Picture above is from the top of Morro do Lampião.
Updated January 2024.
Island of Magic
Known to the locals as Floripa, this city is also an island. It is the capital of Santa Catarina State in southern Brazil and notable for being on Santa Catarina Island with beautiful beaches, lagoons, green hills, and historic center. It is part of the Atlantic Forest, offering ample opportunities for hiking and outdoor adventures.
Its name is a tribute to Marshal Floriano Peixoto, the second President of Brazil with the Greek ending of polis meaning city added at the end. Before, it was called Nossa Senhora do Desterro, “Our Lady of Banishment” or simply Destorro.
Floripa’s other nickname, Island of Magic, references its beauty, relaxed atmosphere, and variety of cultures from the Portuguese colonizers, the Azorean immigrants, indigenous people, and African slaves.
Its name is a tribute to Marshal Floriano Peixoto, the second President of Brazil with the Greek ending of polis meaning city added at the end. Before, it was called Nossa Senhora do Desterro, “Our Lady of Banishment” or simply Destorro.
Floripa’s other nickname, Island of Magic, references its beauty, relaxed atmosphere, and variety of cultures from the Portuguese colonizers, the Azorean immigrants, indigenous people, and African slaves.
Overview
- 8:00 - 10:00 AM: Hiking - explore the beauty
- 10:30 AM - 2:00 PM: Lagoa da Conceição
- 10:30 - 10:45 AM: Mirante do Morro da Lagoa da Conceição - lookout point
- 11:00 AM- 12:35 PM: Costa da Lagoa - lunch
- 12:40 - 1:10 PM: Cachoeira da Costa da Lagoa - waterfall
- 1:45 - 2:00 PM: Mirante Ahau - lookout point
- 2:30 - 3:30 PM: Praia da Joaquina - beach known for surfing
- 4:00 - 4:30 PM: Mirante do Morro da Cruz - lookout point
- 4:45 - 5:00 PM: Hercílio Luz Bridge - famous bridge
- 5:15 - 6:15 PM: Florianópolis Public Market - marketplace
- 6:20 - 6:30 PM: Plazas
- 6:30 - 7:00 PM: Catedral Metropolitana de Florianópolis Nossa Senhora do Desterro e Santa Catarina de Alexandria - church
Click the star to add the map to your Google Maps! To view it, simply open Google Maps, navigate to the Menu, choose “Your Places,” click "Maps", and voila, the map should be added.
Tips
Getting To/From the City
The Hercílio Luz International Airport is located north of Ribeirão da Ilha. It is a modern airport that is open 24/7.
They also have a recreational plaza right outside of the terminal and one needs to walk past the plaza to where the rideshare apps will pick one up. An Uber ride costs about R$35-50 to get to Centro. |
Getting Around the City
BUSES
Buses are the cheapest form of transit. There are different and affordable bus lines that go directly from Centro to different places around the island. Public buses cost R$3 - R$5 and require one to pay cash to the driver. If one is staying longer, one can purchase a R$3 Cartão Passe Rápido Turist which is worth it if one rides the bus for 15-20 rides, and can be recharged at bus terminals. It can be a little difficult to navigate the bus system, but one can check out the MobFloripa website. Otherwise, bus schedules are available at any bus station. Note that on Sundays, to improve accessibility to the beach, buses are free! |
UBER
This rideshare app is a more accessible and easy way to get around the island if one has a destination in mind.
This rideshare app is a more accessible and easy way to get around the island if one has a destination in mind.
CAR RENTAL
To follow the day plan provided, it might be best to rent a car; however, parking can be quite difficult, so it might be easier to
To follow the day plan provided, it might be best to rent a car; however, parking can be quite difficult, so it might be easier to
North Side of the Island
One will note that most of the activities provided aren't in the north, since this is where most of the resorts are located.
1-Day Plan
8:00 - 10:00 AM: Hiking
Known for its wildlife, there are so many different places one can visit throughout Floripa. Check out the hiking section for a list of great places to start the day.
10:30 AM - 2:00 PM: Lagoa da Conceição
One of the two naturally forming picturesque lagoons that has plenty of water activities.
10:30 - 10:45: Mirante do Morro da Lagoa da Conceição
One of two scenic viewpoints. At the highest point of Lagoa da Conceição, one receives a stunning panoramic view. There is plenty of parking and can be a quick stop. There are also some cool souvenir shops that sell interesting art pieces. |
11:00 - 12:35: Costa da Lagoa
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12:40 - 1:10: Cachoeira da Costa da Lagoa In the rainforest around the Costa da Lagoa village, it is accessible as a quick 5-10 minute hike from Stop #16 along the trail. It is surrounded by lush vegetation, has good signage, and there is a natural pool formed at the bottom where one can swim and relax. One can also walk along the sides of the rock to get close to the waterfall itself. |
From the waterfall, head to Stop #16 to reboard the water taxi aroune 1:05 - 1:10 PM.
1:45 - 2:00: Mirante Ahau Near Praia Mole and Praia da Galheta, this hilltop viewpoint provides a panoramic view of the lagoon from the eastern side. The viewpoint also has a small cafe, a souvenir shop, and a rock/gemstone shop. |
2:30 - 3:30 PM: Praia da Joaquina
One can drive down the Avenida das Rendeiras towards Joaquina Beach, the location of national and world surfing championships. Along the way, one can stop and check out the Dunas da Joaquina on the side of the road, naturally forming sand dunes where one can try out sandboarding.
Praia da Joaquina itself is a beach known for its powerful waves that are the ideal place for surfers. Meanwhile at low tide, there are natural rock formation that create shallow pools which provide calmer environments for children to swim. |
4:00 - 4:30 PM: Mirante do Morro da Cruz
Located on top of Morro da Cruz, the viewpoint provides a panoramic view of the Centro part of Floripa. While one can walk up to the viewpoint, it is easier to arrive by car. It is quite a popular spot for sunsets.
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4:45 - 5:00 PM: Hercílio Luz Bridge
This suspension bridge connects the Santa Catarina Island to the mainland, it was the first of its kind, built in 1922. It’s named after the Governor of Santa Catarina. One can drive across the bridge, although there isn't much to do in Estreito. I would recommend heading to the lookout point at Luz Park to see the bridge at sunset.
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5:15 - 6:15 PM: Mercado Público de Florianópolis
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One can enjoy a meal at one of the restaurants here. For seafood, I'd recommend Box 32.
6:20 - 6:30 PM: Plazas
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6:30 - 7:00 PM: Catedral Metropolitana de Florianópolis Nossa Senhora do Desterro e Santa Catarinade Alexandria
The first chapel was built here in 1673 and the current church was completed in 1773, although it has undergone multiple expansions and renovations. It is dedicated to the patroness of Florianópolis, Our Lady of Exile, and Saint Catherine of Alexandria.
The neoclassical architecture style has baroque elements with a beautiful façade, columns, and a central dome. The interior has beautiful stained glass windows and is well-maintained. |
Museums
- São José da Ponta Grossa Fortress: At the top of Ponta Grossa Hill, this fortress, built in 1765 aimed to defend the island’s eastern side. One can learn some history and have some beautiful views from inside the fortress.
- Museu Victor Meirelles: Housed in the former home of the local Floripan Brazilian painter Victor Meirelles, this museum showcases his artwork and pieces by other contemporary artists.
- Museu do Homen do Sambaqui (Open Tuesday through Friday): Natural and cultural history museum with native animal displays and archeological artifacts of the original inhabitants of the island.
- Palacio Cruz e Sousa: Shows the history of Santa Catarina state and famous individuals. It is located within Cruz e Souza Palace, a former government building.
- Ecomuseu do Ribeirão (Closed Saturday and Sunday): History of Santa Catarina Island by learning about the Azorean culture and people who arrived in the 18th-century.
- Museum of Trash: Sadly it’s only open for a few hours in the middle of the day, but it’s a museum that challenges one’s conception of what trash is as it has a collection of itmes thrown away by others.
Other Activities
Hiking
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Beaches
There are over 40 beaches throughout Floripa. Here are some of the popular ones.
Lagoa Beaches
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North Beaches:
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Campeche Island
Campeche Island is the island right off the eastern coast of the island. The island is recognized as an Archaeological and Landscape Heritage Site. One can take a round-trip boat ride for R$90-R$150. One can leave from Praia do Campeche (15 minutes) or Praia da Armação (40 minutes) – the more popular location.
On the island, one can visit the entire island where one can spend time at the one beach (Praia da Enseada) and snorkel in the crystal clear water. There are also archaeological sites and trails that one can visit which one usually needs to hire a guide to visit. The cost can be from R$10-R$25.
On the island, one can visit the entire island where one can spend time at the one beach (Praia da Enseada) and snorkel in the crystal clear water. There are also archaeological sites and trails that one can visit which one usually needs to hire a guide to visit. The cost can be from R$10-R$25.
Restaurants
Centro:
Lagoa:
- The Seville Baker: A lovely bakery with self-service shelves and is mostly used for takeout orders.
- Centro Bugio: Cozy bar with a great atmosphere and is known for its samba.
- Forneria Catarina: Delicious pizzeria that also has delicious cocktails and friendly staff.
- Taberna Ibérica: Serves Portuguese food and is known for their codfish which takes 45 minutes to prepare. It also has a great view of the Ponte Hercílio Luz.
- Box 32: Located in the Mercado, they serve a delicious oyster platter.
- Pão da Madre: Bakery where one should try their cinnamon, cocoa cappuccinos and their natas, but they also have a lot of great food options.
- Café Cultura: With multiple locations, this coffee shop is a great place to work and has delicious coffee.
- Cervejaria e Pizzeria Refúgio: Serves local beers along with freshly baked pizzas in a green, outdoor space.
- BOTÃNICO – Colheita Criativa: A delicious vegetarian restaurant with vegan options for food.
- Puerto Escondido Rio Tavares Comida: Delicious burritos and other Mexican food.
- Matura Floripa: A local brewery in an intimate outdoor setting often with live music.
- Paradoxo de Fermi – Alien Bar: Bar that has delicious craft beer with good vibes and music. They also have light snacks which are delicious.
- Rancho Açoriano: Authentic seafood, where one needs to try their oysters. It is considered one of the best restaurants in Floripa, and one can eat on the pier overlooking the water.
- Porto do Contrato: Another exceptional place to eat oysters and delicious seafood.
Lagoa:
- Dolce Vita Restaurante: A great option for seafood that has a mix of Italian and English based food.
- Mar Massas: Delicious pasta with some exceptional views.
- Restaurante Cabral Parador 19: A restaurant right on the lake at stop #19, they have delicious caipifrutas and Milanesa shrimp.
- Barracuda Restaurante: A seafood restaurant known for the delicious shrimp and lobster.
Other Resources
- Visit Floripa - a tour agency offering great guides
- To Do in Floripa - Brazilian-run guide to Floripa