Florianopolis Travel Guide
Florianópolis has many names. Officially, it’s known as Ilha de Santa Catarina — but most people call it Florianópolis or “Floripa” for short. Others call it “Magic Island,” which is self-evident the moment you sink your toes into the powdery white sands of one of its beaches.
Located in southern Brazil, sun worshippers have flocked here for decades, enjoying an endless array of beaches, tasty fresh seafood, quaint Azorean fishing villages, and the wild nightlife. It’s an especially popular stop for young backpackers looking to have some late-night fun.
Centered around Santa Catarina Island, Florianópolis is home to some 60 beaches. The northern beaches have the warmest waters and most plentiful visitors, while the Atlantic and southern beaches draw laidback adventurer lovers, surfers, and sailors.
In short, no matter what kind of beachy vibe you’re after, you’ll find it here.
This budget travel guide to Florianópolis will help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most of your time in this tropical paradise!
Click Here for City Guides
Top 5 Things to See and Do in Florianópolis
1. Visit Lagoa de Conceição
This is the centerpiece of Santa Catarina Island. Shallow waters and year-round high winds make this lagoon a prime windsurfing location, while the scenic fishing village of Costa da Lagoa draws travelers looking to relax and enjoy a quieter setting. You can take a boat there (both the public ferry, as well as private boats for hire, are readily available) or hike the incredibly picturesque Caminho do Costa da Lagoa path that winds through the forest and between lakeside bungalows, offering beautiful views at every turn. When you arrive in Costa da Lagoa, rinse off in the waterfall and natural swimming hole in the forest at the end of town before settling in for a well-earned meal along the waterfront. Then, either turn around and hike back or catch the ferry.
2. Feast on seafood
As a foodie, seafood is the highlight of Florianópolis. The island is especially famous for its fresh oysters, with Ribeirão da Ilha being the traditional center of oyster farming and a great place to try them. Also look for sequência de camarão, or “shrimp sequence.” This hearty meal comes in several courses, typically featuring different preparations of shrimp alongside fish, crab, octopus, rice, fries, and other sides. Portions are usually generous enough to share. Other local specialties include tainha (mullet) and fresh grilled or fried fish. For a budget-friendly option, look for lunch specials or por quilo restaurants, where you can enjoy seafood without paying the prices of upscale beachfront restaurants.
3. Enjoy the beaches
There are dozens of pristine beaches all around Floripa, many of which have secluded coves and warm swimming or surfing spots. The beaches in the south of the main island are less crowded than in the north. Lagoinha do Leste and Pântano do Sul are two of my favorites that are less crowded but still scenic. On the more popular beaches, you can rent beach umbrellas and chairs (50–100 BRL depending on the beach and day) as well as buy drinks and food from both stalls on the beach as well as roaming vendors.
4. Go surfing
Surfing is one of Florianópolis’ most popular activities, and with beaches ranging from gentle beginner breaks to powerful waves, there’s something for almost every skill level. Barra da Lagoa is a good place for beginners, with relatively gentle conditions, sandy-bottomed breaks, and several surf schools offering lessons and board rentals. More experienced surfers can head to Praia Mole, Joaquina, Campeche, or Santinho, where you’ll find bigger and more challenging waves. Conditions vary considerably from beach to beach, so it’s worth asking a local surf school about the best break for your ability on the day. A one-hour surf lesson typically costs around 150–200 BRL, usually including the board and instructor.
5. Take a hike
Florianópolis has an extensive network of hiking trails, particularly around the island’s southern and eastern shores. One of the most popular is the hike to Lagoinha do Leste, a beautiful and relatively secluded beach accessible only by trail or boat. The most popular routes start from Pântano do Sul or Matadeiro and involve steep, uneven sections, so wear proper shoes and bring plenty of water. For something easier, head to Lagoa do Peri in the south of the island. Several gentle trails wind through the surrounding Atlantic Forest, with views of the freshwater lagoon, hills, and native vegetation. These walks are suitable for most fitness levels and make a relaxing alternative to the more demanding coastal hikes.
Other Things to See and Do in Florianópolis
1. Experience the nightlife
In the summer, most of the nightlife in Florianópolis is concentrated around the beaches, while in the winter, the fun moves to Lagoa da Conceição. P12, Cafe de la Musique, and Milk all throw wild parties. Entrance ranges from free to 200 BRL, depending on the night, who is DJing, and the time that you enter the club.
2. Try sandboarding
Floripa is covered in white sand dunes, and sandboarding is an exciting way to spend an afternoon. Basically, you’ll lie on a piece of wood and hurtle down the dunes at a breakneck speed while taking in the panoramic views over Lagoa da Conceição. You can rent a sandboard at Lagoa Sandboard.
3. Visit Ribeirão da Ilha
Riberão da Ilha is an Azorean fishing village with delectable oyster dishes, secluded beaches, cobbled streets, and jellybean-colored houses. Head to the pretty town plaza for some colorful photography, wander the colonial streets, and visit the Acoriano Casario Church. There’s also a small museum, Ecomuseu do Ribeirão da Ilha, for more on the natural and Azorean cultural history of the area.
4. Visit the old forts
The forts around Florianópolis were originally built in the 18th century to help combat the threat of invasion by the Spanish, but nowadays they’re manned by a roving band of camera-wielding tourists. The four major forts around Floripa are Fortaleza de Nossa Senhora da Conceição, Fortaleza de Santo Antonio, Fortaleza Santana, and Fortaleza São José da Ponta Grossa. Some are only accessible by boat, so you’ll have to arrange transportation from shore but all are worth seeing.
5. Celebrate Carnival
Brazil is famous for Carnival, a huge celebration celebrated on the Friday before Ash Wednesday that lasts a few days. While Rio gets all the attention, celebrating in Floripa is guaranteed to be a good time. Throughout February, the streets fill with revelers dancing, having parades, and enjoying street food and copious drinks. If you plan to come during this time, book your accommodations as early as possible and expect increased prices (they can be as high as double or triple the normal price).
6. Visit the market
The Floripa Public Market has been around since the late 19th century, when tents were rented out to vendors to sell fish, veggies, rice, and beans. Nowadays, the area has expanded to also sell crafts and other foods, and there are about a dozen restaurants on-site as well. On the weekend, local musicians gather to play as samba takes over the market. It’s a fun place to browse, buy souvenirs, and people-watch.
7. Wander the historic center
While the beaches and natural areas of the island get all the attention, the historic center is still worth spending some time exploring. Wander the pedestrianized streets lined with brightly colored buildings, stop in at the market, and visit one of the many museums. The bright pink 18th-century palace Palacio Cruz e Sousa is now a history museum with period rooms and artwork from the building’s heyday. Admission is currently free as the second floor of the museum is closed for renovations. For art lovers, the Museu de Arte de Santa Catarina (MASC) is the official fine arts museum of the area and offers free admission.
8. Go paragliding
For those who crave an adrenaline rush, paragliding is a popular activity here, offering incredible views over the ocean and the island for those brave enough to take flight. There are a few paragliding schools that offer tandem flights as well as classes if you want to learn how to take a solo flight.
9. Walk over the Hercílio Luz Bridge
Inaugurated in 1926, this was the first bridge to connect the island of Santa Catarina to the mainland. While it was closed for restorations for almost 20 years (between 1991 and 2019), the bridge is now open again for all traffic, with a separated walkway for pedestrians and cyclists. Though the longest suspension bridge in Brazil, it’s only 0.8 kilometers (.5 miles) long, making for a nice jaunt with views over the water. Even if you don’t cross the bridge, it’s worth seeing one of Brazil’s iconic sights from the waterfront.
How to Stay Safe in Florianópolis
Florianópolis is safe to visit — even if you’re traveling solo and even as a solo female traveler. Violent crime here is rare. Your biggest concern here is petty crime, and even that is rare (compared to the rest of Brazil, at least).
You may encounter petty crime (like theft) around popular tourist landmarks, so always keep an eye on your belongings, especially while taking crowded public transportation. Make sure your valuables are out of reach and secure at all times and never flash expensive items or cash.
Solo female travelers should avoid walking around alone at night and keep an eye on their drinks at the bar too. Make sure you watch it get poured as well. There are a lot of solo female travel blogs on the destination that can provide more specific tips.
While scams aren’t a major problem here, f you can read about common travel scams to avoid right here.
If you experience an emergency, dial 190 for assistance.
Always trust your gut instinct. Avoid isolated areas at night and always be aware of your surroundings. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID.
For more in-depth coverage of how to stay safe in Brazil, check out this post that answers some frequently asked questions and concerns.
The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past.
Where to Stay in Florianópolis
Need a budget-friendly place to stay while you travel to Florianópolis? Here are my suggested places to stay:
Florianópolis Travel Costs
Accommodation
- Hostel dorms – 125–250 BRL per night
- Hostel private rooms – 300–600 BRL per night
- Budget hotels – 170–375 BRL per night
- Luxury hotels – 700–1,300 BRL per night
- Airbnb private rooms – 140–400 BRL per night
- Airbnb apartments – 275–700 BRL per night
- Campsite – 30–80 BRL per night
Food
- Street food – 15–25 BRL
- Buffets – 80 BRL per kilo
- Sit-down restaurants – 40–60 BRL
- Fine dining – 200–350+ BRL
- Casual take-out places – 35–60 BRL
- Fast food (think McDonald’s) – 40 BRL
- Beer – 12–18 BRL
- Cappuccino/latte – 10–15 BRL
- Soda or juice – 5–15 BRL
- Groceries for a week – 150–300 BRL
Florianópolis Suggested Budgets
Backpacker – 225 BRL Per Day
This budget covers staying in a hostel dorm, cooking your own meals, limiting your drinking, using public transportation to get around, and sticking to mostly free and cheap activities like enjoying the beaches and hiking. If you want to drink more, add another 10–20 BRL to your daily budget.
Midrange – 450 BRL Per Day
A mid-range budget covers staying in a budget hotel or private Airbnb room, eating out for more meals, enjoying a few drinks, taking the occasional taxi to get around, and doing more paid activities like paragliding and surfing.
Upscale – 825 BRL Per Day
On a “luxury” budget, you can stay in a nicer hotel along the beach, eat out for all your meals, enjoy more drinks, rent a car or take taxis everywhere, and enjoy all the tours and activities you want! This is just the ground floor for luxury though.
Florianópolis Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips
Florianópolis has lots of free activities and attractions to enjoy, including numerous beaches and hiking trails. But if you’re staying in nicer hotels and eating out a lot, your money will disappear quickly! Here are some ways to save money in Florianópolis:
Pack a water bottle – The tap water here isn’t safe to drink, so bring a water bottle with a filter to save money and reduce your single-use plastic usage. My preferred bottle is LifeStraw as it has a built-in filter to ensure your water is always clean and safe.
Redeem hotel points – Sign up for hotel credit cards so you can use those points to pay for accommodations on your trip. You’ll get 1-2 nights free with most cards when you sign up. Here’s a post that will help you get started with the basics so you can start earning points right away. If you already know the basics, here’s a list of my current favorite hotel cards.
Eat por kilo – As with elsewhere in Brazil, restaurants offering meals by the kilo offer good deals. Look out for these cheap options.
Visit the market – If you’re staying at a hostel with kitchen facilities, it’s a good idea to stock up on food at the market and eat like the locals.
Stay with a local – Couchsurfing connects you with locals who can give you a free place to stay and share their insider tips and advice. It’s the best way to meet locals and save money.
Stay in Lagoa da Conceição – This part of Florianópolis is backpacker central, and it has all the facilities you need (including hostels and supermarkets). You’ll have to use a bus to get to the beach, but staying here is much cheaper than in the coastal areas.
Avoid December–February – This is the most popular time to visit, but that means prices are going to skyrocket. Instead, try to visit in the shoulder season if you’re on a budget.
Double check the bill – Brazilian restaurants commonly add a 10% service charge to the bill. Check before adding another tip so you don’t accidentally tip twice.
Don’t eat out near the waterfront – Restaurants here charge a premium, so if you want to eat out without breaking the bank, avoid the waterfront. That said, splurging on a nice meal here makes for a nice treat!
How to Get Around in Florianópolis
Public Transportation – Florianópolis has an integrated public bus system called SIM (Sistema Integrado de Mobilidade), with TICEN serving as the main central terminal. Other important terminals include TIRIO in the south, TILAG near Lagoa da Conceição, and TICAN in the north, providing connections to many of the island’s beaches.
A standard bus fare is around 7–8 BRL per ride. Visitors can pay with cash, PIX, QR code, or a rechargeable Passe Rápido/Turista card. The Floripa no Ponto app is useful for checking routes and schedules.
Buses are one of the cheapest ways to get around Florianópolis, although journeys can be slow during peak traffic and the summer high season.
Taxis – Taxis generally start at around 6–7 BRL, with an additional 3.50–4.50 BRL per kilometer, depending on the tariff and time of day. A three-kilometer ride typically costs around 18–25 BRL, while a 15-kilometer trip costs roughly 55–75 BRL. The 99 app is widely used to book taxis and other rides, and lets you see the fare before confirming.
Uber – Uber is available in Florianópolis and usually costs less than a taxi.
Hitchhiking – Hitchhiking isn’t super common here, but if you want to give it a try, be sure to check out Hitchwiki for the best tips and up-to-date suggestions.
Car rental – Car rentals can be found for as little as 80 BRL per day for a multi-day rental (though it can be double that price in high season). However, since the driving conditions in Brazil are hectic and break-ins can occur, I’d probably skip the rental. To find the best car rental prices, use Discover Cars. You can get a free quote by using this widget:
When to Go to Florianópolis
If you’re looking to escape North America’s chilly winter, November through March is the best time for warm beach weather in Florianópolis. Summer brings the city’s warmest temperatures, with daytime highs typically around 27–28°C (81–82°F). Rain is possible year-round, and summer tends to bring more frequent showers and thunderstorms rather than consistently dry weather.
October and November are the shoulder-season months, with temperatures warming up and beaches becoming more enjoyable. You’ll generally find fewer visitors and lower prices than during the peak summer season. October can still have some cooler or unsettled days, however, so beach weather isn’t guaranteed.
December through February is the busiest time to visit. Christmas and New Year’s bring a major influx of visitors, followed by the peak summer season and Carnival in February or early March. Accommodation prices rise substantially, popular beaches become crowded, and traffic around the island can be frustrating. If you’re visiting during this period, book your accommodation.
March and April can offer a good compromise once the peak summer crowds begin to disappear. March remains warm enough for the beach, although rain is still possible. Easter (Semana Santa) can bring another short-lived increase in tourism, so check the dates before booking.
Florianópolis Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources
These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.
- Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
- Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
- Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
- Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
- SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
- LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
- Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
- Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!
Florianópolis Travel Guide: Related Articles
Want more tips for your trip? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Brazil and continue planning your trip:
