BR
Florianópolis
An island capital in southern Brazil with dozens of beaches, dunes, lagoons and a relaxed surf culture
An island capital in southern Brazil with dozens of beaches, dunes, lagoons and a relaxed surf culture
A large lagoon in the middle of the island, surrounded by hills and dunes. Its village is the island’s hub for restaurants and nightlife, and the lagoon is used for kitesurfing and boat trips.
Photo: Eugenio Hansen, OFS, CC BY-SA 3.0
High sand dunes between the lagoon and Joaquina beach, where you can rent a board for sandboarding. Joaquina itself is a well-known surf beach.
Photo: Maria Valéria de Oliveira, CC BY-SA 4.0
A former Azorean fishing village on the island’s west coast, with colonial houses, a church and waterfront restaurants serving local oysters. It is a good place for sunset.
Photo: Simone Balster, CC BY-SA 4.0
A protected island off the east coast with clear water and prehistoric rock carvings. Boats run from Campeche and Armação beaches, and visitor numbers are limited.
Book or arrive early in summer.
Photo: Rodrigo Soldon, CC BY 2.0
Florianópolis is Brazil’s leading oyster producer; try them fresh or baked in Santo Antônio de Lisboa or Ribeirão da Ilha. Seafood sequência de camarão (a shrimp feast) is a local favourite.
Lagoa da Conceição and the city centre have the widest choice of restaurants and bars.
Hercílio Luz International Airport (FLN) is in the south of the island, about 20 minutes from the centre. Buses connect the island via central terminals, but a car or ride-hailing is easier for reaching beaches.
Citizens of the EU and the UK do not need a visa for a tourist stay. Since April 2025 citizens of the US, Canada and Australia need an e-visa, applied for online in advance. Stays are limited to 90 days per visit and 180 days in 12 months. Check current rules before you travel.
Prices rise sharply in summer, especially at New Year and Carnival. Brazil uses the real (R$). Cards and contactless payment are accepted almost everywhere, and Pix (instant bank transfer) is very common.
Lagoon, dunes and beaches.
See the Hercílio Luz Bridge and the centre, then head to Santo Antônio de Lisboa for oysters and sunset.
Try sandboarding at Joaquina, swim at Praia Mole and spend the evening in Lagoa da Conceição.
Take a boat to Campeche Island or visit Ribeirão da Ilha and the beaches of the south.
A car helps you reach beaches; traffic on the island is heavy in summer.
Some surf beaches have strong currents; swim where lifeguards are present.
From June to August it is too cool for most to swim.
Book well ahead for January and Carnival.
Quick answers for planning time in Florianópolis.
EU and UK citizens do not for a tourist stay. Since April 2025 US, Canadian and Australian citizens need an e-visa, applied for online before travel.
December to March for the beach; October, November and April are quieter and still warm.
Most of the city is on Santa Catarina Island, connected to the mainland by bridges.
The sea is cold from June to September, so most people do not.
By bus, ride-hailing or rental car; a car is the easiest way to reach the beaches.
Offline maps are useful; Google Maps and Waze work well in cities.
Free
Portuguese is the language of Brazil; English is limited outside hotels and tours.
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Almost everyone in Brazil, from hotels to tour guides and restaurants, uses WhatsApp.
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Planning a wider trip? Our Brazil travel guide covers getting there, costs, when to go and more.