Wondering how many days you need in Florianópolis? After living in Floripa for a full year from 2023 to 2024, we’ve put together the exact route we’d recommend to friends and family visiting for the first time.
This Florianópolis itinerary works for 3, 4 or 5 days. Follow it as a 3-day Florianópolis itinerary to see the highlights: turquoise water on Ilha do Campeche, the car-free village of Costa da Lagoa, sandboarding on the Joaquina dunes, surfing in Barra da Lagoa, the historic center and sunset in Santo Antônio de Lisboa.
Have more time? Stretch it into a 5-day Florianópolis itinerary with our favorite hike to Lagoinha do Leste, a beach day in the North with a night out in Centro, or a day trip to Balneário Camboriú.
Each day of this Florianópolis, Brazil itinerary is planned by area, so you’ll spend less time in traffic and more time enjoying the best things to do on the island. You’ll also find our tips on where to stay, getting around and what to do if it rains.
We were there. Aug 2023 – Jun 2024 & Jan 2026 — about a year living in Campeche
| Plan | Our pick | Book ahead |
|---|---|---|
| Where to stay | Campeche, central to the whole route | Pousada Ilha Faceira or other Campeche stays |
| Getting around | A rental car | Compare rental cars |
| Day 1 | Ilha do Campeche, Ribeirão da Ilha | Ilha do Campeche boat tour, a few days ahead |
| Day 2 | Costa da Lagoa, the Joaquina dunes | – |
| Day 3 | Barra da Lagoa, Centro, Santo Antônio de Lisboa | Surf class, walking tour |
| Day 4 (optional) | Lagoinha do Leste, Pântano do Sul | Guided hike |
| Day 5 (optional) | The North, or Balneário Camboriú | Day trips, Unipraias |
Which Itinerary Is Right for You? (3, 4 or 5 Days)
Not sure how long to stay? This itinerary is built so you can follow it for 3, 4 or 5 days:
- 3 days: the highlights. Ilha do Campeche, Costa da Lagoa, the Joaquina dunes, surfing in Barra da Lagoa, Centro and sunset in Santo Antônio de Lisboa. Follow Days 1 to 3.
- 4 days: add our favorite hike. Everything above, plus Lagoinha do Leste and a late lunch in Pântano do Sul. Add Day 4.
- 5 days: the full island experience. Everything above, plus a day in the North with a night out in Centro, or a day trip to Balneário Camboriú. Add Day 5.
Our tip
If you can, stay at least 4 days. Lagoinha do Leste was one of our favorite experiences on the island.
Our Florianópolis Itinerary at a Glance
| Day | Area | Highlights | Where to eat | Book ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | The South | Ilha do Campeche boat trip, Ribeirão da Ilha | Amoriko Brigaderia & Café, Ostradamus | Ilha do Campeche boat tour |
| Day 2 | Lagoa & the East | Costa da Lagoa hike or boat, waterfall, Joaquina dunes sandboarding | Sabor da Costa, Spitfire or LayBack | – |
| Day 3 | Barra da Lagoa, Centro & Santo Antônio de Lisboa | Surf class, natural pools, Mercado Público, Praça XV, Hercílio Luz Bridge, sunset in Santo Antônio de Lisboa | Box 32 (Mercado Público), Lisboa 48 | Surf class, historic center walking tour |
| Day 4 (optional) | Lagoinha do Leste & Pântano do Sul | Lagoinha do Leste hike, Morro da Coroa viewpoint, Pântano do Sul fishing village | Bar do Arante | – |
| Day 5 (optional) | The North & Centro, or Balneário Camboriú | Praia do Forte and a night out, or Parque Unipraias | Armazém Rita Maria, Top Market | Unipraias tickets |
Before You Go
How Many Days Do You Need in Florianópolis?
Florianópolis is bigger than most people expect. The island stretches about 54 km (33 miles) from north to south, with dozens of beaches and neighborhoods spread out along the coast, and getting from one area to another can take a while, especially in summer traffic.
That’s why we recommend at least 3 full days. That’s enough time to explore the South, Lagoa and the East Coast, and Centro, and to get a real feel for the island’s different sides, from wild beaches and fishing villages to colonial streets and sunsets over the bay.
With a fourth or fifth day, you can go deeper: tackle a bigger hike like Lagoinha do Leste, spend a slow day at the beach, or take a day trip to Balneário Camboriú. If you can, give yourself the extra time. Floripa is best enjoyed at a relaxed pace.
Where to Stay for This Itinerary
We recommend staying in Campeche. It’s a central base for this route, so you can reach the South, Lagoa, the East Coast and Centro without long drives, and the airport is only about 15 minutes away. The neighborhood itself is relaxed and local-feeling, right by the beach and with great surf.
We lived in Campeche ourselves for a full year and loved it, so it’s the area we know best and recommend most.
When Michelle’s family came to visit us in Florianópolis, they stayed at Pousada Ilha Faceira and loved it. It sits right behind the dunes of Praia do Campeche, with private beach access and a delicious breakfast buffet full of fresh Brazilian fruits and pastries.
Prefer a different area or budget? Check out our full guide on where to stay in Florianópolis.
Getting Around: Car, Uber or Tour
There are public buses on the island, but getting from one area to another usually means changing buses several times and waiting for long connections. Uber is a great alternative, since it’s quite affordable in Brazil, but because the island is so big, it can be hard to find a driver in more remote areas, and mobile data can be patchy there too.
That’s why we recommend renting a car for this itinerary. It gives you the flexibility to follow the route at your own pace, leave early to beat the traffic, and reach the hikes and quieter beaches easily. Parking is fairly easy and cheap on the island: there are plenty of public street parking spots, or look for signs saying “estacionamento” for paid lots.
For more details, check out our guide to getting from the airport and getting around Florianópolis.
When to Do It (and Which Days to Swap)
Summer traffic is the biggest thing to plan around in Florianópolis. On sunny weekends, the roads to the beaches get extremely busy, and a 30-minute drive can easily turn into several hours. If you can, plan the beach-heavy days (Days 1, 2 and 4) for weekdays, or leave early in the morning and head back before the afternoon rush.
Centro, on the other hand, is at its best on the weekend. On Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays, the Hercílio Luz Bridge is closed to cars, so you can walk across it, and the area around it gets lively with live music and street food stands. That makes Day 3 a great fit for a Saturday or Sunday. Just check the Mercado Público’s opening hours if you go on a Sunday.
Day 1: The South (Ilha do Campeche & Ribeirão da Ilha)
We love starting a trip to Floripa in the South. It’s the island at its most beautiful: turquoise water in the morning, a sleepy colonial village in the afternoon, and one of the best sunsets on the island to end the day.
Morning: Boat Trip to Ilha do Campeche
Our first stop is the place where we found the calmest, clearest water in all of Florianópolis: Ilha do Campeche. This uninhabited island has a wide white-sand beach, lush tropical forest and huge granite boulders along the shore.
The number of daily visitors is capped (at 800 a day in the 2025/26 season) to protect the island, so you’ll need to book an authorized boat tour. We’d do this a few days in advance, especially in summer, when spots sell out quickly.
Boats leave from Praia do Campeche, Praia da Armação and Barra da Lagoa (book the tour here). We’ve visited the island twice from there and loved it both times: the boats leave from a proper dock, and the ride is short and runs along the scenic south coast.
Plan to spend the morning swimming, snorkeling and relaxing on the beach before heading back in the early afternoon. There’s a small restaurant on the island for food and drinks, but under the island’s current rules, beach chairs and umbrellas are no longer rented out, so bring everything you need for the morning.
For more details, check out our full guide to Ilha do Campeche.
Afternoon: Colonial Streets & Brigadeiros in Ribeirão da Ilha
From Armação, it’s about a 25-minute drive to Ribeirão da Ilha on the southwestern coast. This little village is full of colorful colonial houses from the island’s Azorean settlement in the 18th century, and it feels like a completely different side of Floripa.
We love just strolling along the waterfront and through the quiet streets here. Out in the calm bay, you’ll see rows of oyster farms: Ribeirão is the island’s main oyster-growing area, and Santa Catarina farms almost all of Brazil’s oysters.
For an afternoon treat, head to our favorite spot in the village, Amoriko Brigaderia & Café. They make delicious brigadeiros (fudgy Brazilian truffles) in all kinds of flavors, plus good coffee and tasty snacks. It’s the perfect sweet stop after a morning in the sun.
Sunset & Dinner: Ostradamus
To end the day, we’d head to Ostradamus, one of the best-known seafood restaurants in Ribeirão. Its pier stretches out over the water, and since the village faces west, the sunset views across the bay are amazing.
Oyster lovers will be in heaven here, with oysters farmed right in front of the restaurant. We’re honestly not big oyster fans ourselves, but there are plenty of other seafood dishes on the menu, so everyone finds something.
Tip
In high season, we’d recommend reserving a table, especially if you want a spot with a sunset view.
Day 2: Lagoa & the East (Costa da Lagoa & Joaquina Dunes)
Day 2 is all about Lagoa da Conceição, the big lagoon in the heart of the island. We’d spend the morning in a car-free fishing village, the afternoon by the water, and the evening sliding down the dunes before dinner in Lagoa.
Morning: Hike or Take the Boat to Costa da Lagoa
One of our favorite things to do in Florianópolis is visiting Costa da Lagoa, a little fishing village on the western shore of the lagoon. There are no roads leading there, so you can only reach it on foot or by boat.
If you’re up for some exercise, we’d recommend hiking the trail. It winds through lush green forest with beautiful views over the lagoon along the way.
Prefer a relaxed morning? Then take the boat instead. Cooperbarco runs boats daily from Lagoa center and several docks along the way, and the tourist boat costs R$15 one way or R$30 round trip. Check their website for the schedule, as departure times differ between weekdays and weekends or holidays.
Midday: Waterfall & the Best Moqueca on the Island
If you’re coming by boat, get off at Ponto 16. It’s right in the middle of the village and just a short, easy walk from the Cachoeira da Costa da Lagoa, a waterfall surrounded by green forest. We love cooling off here on a hot day.
For lunch, we always go to Sabor da Costa. Their moqueca is our favorite meal in all of Floripa. This rich, flavorful seafood stew comes from Northeast Brazil, where Artur is from, and it’s big enough for two or three people to share.
Afternoon: Boat Back & Açaí in Lagoa
After lunch, take the boat back to Lagoa center.
Back in Lagoa, we’d take a little break with a bowl of açaí at Açaíland or a coffee at Café Cultura before the last stop of the day.
For more details on the trail, boats and restaurants, check out our full Costa da Lagoa guide.
Tip
Board at Ponto 17, so you’re among the first on the boat, as the docks after it tend to get crowded. Keep in mind that the last tourist boat back leaves at 6:30 pm.
Late Afternoon: Sandboarding on the Joaquina Dunes
About an hour and a half before sunset, drive 10 minutes to the Joaquina dunes. We love skiing and snowboarding, so sandboarding down these huge white-sand dunes was one of our favorite experiences on the island.
You can rent sandboards right at the dunes for around R$40 per hour. Going late in the day means the sand is cooler, and the views over the island at sunset are stunning. It’s also a fun, easy activity for kids.
Evening: Dinner at Spitfire Lagoa or LayBack
To end the day, head back to Lagoa for dinner. Our first pick is Spitfire Lagoa, a pizzeria inside Quintal Lagoa, a lively courtyard that also has a cocktail bar and a tap beer bar with plenty of different beers.
We love coming here for a relaxed evening. After the pizza, try a Moscow mule or a caipirinha at the cocktail bar, or pick a local craft beer from the taps.
Prefer more choice? Then head to LayBack Park instead. It’s a food park with lots of different food stalls, so everyone in the group can pick what they feel like. In the back, there’s even a skate bowl, which makes it a fun, laid-back spot to hang out after dinner.
Day 3: Barra da Lagoa, Centro & Santo Antônio de Lisboa
Day 3 takes you across the whole island, from the surf in the east to the historic center and finally to the calm bay in the northwest. It’s our most varied day: waves in the morning, city life in the afternoon, and a sunset dinner to finish.
Early Morning: Surf Class in Barra da Lagoa
Ask Artur, and he’ll tell you that surfing is the number one thing to do in Florianópolis. That’s why we’d start the day with a surf class in Barra da Lagoa, a laid-back fishing village where a canal connects Lagoa da Conceição with the sea.
The waves here are great for beginners, and you’ll find several surf schools right by the beach. Just keep in mind that the water in Floripa is colder than in most of Brazil, so you’ll need a wetsuit for most of the year.
Want to know more? Check out our full guide to surfing in Florianópolis.
Late Morning: The Natural Pools of Barra da Lagoa
After surfing, cross the little bridge over the canal to Prainha da Barra, a small beach on the other side. From there, a path leads you in about 15 minutes to a viewpoint and then to the Piscinas Naturais, beautiful natural rock pools right by the ocean.
We love swimming here on a calm day. Just check that the tide is low and the sea is calm before going in, as it can get dangerous in rough conditions, and always keep an eye on children.
Early Afternoon: Pastéis at the Mercado Público
Next, drive to Centro, which takes about 40 minutes depending on traffic. Our first stop is the Mercado Público, a striking yellow market hall that has been running since 1899.
For lunch, we always go to Box 32 for their crispy pastéis (Brazilian fried pastries) and seafood dishes. Elsewhere in the market, the food can be hit or miss, as it’s a touristy spot. For souvenirs, though, the market and the streets around it are great for browsing.
Tip
If you’re visiting on a Sunday, check the market’s opening hours first: on Sundays, its shops are closed and the restaurants open from 11 am to 5 pm.
Afternoon: Praça XV & the Hercílio Luz Bridge
From the market, it’s a short walk to Praça XV de Novembro, the main square of the historic center. We love sitting in the shade of its massive, 150-year-old fig tree, the Figueira Centenária.
Around the square, you’ll find the pink Palácio Cruz e Sousa, now home to the Santa Catarina Historical Museum, and the Catedral Metropolitana. If you’d like to learn more about the city’s history, we’d recommend joining a walking tour.
Historic center walking tours
Walking tours of Florianópolis’s historic center, around Praça XV and the streets near the Mercado Público.
Then head to our favorite landmark in Florianópolis, the Hercílio Luz Bridge. This 820-meter silver suspension bridge was the first to connect the island with the mainland, and it always reminds us of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco or Lisbon’s 25 de Abril Bridge.
On weekends and public holidays, the bridge is closed to cars, so you can walk across it. At the island end, there’s a great bar with good drinks and frequent live Brazilian music, plus little street food stands.
Sunset & Dinner: Santo Antônio de Lisboa
To finish the day, drive about 25 minutes north to Santo Antônio de Lisboa, a colonial village settled by Azorean immigrants in the 18th century. With its colorful houses and cobblestone streets, it feels like a little corner of Portugal.
Before sunset, walk a little farther north along the water to a small beach with huge boulders and trees with swings hanging from their branches. It’s one of our favorite photo spots on the island.
Then grab a table by the water for dinner. Our favorite here is Lisboa 48, where we love watching the sun go down over the bay with a plate of fresh seafood or local oysters.
Day 4 (Optional): Lagoinha do Leste & Pântano do Sul
If you have a fourth day, this is how we’d spend it. Day 4 is all about our favorite hike on the island, followed by a slow afternoon in one of Floripa’s most authentic fishing villages.
Early Morning: Hike to Lagoinha do Leste
If you only do one hike in Florianópolis, make it Lagoinha do Leste. It was the very first hike we did on the island, and even though it was hot and humid walking through the rainforest, it was so worth it.
There are two starting points. From Pântano do Sul, the trail is shorter but steeper and takes around 1 to 1.5 hours each way. From Matadeiro, it’s longer and more scenic, with less shade, and takes around 2 to 3 hours each way. Artur has done both and recommends them equally.
Some parts are steep and can feel tiring, but anyone with average fitness should be fine. We’d start as early as possible to beat the heat, and bring plenty of water and some snacks for the trail.
Midday: Beach Time & the View from Morro da Coroa
At the end of the trail, you’ll reach Praia da Lagoinha do Leste, a wild, undeveloped beach with a small lagoon right behind it. We love spending some time here to swim, rest and enjoy how untouched it feels.
Don’t skip the last part, though. From the right-hand side of the beach, it’s a 30- to 45-minute climb up Morro da Coroa, a rocky hill with the iconic panoramic view over the beach, the lagoon and the surrounding wilderness. For us, it’s the most beautiful view on the island.
For more details on both trails, check out our full Lagoinha do Leste hiking guide.
Afternoon: Late Lunch at Bar do Arante in Pântano do Sul
After the hike, head back to Pântano do Sul, a traditional fishing village in the far south of the island. Weathered wooden fishing boats line the beach, and during the tainha (mullet) season, which opens on 1 May and lasts until the catch quota is reached, you might even see fishermen pulling their nets in straight from the shore.
We love the rustic, local feel of this village. For a well-deserved late lunch and drinks, go to Bar do Arante, a laid-back restaurant whose walls and ceiling are covered in thousands of handwritten notes left by guests over the years. Feel free to leave your own.
Day 5 (Optional): Choose Your Vibe
For your last day, we’re giving you two options. Pick Option A for a relaxed beach day in the North followed by a night out with locals, or Option B if you’d like to see something off the island.
Option A: Beach Day in the North & a Night Out in Centro
Late morning to afternoon: Praia do Forte & the Fortaleza de São José da Ponta Grossa
To be honest, we didn’t explore the North much while living in Florianópolis, mostly because it’s quite a drive from Campeche. But one place we went back to twice is Praia do Forte, a quiet beach with calm water and lovely views across to the mainland.
Right next to the beach stands the Fortaleza de São José da Ponta Grossa, an 18th-century military fortress overlooking the sea. We’d combine a walk around the fortress with a relaxed beach afternoon, a nice slow start after four active days. The fortress is open every day from 8:30 am to 6:30 pm, and entry costs R$20.
Late afternoon: sunset on the Beira-Mar Norte
On the drive back south, stop at the Avenida Beira-Mar Norte. The first time we drove along it, we couldn’t stop saying “wow.” It’s one of those places that feels almost unreal.
Its wide waterfront promenade has bike lanes, skating areas and outdoor fitness stations, and it was our favorite spot for walking and jogging. We’d go for a sunset walk or bike ride here, as the views over the bay are beautiful at golden hour.
Dinner: Armazém Rita Maria or Top Market
For dinner, head to one of our favorite food markets in Centro. Armazém Rita Maria is set in an old industrial building, and Top Market is another great option nearby.
Both have lots of different food stalls, so everyone can pick what they feel like. It’s the perfect easygoing dinner before a night out.
Night out: bars near Avenida Hercílio Luz
To end your trip, we’d join the locals on the eastern side of downtown, near Avenida Hercílio Luz. A few blocks here fill up with young people, music and busy bars, especially from Thursday to Saturday.
Our favorites are Ateliê 389, a hip bar with great local craft beer on tap; Saudades Bar, a cozy spot with great artwork, attached to a tattoo studio; and Don’t Tell Mama nearby, which has more of a nightclub vibe. For more ideas, check out our Florianópolis nightlife guide.
Option B: Day Trip to Balneário Camboriú
Morning: drive north to Balneário Camboriú
Balneário Camboriú lies about 80 km (50 miles) north of Florianópolis, roughly a 1.5-hour drive. Famous for its luxurious beachfront skyscrapers and long promenade, it’s often nicknamed the “Dubai of Brazil.” We went for a weekend, but it’s easy to do as a day trip with a tour or a rental car.
Late morning to afternoon: Parque Unipraias
Our favorite way to see the city is from above. Take the cable car up to Parque Unipraias, where you can walk Atlantic forest trails and ride the Youhooo! mountain coaster or the ZipRider zip line. There are lots of activities for kids too, and the cable car costs R$80 for adults.
Late afternoon: the promenade and the best view of the city
Back down in the city, stroll along the beach promenade. Then drive up to the Mirante Estrada da Rainha at the northern end of the promenade, close to the Ferris wheel. This was our favorite view of Balneário Camboriú, with the skyline and the beach spread out below you.
Evening: dinner in town or back to Floripa
You can stay in Balneário Camboriú for dinner before driving back, or head straight back to Floripa for a relaxed last night on the island.
If It Rains
The weather in Floripa can change quickly, so stay flexible and swap days around if needed. The Ilha do Campeche boat trip only runs when sea conditions allow, so it’s worth keeping a backup day for it.
On cloudy or rainy days, switch your beach day for something that works in any weather: Costa da Lagoa (take the boat instead of hiking, since the trail gets slippery), Centro and its food markets, or the day trip to Balneário Camboriú.
And if the weather turns really bad, the island’s shopping centers, like Villa Romana Shopping, are a great backup, with plenty of stores, restaurants and a cinema to keep you busy.
What We’d Change Next Time
We’d always leave early on beach days. We learned the hard way that a sunny summer weekend can turn a 30-minute drive into hours in traffic. Now, we head to the beach early in the morning and leave before the afternoon rush.
We’d slow down. Floripa is a place that rewards taking your time. If we could plan our first weeks again, we’d pack less into each day and leave more room for long lunches and lazy beach afternoons.
FAQs About Our Florianópolis Itinerary
How many days do you need in Florianópolis?
We recommend at least 3 full days: enough to explore the South, Lagoa and the East Coast, and Centro. With a fourth or fifth day, you can tackle a bigger hike like Lagoinha do Leste, spend a slow day at the beach or take a day trip to Balneário Camboriú. If you can, give yourself the extra time: Floripa is best enjoyed at a relaxed pace.
Is 3 days enough for Florianópolis?
It’s enough for the highlights: Ilha do Campeche, Costa da Lagoa, the Joaquina dunes, surfing in Barra da Lagoa, Centro and sunset in Santo Antônio de Lisboa. If you can, though, stay at least 4 days: Lagoinha do Leste was one of our favorite experiences on the island.
What should I add with 4 or 5 days in Florianópolis?
With a fourth day, add our favorite hike, Lagoinha do Leste, and a late lunch in the fishing village of Pântano do Sul. With a fifth, pick a beach day in the North with a night out in Centro, or a day trip to Balneário Camboriú.
Can you see Florianópolis without a car?
Yes, but it takes longer. There are public buses, but getting from one area to another usually means changing buses several times and waiting for long connections. Uber is quite affordable, but it can be hard to find a driver in more remote areas, and mobile data can be patchy there too. That’s why we recommend renting a car for this itinerary.
Where is the best area to stay for 3 days in Florianópolis?
Campeche. It’s a central base for this route, so you can reach the South, Lagoa, the East Coast and Centro without long drives, and the airport is only about 15 minutes away. We lived there for a full year, and when Michelle’s family visited, they stayed at Pousada Ilha Faceira and loved it.
What is the best time of year for this itinerary?
Our favorite months are March and April, in Brazil’s late summer and autumn: the sea is still warm, and the summer crowds are gone. In summer, plan the beach days for weekdays or leave early, as a 30-minute drive can turn into several hours on a sunny weekend. The winter months can get quite cold and rainy.
Can you fit Campeche Island and Lagoinha do Leste into one trip?
Yes: this itinerary does, with Ilha do Campeche on Day 1 and Lagoinha do Leste on Day 4, both in the South. Book the boat to Ilha do Campeche a few days in advance, keep a backup day in case the sea is too rough for the boats, and start the hike as early as possible to beat the heat.
Final Thoughts on Our Florianópolis Itinerary
Florianópolis stole our hearts during the year we lived there, and this itinerary is our way of sharing the places we loved most. Whether you have 3, 4 or 5 days, you’ll experience the island’s many sides: wild beaches, jungle hikes, colonial villages, fresh seafood and some of the best sunsets in Brazil.
Our biggest tip is to stay flexible. Swap days around for the weather, beat the traffic by starting early, and don’t feel bad about spending an extra afternoon at the beach.
Want every spot from this itinerary in one place? Save our Florianópolis Google Maps guide with 100+ of our favorite beaches, hikes, restaurants and viewpoints.
More Florianópolis Guides
- Where to Stay in Florianópolis
- 15 Best Things to Do in Florianópolis
- Florianópolis Airport: Getting to Every Part of the Island + How to Get Around
- Campeche Island: How to Visit Ilha do Campeche
- Lagoinha do Leste Hike: Both Trails, Timing and What to Pack
- Costa da Lagoa Hike: The Trail, the Waterfall, Lunch and the Boat Back
- Where to Eat in Florianópolis
- Florianópolis Nightlife: Where to Go Out, Area by Area
Comments
No comments yet. If you have been to any of this, say how it went.