florianopolis? Well, it's not actually as accessible as you may think, but is definitely something to add to the list if you've already experienced the highlights of the area.
Cachoeira do Costa da Lagoa is located on the coast of Lagoa da Conceicao, and can only be reached by taking a boat ride to get there. In order to do so, you can grab a boat from right next to Maria & Maria in Barra da Lagoa.
Relax at the Lagoon
The lagoon (Lagoa da Conceicao) is not only great for boat rides, but it is a great place to relax without any waves, as well as grabbing a bite to eat. Restaurants, bars, and shops lines the lake, and you can find plenty of areas to just relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere away from the crowds at the beaches.
The lagoon is a great place to relax or grab a bite to eat.
Browse the Market
Remember the small town of Santo Antonio de Lisboa that we mentioned? Well other than enjoying its colorful buildings, and seaside views, they have a small market on Sundays to check out.
Here you'll find some of the most talented artists in Florianopolis from hand crafted jewelry to incredible works of photography. We definitely suggest stopping by here if you happen to be in town on a Sunday (it starts around 11 am and goes for a few hours).
Experience the Nightlife
Both tourists and locals flock to Florianopolis for a fun vacation. This island has some of the best nightlife in the south of Brazil, and there are actually quite a few areas to experience it.
Jurere is the most popular choice for locals, and is full of great bars and clubs. One thing to note though, is that the cover charges are extremely expensive in the summer. We got quoted 1,000 Real in one of them! We suggest getting there early and trying to find out from locals where you can find an affordable option. The vibe looked amazing, but we definitely weren't willing to spend hundreds of dollars on a night out.
We were also recommended the Santa Club Lagoa Nightclub, as it is the top rated club on the island. This is a place you can easily get to if you are staying in Barra da Lagoa, Mole Beach, or Joaquina Beach.
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Things to Do in Florianopolis for Food & Drink
Now that you know the best things to do in Florianopolis, here are some of our favorite local dishes, as well as restaurants that we recommend.
Local Dishes to Try in Florianopolis
- Casquinha de Siri: Our favorite! Creamy crab cakes served in the shell
- Ostras Gratinadas: Oysters baked and smothered in cheese
- Acai: super refreshing and healthy frozen treat made from an Amazonian berry
- Fresh Coconuts: They can be found pretty much on any beach for around 10 Real
- Pastel: similar to empanadas, and great for on the go
- Churrasco: Brazilian Steakhouse where they slice unlimited amounts of meat at the table
The Oysters Gratinado are one of the best seafood dishes to try in Florianopolis.
Restaurants We Recommend in Florianopolis
Our restaurant choices were really hit or miss during our time in Florianopolis. While we definitely suggest getting seafood, do keep in mind that the shrimp is never cleaned, so we suggest sticking to shellfish.
Unfortunately, Brazilians don't have the best breakfast options in our opinion, so we preferred to cook for breakfast, or to get some açaí if we wanted something light and refreshing to start the day.
The beaches are full of restaurants, and for lunch you can really find anywhere on the water. However, we do have two places that we highly recommend for a late lunch or for dinner to check out.
Cutelo's Petiscaria
This was actually one of our favorite places that we ate in all of the south of Brazil. Located in a small town along the water, you could tell this was a favorite by the locals. This restaurant had cold beer, fresh seafood, and friendly servers. We definitely recommend getting the Ostras Gratinadas and the Casquinha de Siri.
Restaurante Pitangueras Frutos do Mar
When it comes to all around good food, vibes, and views, then this is definitely one of the places we recommend. Located in Sambaqui, the restaurant juts out over the water, and has a huge selection of dishes. We got the ceviche and absolutely loved it. The place was packed, so we definitely suggest making a reservation if you'd like to dine here.
Pitangueras Frutos do Mar also has a long pier next to it.
Getting Around Florianopolis, Brazil
This island is way bigger than we expected, and there are so many things to do in Florianopolis. We actually had a rental car, and found it to be super helpful in order to explore all of the different areas that there are.
Take a look at the top deals for rental cars in Florianopolis:
If you don't want to rent a car and are more comfortable with public transportation, there are actually plenty of buses that service the area, and this is certainly the cheapest way to get around.
There are plenty of public buses around Florianopolis.
If you aren't comfortable with public transportation, you can have a local call a taxi, or you can download the app 99, which is basically the Uber of Brazil.
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Where to Stay in Florianopolis, Brazil
Being that Florianopolis is so big, and the best things to do in Florianopolis are all scattered, it can be overwhelming when choosing an area to stay.
Jurere
If you're looking for a lot of bars, and the most popular nightlife, then Jurere is definitely the top rated by locals. We couldn't find any accommodation left when we went, so we decided to stay as close as possible. We suggest if you want to book here, to do so in advance.
Look for places to stay in Jurere:
Barra do Lagoa
The area we stayed in was Sambaqui, which was a much quieter, but still a nice area location wise. Another super popular area to stay in is Barra do Lagoa, which is where you'll find a lot of tourists, as well as a lot of tours that you can sign up for. It's pretty great to base yourself here if you want to do a lot, and have easy access to several different activities.
Barra da Lagoa is one of the most popular areas to stay in Florianopolis.
Check out accommodation options in Barra do Lagoa:
Armacao
Finally, Armacao is another big beach town, and is south of Barra do Lagoa. This is one of the most popular areas, and is also full of restaurants and shops, and conveniently located near many of the top things to do in Florianopolis.
Search for a place to stay in Armacao:
Is Florianopolis Safe?
Florianopolis is is a highly trafficked tourist destination, and therefore is overall pretty safe. One thing to note though, is that like many places in Brazil, there are some areas that are much nicer than others. One moment you can be in a beach paradise, and the next you can find yourself in a favella.
Florianopolis has some favelas, so be mindful of your surroundings.
The beach towns you won't have too much to worry about (just watch your belongings), but make sure to be careful exactly where you go inside the city center. Only walk around these areas in the daylight, in crowded areas, and always be mindful of your surroundings.
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Other Things to Know About Visiting Florianopolis, Brazil
Now you know all the best things to do in Florianopolis, how to navigate around, and some of our other personal recommendations. But don't go anywhere just yet! We have a few more things to share with you.
Weather in Florianopolis
The summer months in Florianopolis are from December to March, and are very humid and hot, while the "winters" are drier, sunnier, and a bit more mild. It never gets very cold in Florianopolis, and the most you'd ever need is a light sweater in the cooler months.
We found the weather to be super strange in Florianopolis overall, as it would be clear and sunny in one neighborhood, and just minutes later in the car we'd reach a different neighborhood and it would be absolutely down pouring.
While it rained a ton when we were there, we also had plenty of sunshine. We'd say the weather is pretty similar to the Caribbean, just not as hot in the winter months.
Florianopolis is a great beach destination.
What Are the Best Months to Visit Florianopolis, Brazil?
The busiest time when it comes to parties and crowds is in the summer. If you want to just soak up the crowded beach vibes and wild parties, then this is a great time to go. However, if you're looking for a quieter trip, better prices, and milder weather, then we definitely suggest you to go in October, November, April, or May.
Florianopolis is great to visit year-round.
Packing For a Trip to Florianopolis
Here are a few things that we suggest bringing on your trip to Florianopolis:
- Sunscreen (the sun is strong)
- Flip flops (our favorites are Havaiana flip flops, as they are long lasting)
- Sneakers (for the hikes)
- Zippered bag (to secure your belongings) - check out our favorite backpacks for travelers
- Power bank (for the long excursions, beach days, and hikes- we use Anker Homepage" rel="nofollow" style="outline: none;" target="_blank" class="">Anker power banks, as they are super long lasting and sturdy)
- Bug Spray
- Bathing suits (FYI Brazilians pretty much all wear thongs)
- Nicer beachy clothing to go out in (some clubs have dress codes)
- Action Camera (for all water activities) we use the Insta 360 X3 because it's small & waterproof
- Drone (You can get epic shots at the beaches! We use the Mavic Mini Pro 3 because it's super light and high quality)
- Case Mate waterproof phone pouch (we use the Cafago Waterproof Phone Pouch)
- Travel Adapter (we use Insignia travel adapters as they are affordable and reliable)
- Water Bottle (we use the 17oz Double Wall Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle" rel="nofollow" style="outline: none;" target="_blank" class="">Cafago 17oz Double Wall Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle as it holds the temperature in the heat.)
- Travel Toothpaste (Ideally an organic one. We use Sheer Alternatives)
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Is it Worth Visiting Florianopolis, Brazil?
It is definitely worth visiting Florainopolis, Brazil! There are so many great things to do in Florianopolis, for all types of travelers. Whether you want to relax, party, hike, or do a mix, there is something for everyone in this fun beach city.
How Many Days Do You Need in Florianopolis?
We spent 4 days in Florianopolis, and definitely could have spent a few more! You can definitely do a lot within 3 or 4 days visiting. However, we'd recommend 5-7 days for a relaxing stay, and to be able to really enjoy all of the amazing things to do in Florianopolis, Brazil.
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So are you ready to explore all of the amazing things to do in Florianopolis? We loved this place so much that we ended up extending from 2 nights to 4 nights, and would definitely have stayed a few more. We suggest 5-7 days to experience all of the highlights in the area.
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