Looking for the best things to do in Florianópolis? After living on the island for a full year from 2023 to 2024, we’ve explored its beaches, hiking trails, fishing villages and food spots, and narrowed it down to our 15 absolute favorites.
Floripa, or Ilha da Magia (Island of Magic) as the locals call it, has it all: turquoise water, jungle hikes, world-class surf and charming Azorean villages. With 42 beaches, a laid-back vibe and fresh seafood around every corner, it’s easy to see why so many travelers (us included) never want to leave.
In this travel guide, you’ll find our top things to do in Florianópolis, Brazil, sorted by area, plus where to stay, the best time to visit, what to do on rainy days, easy day trips and three things we’d honestly skip.
We were there. Aug 2023 – Jun 2024 & Jan 2026 — about a year living in Campeche
Our Favorite Things After Living a Year on the Island
Short on time? These are the three experiences we’d never skip in Florianópolis:
- Hike to Lagoinha do Leste: A jungle trail leads to a wild, untouched beach with a lagoon, and the panoramic view from Morro da Coroa is the most iconic on the island.
- Take the boat to Costa da Lagoa: Ride across Lagoa da Conceição to a car-free fishing village, cool off at the waterfall and order the best moqueca at Sabor da Costa restaurant.
- Visit Ilha do Campeche: Turquoise water, white sand and granite boulders on a protected, uninhabited island just a short boat ride away.
Want every spot in one place? Our Florianópolis Google Maps Guide has 80+ of our favorite beaches, hikes, restaurants, cafés and viewpoints already saved for you. Open it on your phone and explore the island like a local from day one.
Before You Go: What to Know About Visiting Florianópolis
Where to Stay in Florianópolis
While we lived in Florianópolis for a year, we chose to stay close to the beach in Campeche for multiple reasons. It is right by the sea (with great surf!), it’s in a great location to reach other parts of the island, only a 15-minute drive away from the airport, and it feels very local.
When Michelle’s family came to visit us, they stayed at Pousada Ilha Faceira, which sits right behind the dunes of Praia do Campeche (Campeche Beach) and even has private access to it. The accommodation also includes a breakfast buffet with fresh fruits, yummy Brazilian pastries and more.
The Best Time to Visit Florianópolis
Personally, we’d recommend visiting during Brazil’s late summer or autumn; our favorites are the months of March and April. Florianópolis does have seasons, so the winter months can get quite cold and rainy.
During the summer months the island gets very busy, especially around New Year’s Eve and Carnival. If you go during those months, make sure to book your stay way in advance, as Floripa tends to get fully booked.
Tip
Check out our month-by-month comparison of the weather in Florianópolis.
How Many Days Do You Need in Florianópolis?
We would suggest spending at least 3 days on the island, to have enough time to enjoy the beautiful beaches and also do some hikes and other activities.
Check out our 3-day Florianópolis itinerary, the exact route we followed when Michelle’s family visited from abroad for the first time. They loved every minute of it.
How to Get Around in Florianópolis
While there definitely is public transport (buses), the island is bigger than it looks: it actually spans 54 km (33 mi) from north to south. So going from one place to another usually involves changing buses a lot.
We would recommend either getting around by Uber (which is really affordable in Brazil) or renting a car. Mobile data can be an issue in some more remote places on the island, so by having your own car you can avoid being left stranded.
Watch Out for Summer Traffic on the Island
To be honest, the thing that probably annoyed us the most in Florianópolis was the traffic. On a beautiful, sunny day (especially on weekends) the streets to and from the beach can get extremely packed.
A drive that usually takes around 30 minutes can suddenly take multiple hours. Our tip is to leave for the beach early in the morning and drive back home sooner rather than later.
Our 15 Favorite Things We Did in Florianópolis
Florianópolis by area
- 1East1–3: Costa da Lagoa, the Joaquina dunes, Barra da Lagoa
- 2South4–8: Lagoinha do Leste, Ilha do Campeche, Ribeirão da Ilha, Pântano do Sul, surfing in Campeche
- 3West/Centro9–13: the Mercado Público, Hercílio Luz Bridge, the historic center, Beira-Mar Norte, a night out
- 4North14–15: Santo Antônio de Lisboa, the Fortaleza de São José
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
Things to Do in the East of Florianópolis
1. Take the Boat to Costa da Lagoa for Lunch
One of our favorite activities in Florianópolis is going to a little fishermen’s village called Costa da Lagoa, either on a hike or by taking a boat. It is located on the western shore of Lagoa da Conceição and cannot be reached by car.
The boats run daily with the company Cooperbarco from the Lagoa da Conceição center and various docks on the way. The cost of the ticket is R$15 one-way or R$30 round-trip, and you can find the schedule of the departures on their website.
Note
The schedule differs between weekdays and weekends or holidays, and the last tourist boat from Costa da Lagoa back to Lagoa da Conceição leaves at 18:30 (6:30 pm).
We’d recommend getting off the boat at Ponto 16, as it is in the middle of the village and just a short and easy walk away from the waterfall, Cachoeira da Costa da Lagoa, which is a great place to cool down on a hot day or to just admire the lush green surroundings.
After that, there are plenty of restaurant options for lunch. Our favorite meal – not just in the east of the island, but probably in all of Floripa – is the moqueca at Sabor da Costa Restaurante. It’s a flavorful stew that originated in the northeast of Brazil (where Artur is from) and can be shared by several people.
Tip
Take the boat back to Lagoa da Conceição from Ponto 17, so you will be one of the first to get on, while the following docks tend to get a lot busier.
2. Go Sandboarding on the Joaquina Dunes
If you are an outdoor-activities lover who adores skiing and snowboarding just like us, this will be a place you’ll definitely enjoy! And even if you don’t, the massive, white-sand dunes right next to Praia da Joaquina (Joaquina Beach) are one of a kind, with stunning views.
To go sandboarding or sand-sledding you can find board rentals right at the spot, with hourly prices of around R$40. Recently the city has also built a wooden boardwalk to improve accessibility.
Tip
Go there around an hour and a half before sunset, to enjoy phenomenal views over the island while the sand is cooler. This is also a very child-friendly activity to include in your itinerary.
3. Swim in the Natural Pools of Barra da Lagoa
Next up is another favorite of ours, the small fishing village of Barra da Lagoa, where a canal connects the lake, Lagoa da Conceição, with the sea. It’s also a great place to stop if you rent a boat. There are plenty of seafood restaurants, a lighthouse and a bridge over the river that leads to a small beach called Prainha da Barra.
If you continue walking on that path for around 15 minutes, you will reach a viewpoint and then the beautiful Piscinas Naturais da Barra da Lagoa (Natural Pools of Barra da Lagoa).
Tip
Check that the tide is low and the sea calm, as it can get dangerous to enter in rough conditions. Children should always be supervised.
Things to Do in the South of Florianópolis
4. Hike to Lagoinha do Leste
If you only have time for one hike in Florianópolis, then go to Lagoinha do Leste! It was also the first one we did, and while it was hot and quite humid walking through the rainforest, it was sooo worth it for us! The steeper parts can feel a bit exhausting, but anyone with average fitness should be able to do it.
There are two different starting points for this hike: one is in Pântano do Sul (shorter and steeper, it takes around 1 to 1.5 hours each way) and the other is in Matadeiro (longer and scenic, though with less shade, it takes around 2 to 3 hours each way). Artur has done both options and recommends them equally.
After the hike through the jungle you will reach an undeveloped beach called Praia da Lagoinha do Leste (Lagoinha do Leste Beach), with a small lagoon next to it. You will still need to hike up to Morro da Coroa (a little rocky hill on the right-hand side of the beach) for another 30 minutes, where you get the iconic, panoramic view over the wilderness of the beach and its surroundings.
5. Take a Boat Trip to Ilha do Campeche
Looking for calm turquoise water in Florianópolis? We found it on Ilha do Campeche (Campeche Island), an uninhabited island with a wide white-sand beach, lush green tropical forest and huge granite boulders lining the shore.
To protect the ecosystem, the number of daily visitors is strictly regulated and capped, so booking an authorized tour is necessary. Boats start from three different neighborhoods: Praia do Campeche, Praia da Armação and Barra da Lagoa.
We’ve visited the island twice, both times on a boat from Praia da Armação. The boats leave from a proper harbor dock there (from Praia do Campeche, they depart straight from the sand, and only when conditions allow). The ride is also shorter than from Barra da Lagoa and runs along the scenic south coast.
6. Eat Fresh Oysters & Brigadeiros in Ribeirão da Ilha
On the southwestern coast of Florianópolis you will find a small village called Ribeirão da Ilha, full of colorful colonial houses dating back to the Azorean colonization of the island in the mid-18th century. Just offshore, rows of oyster farms stretch across the calm bay waters, making it one of Brazil’s leading oyster producers.
That’s why you can find numerous highly rated seafood restaurants, like Ostradamus, which has a pier over the sea with amazing sunset views. Unfortunately we are not super into oysters, but there is a café we really like called Amoriko Brigaderia & Café. They serve a variety of delicious brigadeiros (Brazilian sweet fudgy balls), different coffee options and lots of other yummy quick bites.
7. Explore the Fishing Village of Pântano do Sul
In the far south of the island sits Pântano do Sul, a traditional fishing village where weathered wooden fishing boats line the beach. During the tainha (mullet) fishing season, from May to July, you may even see fishermen hauling in their nets straight from the shore.
We love the rustic, authentic local feel of this village. Don’t miss Bar do Arante, a laid-back restaurant whose walls and ceiling are covered in thousands of handwritten notes and wishes left by guests over the years.
8. Take a Surf Lesson in Campeche
Ask Artur and he’ll probably tell you that surfing is the number one thing to do in Florianópolis. Whether you’re a seasoned surfer or just starting out, the island has a beach to match your level. The east coast faces the open Atlantic, so the waves there are much bigger than on the calmer north and west sides.
Beginners will find plenty of surf schools in Campeche and Barra da Lagoa, both great spots to learn. Just keep in mind that the water in Floripa is much colder than in most of Brazil (in winter you can even spot penguins!), so you’ll need a wetsuit for most of the year.
Tip
Check out our Surfing in Florianópolis Guide for more details.
Things to Do in West/Centro (Downtown Florianópolis)
9. Eat Your Way Through the Mercado Público
Right in downtown Florianópolis, you will find the Mercado Público, a public market hall that has been running since the 19th century. The striking yellow building has two parallel wings joined by a central seating area under a translucent roof. It’s packed with restaurants serving Brazilian dishes, and most of those plates are meant for sharing.
Our pick is Box 32, a restaurant serving a wide variety of delicious pastéis (crispy Brazilian fried pastries) along with seafood dishes. Elsewhere in the market, food quality can be hit or miss, since it’s a very touristy spot where the prices don’t always match what’s on the plate. For souvenirs, though, the Mercado Público and the streets around it are a great place to browse.
10. See the Hercílio Luz Bridge
For us, this is the most iconic landmark of Florianópolis: the Ponte Hercílio Luz (Hercílio Luz Bridge). Spanning 820 meters (0.5 miles), it was the first bridge to connect the island with the Brazilian mainland. It reminds us a lot of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco or the 25 de Abril Bridge in Lisbon, but dressed in silver.
Tip
On Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays, the Hercílio Luz Bridge is closed to cars, making it the perfect time to walk across. At the island end you’ll also find a great bar with good drinks and frequent Brazilian live music, as well as little market stands offering street food.
11. Walk the Historic Center & Praça XV de Novembro
Praça XV de Novembro is the main square in Florianópolis’ historic center, a lush, leafy park shaded by a massive, centuries-old fig tree known as the Figueira Centenária, and by other tropical trees.
Around the square stand some of the city’s most important historic buildings, including the Palácio Cruz e Sousa, a pink building now housing the Santa Catarina Historical Museum with rotating exhibitions, and the Catedral Metropolitana, the city’s main Catholic church.
Want to dive deeper into the city’s past? We suggest joining a walking tour of the historic center.
12. Bike or Walk Along the Beira-Mar Norte
The first time we drove along Avenida Beira-Mar Norte, we couldn’t stop saying “wow.” It’s one of those places that feels almost unreal. Its wide seaside promenade has dedicated bike lanes, skating areas and outdoor fitness stations, making it our favorite spot for walking and jogging, with beautiful sunset views over the bay.
13. Have a Night Out Surrounded by Locals
For a night out with the locals, head to the eastern side of downtown near Avenida Hercílio Luz. Here you’ll find a few lively blocks packed with young people, music spilling into the streets and bars buzzing late into the night, especially from Thursdays to Saturdays.
Our favorite spots in this area are Ateliê 389, a hip bar with great local craft beer on tap; Saudades Bar, a cozy spot with great artwork and its own tattoo studio; and nearby Don’t Tell Mama, which has more of a nightclub vibe. This is just one of Florianópolis’ many nightlife hubs, so check out our Florianópolis nightlife guide for more.
Things to Do in the North of Florianópolis
14. Watch the Sunset & Eat Seafood in Santo Antônio de Lisboa
On the island’s northwest coast lies Santo Antônio de Lisboa, a colonial neighborhood founded by Azorean settlers in the 18th century. With its colorful houses and cobblestone streets, strolling through it feels like stepping into a little corner of Portugal.
Its bayfront is lined with restaurants serving excellent seafood, especially oysters farmed right in the waters out front. We love coming here to watch the sunset and have dinner at the restaurant Lisboa 48.
Tip
Walk a little farther north and you’ll find a small beach dotted with huge boulders, and trees with swings hanging from their branches: one of our favorite photo spots.
15. Visit the Fortaleza de São José da Ponta Grossa
Honestly, we didn’t explore the north of the island much while living in Florianópolis, mostly because it’s quite a drive from Campeche, where we lived. We did, however, visit Praia do Forte (Fortress Beach) twice, along with the Fortaleza de São José da Ponta Grossa, an 18th-century military fortress right next to it. The beach has calm waters and lovely views across to the mainland.
Day Trips from Florianópolis
Balneário Camboriú & Unipraias Park
We went on a weekend trip to Balneário Camboriú, but it can easily be done as a day trip. The city lies around 80 km (50 miles) north of Florianópolis, roughly a 1.5-hour drive, still inside the state of Santa Catarina. Famous for its luxurious skyscrapers along the beach and its long promenade, it is often nicknamed the “Dubai of Brazil.”
A great way to enjoy the views over the city is to take a cable car up to Parque Unipraias (Unipraias Park), where you can walk the Atlantic forest trails, ride mountain coasters and enjoy treetop walkways. There are lots of child-friendly activities.
Tip
Our favorite view of the city is at the northern end of the beach promenade, driving up to the Mirante Estrada da Rainha, close to the Ferris wheel.
Guarda do Embaú
Closer to Florianópolis, about 50 km (31 miles) south in the municipality of Palhoça, lies Praia da Guarda do Embaú (Guarda do Embaú Beach). We haven’t made it there yet, but it’s a favorite among many of our local friends. Cross the Rio da Madre on foot or by boat to reach a stunning beach backed by green hills and great surf. Climb Pedra do Urubu for jaw-dropping views, then refuel with fresh seafood in the laid-back village.
3 Things We’d Skip (or Do Differently) in Florianópolis
Canasvieiras & Ingleses in Peak Season
Like we mentioned earlier, we didn’t visit the north much while living in Floripa. This was mostly because of the distance from where we lived, but also because it is very touristy. Especially in the summer months, the neighborhoods of Canasvieiras and Ingleses get flooded with Argentinian and Uruguayan tourists, while the beaches there are very slim and therefore get super crowded.
We just prefer the beaches in the east and south of the island, which get way less packed due to their size and the lack of hotel resorts.
Outside of the peak season, this area can be nice if you are looking for resort-style hotels and calm beaches to relax at, and don’t mind being further away from the city center and other major attractions.
Driving to the East Coast on a Summer Sunday
While we absolutely love the east coast, we don’t recommend going there on a summer Sunday, as the streets get completely jammed. Florianópolis’ infrastructure isn’t great: many places can only be reached by one single street, so traffic jams are super common there and inevitable.
You can avoid this by visiting popular spots on weekdays and during off-hours (leaving early in the morning and driving back in the early afternoon, or staying really late).
Beto Carrero World as a Day Trip
Beto Carrero World is the largest theme park in Latin America and is located in Penha, Santa Catarina, with more than 100 attractions: themed thrill rides, live cabaret shows, a zoo and horse riding. We especially loved the big entrance door to the park, which is super colorful and iconic.
It’s around 120 km (75 miles) north of Florianópolis, roughly a two-hour drive. It is doable as a day trip, but we wouldn’t recommend it; instead we’d advise staying a night or two in Balneário Camboriú or Penha, to enjoy the full day at the park.
Things to Do in Florianópolis When It Rains
Cafés & Food Markets
We love the cafés and food scene in Florianópolis; there is something for everyone. Here are some of our favorites for a rainy day in Florianópolis:
- Café Cultura (Lagoa da Conceição)
- Café Floripão (Rio Tavares)
- Amoriko Brigaderia & Café (Ribeirão da Ilha)
- Armazém Rita Maria (a food market in an old industrial building, Centro)
- Top Market Floripa (another great food market, Centro)
Museums in Centro
Florianópolis’ historic center has a few great museums to escape the rain. Our top pick is the Palácio Cruz e Sousa, a striking pink palace on Praça XV de Novembro that houses the Santa Catarina Historical Museum, with rotating exhibitions and beautifully restored rooms.
Shopping Malls
When the weather really turns, the city’s malls are a reliable backup. Villa Romana Shopping and Beiramar Shopping offer plenty of stores, food courts and cinemas to keep you busy until the sun comes back out.
FAQs About the Best Things to Do in Florianópolis
Is Florianópolis worth visiting?
Yes. With 42 beaches, a laid-back vibe and fresh seafood around every corner, it’s easy to see why so many travelers (us included) never want to leave. Whether you’re here to surf, hike, eat fresh seafood or simply relax on a quiet beach, the island has something for every type of traveler.
Where should I stay in Florianópolis?
While we lived in Florianópolis for a year, we chose to stay close to the beach in Campeche: it is right by the sea (with great surf!), in a great location to reach other parts of the island, only a 15-minute drive away from the airport, and it feels very local. When Michelle’s family came to visit us, they stayed at Pousada Ilha Faceira, right behind the dunes of Praia do Campeche.
Is Florianópolis a safe place?
Brazil is known to be a more dangerous country overall, so lots of people wonder how safe Floripa is. It’s probably one of the safest cities in the whole country: Santa Catarina has the lowest murder rate of any Brazilian state, and Brazil’s Atlas da Violência ranked Florianópolis the safest of its 27 state capitals. It is still a big city, though, so we recommend some caution, especially at night: avoid darker, quieter streets alone and keep to the busier, more popular areas; don’t take long walks through deserted areas, take an Uber or a taxi instead; and in the more crowded clubs, watch your drink and your phone. At the beach, never disregard rip currents and always look out for the lifeguard signs.
Is Florianópolis expensive to visit?
It depends on where you stay and when. Hotels and hostels cost between R$200 and R$1,500 per night depending on the season, and cars between R$70 and R$400 per day. The north of Floripa is known across Brazil as one of the most expensive places in the country, while Barra da Lagoa has the best budget options. Uber is really affordable in Brazil (a shared ride from the airport to the south of the island can be around R$30), the boat to Costa da Lagoa costs R$15 one-way, and sandboards rent for around R$40 an hour.
What are the best things to do in Florianópolis with kids?
Sandboarding or sand-sledding on the Joaquina Dunes is a very child-friendly activity. In Balneário Camboriú, the cable car up to Parque Unipraias leads to Atlantic forest trails, mountain coasters and treetop walkways, with lots of child-friendly activities. Beto Carrero World in Penha, the largest theme park in Latin America, is around two hours’ drive north: we’d stay a night or two rather than do it as a day trip.
Final Thoughts on What There Is to Do in Florianópolis, Brazil
Florianópolis stole our hearts during the year we lived there, and we keep coming back to it. Whether you’re here to surf, hike, eat fresh seafood or simply relax on a quiet beach, the island has something for every type of traveler. Pick your favorites from this list, avoid the summer traffic, and get ready to fall in love with Floripa just like we did.
More Florianópolis Guides
- Where to Stay in Florianópolis
- Lagoinha do Leste Hike: Both Trails, Timing and What to Pack
- The 10 Best Beaches in Florianópolis
- Florianópolis Weather by Month: The Best Time to Visit
- Campeche Island: How to Visit Ilha do Campeche
- Surfing in Florianópolis
- Florianópolis Nightlife
- Florianópolis Itinerary: 3 Days on the Island
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