We spent a full year, from 2023 to 2024, living in Campeche, and we can honestly say we’ve found the best beaches in Florianópolis. We’re total beach people: Artur was out surfing almost every morning, and Michelle spent countless lazy afternoons relaxing on the sand.
Along the way, we explored more than 20 of Floripa’s beaches, so every Florianópolis beach in this guide is one we’ve been to ourselves.
We go region by region, from the wild south and the surf-heavy east to the calm north and the sunset spots on the bay, with a map of Florianópolis’s beaches to help you find your way. Whether you’re after the best beaches for swimming, top surf beaches, kid-friendly spots or hidden gems like Lagoinha do Leste and Ilha do Campeche, you’ll find our honest picks here, plus three we’d skip.
We were there. Aug 2023 – Jun 2024 & Jan 2026 — about a year living in Campeche
Our Favorite Beaches after a Year on the Island
Short on time? These are the beaches we kept coming back to during our year on the island:
- Ilha do Campeche: calm turquoise water, white sand and granite boulders on a protected island. Ideal for swimmers and snorkelers looking for the clearest water around.
- Praia do Campeche: our home beach, with kilometers of sand, great surf and views of Campeche Island. Great for surfers and anyone who wants a quiet spot of their own, with all the amenities still nearby.
- Praia da Joaquina: massive sand dunes, strong waves and unforgettable sunsets from the top, with good restaurants on the beach for the full Brazilian beach experience. Best for sandboarding fans and families with older kids.
- Lagoinha do Leste: a wild, undeveloped beach with a freshwater lagoon, reached only by a jungle hike. Perfect for adventurous travelers who want the island’s most iconic view.
Want all our favorite beaches in one place? Our Florianópolis Google Maps Guide has 100+ spots already saved for you, from hidden beaches and surf breaks to parking tips, beach kiosks and sunset viewpoints. Open it on your phone and head straight to the sand.
Which Florianópolis Beach Is Best for You?
| If you want | Go to | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Calm water for swimming | Ilha do Campeche | Clear turquoise water sheltered by the island, perfect for swimming and snorkeling |
| Surfing | Barra da Lagoa | Consistent waves, plenty of surf schools for beginners and a local surf scene |
| Kids and families | Praia do Forte | Gentle, shallow water, plus a historic fortress to explore right next to the beach |
| A beach you hike to | Lagoinha do Leste | A jungle trail leads to a wild, undeveloped beach with a lagoon and an epic viewpoint |
| Dunes and sandboarding | Praia da Joaquina | Huge sand dunes with board rentals on site and great views at golden hour |
| Sunset | Praia da Daniela | Faces west across the bay, so the sun sets right over the water |
| Fewer people | Praia do Campeche | Stretches for kilometers, so walk a bit away from the main access points and you’ll have plenty of space to yourself |
| Restaurants on the beach | Barra da Lagoa | Plenty of restaurants right by the sand and the canal, perfect for a long lunch after a swim |
Before You Go: What to Know About Florianópolis Beaches
Bay Side or Ocean Side: Calm Water vs Surf
The east coast faces the open Atlantic, so the waves there are much bigger than on the calmer north and west sides. If you love surfing, bodyboarding or just watching powerful waves roll in, head east to beaches like Campeche, Joaquina or Praia Mole.
Families with small kids, and anyone who simply wants to float in calm water, will feel more at home in the north of the island and on the bay side, at beaches like Praia do Forte or Daniela, or on a boat trip to Ilha do Campeche.
Water Temperature: When It’s Warm Enough to Swim
The water in Florianópolis is noticeably colder than in northeastern Brazil. The sea is warmest from December to March, at around 24–26°C (75–79°F), while in July and August it drops to roughly 18°C (64°F).
We swam without a wetsuit from November to April, but outside that window the water felt refreshing at best, and Artur usually surfed in a wetsuit. In the cooler months, it reminded us of the water in Portugal or South Africa. For the full month-by-month breakdown, check out our guide to the weather in Florianópolis.
Currents, Lifeguard Flags and Water Quality
The open beaches on the east coast can have strong rip currents, so always swim near a lifeguard post and pay attention to the flags. Santa Catarina’s fire department uses five flag colors: red, yellow, green, lilac and black.
Green, yellow and red show low, moderate and high drowning risk, lilac warns of jellyfish, and black means the lifeguard post is unstaffed. Watch out, too, for red triangular flags stuck in the sand: they mark dangerous spots, often rip currents.
As for water quality, Santa Catarina’s environment agency, IMA, tests the beaches and publishes which spots are fit or unfit for swimming, every week in summer. On its map, a blue flag is fit, a red flag unfit and a grey flag undetermined. The open-ocean beaches on the east side are usually fit, while some spots in the bay, near river mouths and in the Lagoa da Conceição are often unfit.
Getting to the Beaches: Car, Bus or Uber (and Where to Park)
While we lived in Campeche, we got around mostly by car, which made it easy to reach beaches all over the island. Uber is another good option, but some drivers won’t take passengers who are still wet or sandy from the beach. That’s why we recommend renting a car, so you have the freedom to come and go as you like, without the hassle.
Buses do run to most beaches, but connections can be slow, so for day-to-day beach-hopping, Uber or a rental car is much more convenient.
Parking is usually easy to find near the popular beaches: just look for signs that say “estacionamento”, Portuguese for parking, and expect to pay around R$20–30 for the whole day.
Summer Weekends: Crowds and Traffic
Summer weekends are when Florianópolis is at its busiest. On a sunny day, the roads to and from the beaches fill up fast, and a drive that normally takes 30 minutes can suddenly stretch into several hours. Beaches with only one access road, especially on the east coast, are the worst affected.
Tip
Head to the beach early in the morning and drive home before the late-afternoon rush, or save the most popular beaches for weekdays.
The Best Beaches in the South of Florianópolis
1. Praia do Campeche (Campeche Beach)
We might be a little biased, but if we had to pick just one beach on the whole island, it would be Praia do Campeche (Campeche Beach). We lived less than five minutes away and went there more times than we can count. You reach it by walking across the dunes, and then this huge stretch of sand opens up in front of you. Around 3.5 km (2 miles) long, it lies between Joaquina and Morro das Pedras on the island’s southeastern coast.
Since it’s one of the easiest beaches to reach from the city, it can get busy in summer, but if you walk a little away from the main entrances, you’ll always find a quiet spot. At the main entrance there are sometimes food stalls selling the best caldo de cana (sugarcane juice) on the island. Michelle’s tip: order it with a splash of lime, it’s delicious! You’ll also find several beach kiosks and restaurants nearby.
The beach has good facilities: you can rent chairs and umbrellas, and on busy days vendors walk the sand selling drinks and snacks, like they do in Rio de Janeiro, just on a smaller scale and at slightly higher prices.
Facing the open Atlantic, Praia do Campeche almost always has waves, making it a great surf spot, with several surf schools. Check out our Florianópolis surf guide for more detailed information. It’s also perfect for jogging, walking your dog or playing beach sports, all with a view of Ilha do Campeche, about 1.6 km (1 mile) offshore.
Tip
Come for sunrise. Watching the sun rise over the ocean and light up the whole sky in orange is pure magic.
2. Ilha do Campeche (Campeche Island)
Just 1.6 km (1 mile) off Praia do Campeche lies Ilha do Campeche (Campeche Island), home to the clearest, calmest water we found anywhere around Florianópolis. This uninhabited island has a wide white-sand beach framed by lush tropical forest and giant granite boulders, making it perfect for swimming, snorkeling or simply floating in the turquoise sea.
Daily visitor numbers are strictly capped to protect the island’s ecosystem, so you’ll need to book an authorized boat tour in advance. Boats leave from Praia do Campeche, Praia da Armação and Barra da Lagoa. On both of our visits, we went from Armação, where boats depart from a proper harbor dock and take a short, scenic route along the south coast.
For tour tips, prices and what to bring, check out our full guide to visiting Campeche Island.
3. Lagoinha do Leste
Tucked away on the island’s southeastern coast, Praia da Lagoinha do Leste (Lagoinha do Leste Beach) is the wildest beach in Florianópolis, and our favorite reward after a hike. There are no roads, hotels or restaurants here, just a long stretch of golden sand backed by jungle-covered hills, and a small freshwater lagoon right behind the beach.
The ocean side faces the open Atlantic and can have strong waves, so on rough days the calm lagoon is the better place to cool off. Since there are no facilities, bring plenty of water, snacks and sunscreen. Before heading back, climb Morro da Coroa, the rocky hill at the right end of the beach, for the island’s most iconic panoramic view.
The beach is only reachable on foot, by trails from Pântano do Sul (shorter and steeper) or Matadeiro (longer and more scenic). For trail details, timings and tips, check out our full Lagoinha do Leste hike guide.
4. Praia do Matadeiro (Matadeiro Beach)
Next up is Praia do Matadeiro (Matadeiro Beach), another southern beach you can only reach on foot, although this time it’s barely a walk. From Armação, you cross a small river, either wading straight through at low tide or using the footbridge, and you’ve practically arrived.
What we love about Matadeiro is that it feels surrounded by untouched nature while still being easy to reach and having the basics. Rustic beach kiosks serve food and drinks, with lush Atlantic forest behind you and the sea right in front. It’s also one of the starting points for the Lagoinha do Leste hike, so it makes a great spot to relax before or after the trail.
5. Pântano do Sul
At the island’s southern tip, Praia do Pântano do Sul (Pântano do Sul Beach) feels worlds away from the busier beaches up north. Weathered wooden fishing boats rest on the sand, and between May and July, during the tainha (mullet) season, you might even watch local fishermen hauling in their nets straight from the shore.
The beach sits in a sheltered bay framed by green hills, so the water is often calmer than on the open east coast, making it a nice spot for a relaxed swim. We love its rustic, authentic village vibe. After a swim, grab a seafood lunch at Bar do Arante, a laid-back local institution whose walls and ceiling are covered in thousands of handwritten notes left by guests over the years.
The Best Beaches in the East of Florianópolis
6. Praia da Joaquina (Joaquina Beach)
Praia da Joaquina (Joaquina Beach) is one of the most popular beaches in Florianópolis, and it’s easy to see why. The wide stretch of sand is great for swimming on calmer days, while the Atlantic swell brings consistent waves that have made it a famous surf spot.
Beachfront restaurants serve really good food, and the beach draws a young, lively crowd that sticks around until late, giving it a fun, laid-back vibe. For a night out, check out Bar DeRaiz nearby, Artur’s favorite spot to party in Florianópolis. We also love exploring the big rocks at the northern end, perfect for watching the surfers and the waves crashing in.
Right behind the beach you’ll find the massive Joaquina Dunes, one of the coolest spots on the island for sandboarding. Boards can be rented on site for around R$40 an hour, and a new wooden boardwalk makes the dunes easier to reach.
Tip
Head up the dunes about an hour and a half before sunset, when the sand is cooler and the views over the island are spectacular.
7. Praia Mole (Mole Beach)
Just a short drive from Lagoa da Conceição, Praia Mole (Mole Beach) is one of the most beautiful beaches in Florianópolis. Framed by green hills and huge granite boulders, its golden sand curves around a bay with deep blue water.
The beach faces the open Atlantic, so the waves are strong and powerful, attracting experienced surfers and bodyboarders. We once watched a surf competition here, and seeing the pros take on those waves was incredible. Swimming can be tricky because of the currents, so stay close to the lifeguard posts and check the flags.
Praia Mole draws a young, trendy crowd, and on summer weekends the beach kiosks are packed with music, caipirinhas and good vibes. Look up and you’ll often spot paragliders launching from the hills above the beach.
Tip
From the northern end of the beach, a short trail leads to Praia da Galheta, a secluded beach known for nudism, although officially it hasn’t been a naturist beach since 2016.
8. Barra da Lagoa
Barra da Lagoa is another one of our favorites, a laid-back fishing village where a canal connects Lagoa da Conceição with the ocean. Its long main beach is lined with seafood restaurants right on the sand.
The waves here are gentler than at many east coast beaches, making it one of the best spots on the island to learn to surf, with plenty of surf schools along the beach. For a place to stay, The Search House is a great hostel just steps from the waves.
Cross the footbridge over the canal to reach Prainha da Barra, a small, sheltered beach tucked between the hills. Follow the coastal path for about 15 minutes, past a viewpoint, and you will reach the stunning Piscinas Naturais da Barra da Lagoa (the Natural Pools of Barra da Lagoa).
Tip
Only swim in the natural pools at low tide and when the sea is calm, as they can get dangerous in rough conditions. Always keep an eye on children.
The Best Beaches in the North of Florianópolis
9. Praia do Forte (Fort Beach)
Praia do Forte (Fort Beach) was one of our favorite surprises in the north of the island. Its calm, crystal-clear water looks across the bay to the mountains of the mainland, with ships gliding by in the distance.
Huge, smooth boulders frame the beach, and the gentle, shallow water makes it one of the most child-friendly beaches in Florianópolis. Beachfront restaurants serve food and drinks right on the sand.
Right next to the beach stands the Fortaleza de São José da Ponta Grossa, an 18th-century military fortress worth exploring before or after your swim.
10. Praia da Daniela (Daniela Beach)
Another calm favorite of ours is Praia da Daniela (Daniela Beach), on a small peninsula on the island’s northwest coast, close to Praia do Forte. A short wooden walkway through the forest leads to a narrow stretch of sand that’s often pleasantly uncrowded.
The water is so calm and shallow that it feels almost like a swimming pool, making it perfect for kids. There are no restaurants or facilities here, so bring your own snacks and drinks. Since the beach faces west across the bay, it’s also a lovely spot to stay for sunset.
Note
Be careful near the tip of the peninsula, where there are stronger currents, sudden drop-offs and signs warning against swimming. Stick to the main, shallow stretch for a safe swim.
On the West Side: Sunset Beaches
The west coast of the island, facing the bay, isn’t really the place for a classic beach day. The beaches here are small and narrow, and they’re mostly used by local fishermen and the oyster farms that dot the calm water.
We’d still highly recommend visiting, just for a different reason. Colonial villages like Santo Antônio de Lisboa and Ribeirão da Ilha are perfect for a sunset stroll along the waterfront, followed by fresh oysters and seafood by the bay.
In Santo Antônio de Lisboa, walk a little north of the village to find a small beach dotted with huge boulders and trees with swings hanging from their branches, one of our favorite photo spots on the island. We’d skip swimming here, though, and save that for the beaches in the east, south and north.
For our favorite places to eat with a sunset view, check out our guide to the best restaurants in Florianópolis.
3 Beaches We’d Skip (or Do Differently)
Canasvieiras, Ingleses and Jurerê in Peak Season
In peak season, from late December through Carnival, Canasvieiras, Ingleses and Jurerê fill up with crowds of tourists. The strips of sand are fairly narrow, so on busy days it can be hard to even find a spot or walk along the water.
We simply prefer the quieter, more local beaches in the east and south of the island. Outside peak season, though, the north can be a nice choice if you’re after resort-style hotels and calm water to relax in.
Beach Clubs: Jurerê Internacional
Jurerê Internacional is Florianópolis’s most glamorous beach, known for its upscale beach clubs, luxury villas and celebrity sightings. The most famous club is P12, which regularly brings in international artists and big-name DJs like Brazil’s own Alok.
It’s ideal if you’re after DJs, champagne and a party atmosphere by the sea, especially from late December through Carnival, when the clubs are at their busiest. Expect high prices for entry, drinks and loungers. For more party spots, check out our Florianópolis nightlife guide.
FAQs About Florianópolis Beaches
What is the most beautiful beach in Florianópolis?
For us, Ilha do Campeche: calm turquoise water, white sand and granite boulders on a protected island, with the clearest, calmest water we found anywhere around Florianópolis. Visitor numbers are capped, so book an authorized boat tour in advance.
How many beaches does Florianópolis have?
More than 40 (42 is the number usually given). In our year on the island, we explored more than 20 of them, and every beach in this guide is one we’ve been to ourselves.
Which Florianópolis beach is best for swimming?
Ilha do Campeche, for its clear turquoise water sheltered by the island. On the north and bay side, Praia do Forte and Praia da Daniela have calm, shallow water. On the open east coast, always swim near a lifeguard post and check the flags.
Which beaches in Florianópolis are calm enough for kids?
Praia do Forte, with gentle, shallow water and a historic fortress to explore right next to the beach, and Praia da Daniela, where the water is so calm and shallow it feels almost like a swimming pool (stay away from the tip of the peninsula). A boat trip to Ilha do Campeche is a calm option too.
What is the best beach in Florianópolis for surfing?
To learn, Barra da Lagoa: consistent waves, gentler than at many east coast beaches, and plenty of surf schools. Praia do Campeche almost always has waves, and Praia Mole and Joaquina draw experienced surfers. Our surfing guide covers every spot in detail.
When is the sea warm enough to swim in Florianópolis?
The sea is warmest from December to March, at around 24–26°C (75–79°F). We swam without a wetsuit from November to April.
Can you swim in Florianópolis in winter?
You can, but it’s cold: in July and August the sea drops to roughly 18°C (64°F). Outside November to April, the water felt refreshing at best to us, a bit like Portugal or South Africa, and Artur usually surfed in a wetsuit.
Is the water clean at Florianópolis beaches?
Usually, on the ocean side. Santa Catarina’s environment agency, IMA, tests the beaches and publishes which spots are fit or unfit for swimming, every week in summer: on its map, a blue flag is fit, a red flag unfit and a grey flag undetermined. The open-ocean beaches on the east side are usually fit, while some spots in the bay, near river mouths and in the Lagoa da Conceição are often unfit.
Is Joaquina Beach good for swimming?
On calmer days, yes. It faces the open Atlantic, and the swell brings consistent waves and currents, so swim near a lifeguard post and pay attention to the flags.
Is there a nude beach in Florianópolis?
Praia da Galheta, reached by a short trail from the northern end of Praia Mole, is the one known for nudism. Officially, though, nudism there hasn’t been allowed since 2016, when the area became a protected natural monument.
Final Thoughts on the Best Beaches in Florianópolis
After a full year of beach days, surf sessions and sunsets, Florianópolis has easily become one of our favorite beach destinations in the world. With more than 40 beaches to choose from, there’s truly something for everyone, from wild jungle coves and powerful surf breaks to calm, crystal-clear bays perfect for kids.
If you only have one day, head to Praia do Campeche: walk across the dunes, grab a fresh caldo de cana and stay for the waves and the views of Campeche Island.
To make the most of your trip, check out our guide on where to stay in Florianópolis to find the perfect base near your favorite beaches, and grab our Florianópolis Google Maps Guide to have every spot saved on your phone. We hope you love the beaches of Floripa as much as we do!
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