While most tourists flock to Rio or Sao Paulo to explore Brazil, there’s a beautiful island that most skip over. Florianópolis (or Floripa for short) is the capital of the state of Santa Catarina, located on Brazil’s southern coast. It’s a mellow island town, known for its stunning beaches, invigorating hikes, and fresh seafood. If you’re looking to get away from the typical touristy crowds and adventure through a peaceful island gem with some of the best beaches that Brazil has to offer, then Florianópolis is definitely for you. This is my guide on some of the best things to do in Florianópolis!
For more Brazil travel inspo, click here to some of my other posts!
How to Get to Florianópolis
The easiest way to get to Floripa is by flying from either Rio or Sao Paulo. The flight is only 90 minutes from Rio, and relatively inexpensive compared to traveling domestically within the US. Your flight will likely arrive to Hercílio Luz International Airport (FLN) which is about a 20 minute drive from downtown Florianópolis.
However, if a flight is not in your budget and you have the time, there is an overnight bus to get you there from Rio. The only drawback is that it takes… 18 hours. If you’ve got the time, you can definitely save a bit of money this way. The cheapest bus tickets I saw from Rio to Floripa were about 50 USD, departing from Novo Rio Bus Station, located in the Santo Cristo neighborhood.
Things to Know Before Visiting Floripa
Since Floripa isn’t on the same level of tourism as Rio or Sao Paulo, I wasn’t able to find much comprehensive information online before my trip. Here’s some things I wish I had known that would have made my trip much easier.
It takes time to get around.
Floripa is a small island–it takes roughly 2 hours to drive across, depending on traffic. But since there’s only a few main roads in the city they can become congested pretty quickly. Especially if you’re traveling during high season (December- March), you’ll want to factor this in to your commutes. There was especially a lot of traffic trying to get in and out of the beaches, so if you’re going you’ll want to leave early to get there.
The public bus system is inexpensive and reliable, but not a great option if you have a limited number of days and want to see a lot in that time. If your time is limited, I think Uber is the best way to get around. It’s inexpensive and you can get one pretty much anywhere on the island. If you’re having trouble getting a driver, cancel your ride and select the comfort option instead.
It’s best explored at a leisurely pace.
I’ve seen some people say that you can see the highlights of Floripa in just 3 or 4 days. But if you have the luxury of staying longer, you definitely should! Exploring the island at a leisurely pace lets you fully immerse yourself in the unique blend of natural beauty and vibrant local culture. There’s 42 beaches, and each one has its own special vibe. So exploring it slowly really allows you to connect with the relaxed coastal lifestyle that defines Floripa.
The weather can be unpredictable.
It’s not uncommon to experience a sunny morning that turns into a rainy afternoon, followed by clear skies again by evening. Summers (December to March) are generally hot and humid, but sudden rain showers are typical, especially in the afternoons. Adding a rain jacket and umbrella to your packing list would be a smart idea, since there’s a good chance that you’ll experiencing multiple seasons in one day.
We experienced a lot of rain during shoulder season in October. So click here to read about things to do in Florianópolis when it rains!
English is not widely spoken.
In the more touristy cities of Brazil, you’ll have no problem finding someone who speaks English. But even in the most touristy areas of Floripa, most people just speak Portuguese or maybe Spanish. Even when checking into my accommodation, no one spoke English. The nice thing is, when someone does speak English, they actually want to talk to you. They don’t have many people to practice with (or so I’m told), so many locals take advantage of having a native English speaker around.
That being said, knowing some simple Portuguese phrases before you get there will definitely enhance your experience. Make sure to have your translation apps ready!
You need a CPF for many online purchases.
In Brazil, the CPF (Cadastro de Pessoas Físicas) is a taxpayer identification number often required for online purchases. Depending on where you are making your purchase from, there may be an option to select that you are a foreigner and bypass entering a CPF. But unfortunately, you are not always able get around it. My friend’s contact in Floripa was able to make our purchases for us, and we just paid him back. But here are some alternative methods you can try if you find yourself needing a CPF.
- Use PayPal: Some Brazilian online stores accept PayPal, which bypass the CPF requirement since PayPal handles the identity verification. Make sure your PayPal account is linked to a credit card that supports international transactions.
- Use Prepaid Gift Cards: Some stores allow the use of prepaid gift cards, which can be purchased from international gift card sites. These cards can be a workaround for specific purchases without needing a CPF.
- Use Cash: if you’re trying to book a service, like a massage or facial, you’ll likely have to use Whatsapp to coordinate with the local business. If you have trouble paying for your service online, try asking if they can accept your reservation via Whatsapp and pay for your service in cash when you get there. This might not always be possible, so only try it as a last resort.
Best Things To Do In Florianópolis
Floripa is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering an incredible variety of natural landscapes to explore. From stunning beaches and challenging hikes to lush forests and scenic viewpoints, the island’s diverse geography means there’s no shortage of ways to experience its beauty up close. Here are some of the best outdoor activities that you won’t want to miss.
Book a Walking Tour of the City
I love doing a walking tour on my first day in a new city. It’s a great way to get your bearings and meet new people early on in your trip. I personally did this walking tour of Floripa’s historic center, and it was one of the highlight’s of my trip. Our guide, Isaac, was not just your average local guide, but also a historian who does a fantastic job of providing a less talked about side of Brazilian history. I learned a lot, and Isaac managed to keep it intriguing, so it didn’t actually feel like a history lesson. It also ends with a drink at a traditional samba bar, which made a great end to our day. I made some friends on this tour who I was able to hang out with during my time in Floripa! I highly recommend doing this tour if you can!
You can book his tour here on Trip Advisor, and make sure to follow on Instagram: @thebestof_floripa.
Hike to Lagoinha do Leste
This is one of Floripa’s most popular and rewarding outdoor adventures. Located on the southeastern tip of the island, this trail leads to Lagoinha do Leste beach, a remote and pristine paradise only accessible by foot or boat. If you do this, plan to make it your main activity of the day. Because what they don’t tell you is that it’s actually two hikes: one to get to the beach, and one to get back from the beach.
The hike has two main routes: a shorter, steeper path from Pântano do Sul that takes around 1.5 hours, or a longer, more gradual route from Matadeiro Beach, which can take 2–3 hours. Both routes take you through lush Atlantic forest, rocky terrain, and up to incredible viewpoints overlooking the beach, lagoon, and ocean beyond. You also have the option to climb up to Morro da Coroa for panoramic views and the classic Instagram photo op.
Since I had done Pedra da Gavea a few days before, I thought this hike would be a piece of cake. I even opted to do it in Tevas, which was a huge mistake, because it ended up being way more difficult than I thought. It had rained the days previously, so the path was super wet and slippery. Also, to get up to Morro da Caroa, there’s some rock scrambling involved. It’s steep and challenging, and even harder on the way back down. You need a reasonable level of fitness to enjoy this hike. And if you do decide to go, make sure you have the proper footwear!
Visit Campeche Island
Another one of the most popular things to do in Floripa for those seeking a pristine, almost untouched slice of paradise is visiting Campeche Island. Ilha do Campeche is known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, and marine life. It’s also famous for its ancient petroglyphs, or rock carvings, created by indigenous people over 5,000 years ago.
Access to the island is tightly controlled to protect its unique ecosystem, with only around 700 visitors allowed per day. This conservation approach not only preserves the island’s beauty but also provides visitors with an exclusive, tranquil experience away from the typical crowded beaches.
To reach Campeche Island, boats depart from the mainland at Praia da Armação or Barra da Lagoa. The easiest way to book is through Trip Advisor, since booking though a local tour company will require some back and forth via Whatsapp. Pack everything you’ll need for the day, since facilities on Campeche Island are minimal. There is only one restaurant on the island, and it only accepts cash. The kiosk Bar do Bochecha does accept card payments.
Visit Joaquina Beach… or any of the other 41 beaches.
Floripa has some of the best beaches in Brazil, so make sure to set aside a full day to explore one of the island’s 42 official beaches! My personal favorite was Joaquina. As the day goes on, it progresses from a serene beach paradise, to a lively social scene filled with surfers and locals playing volleyball. There’s a ton of things to do in the area, so it’s the perfect place to spend a full day.
Make sure to get here early. I arrived around 10 am, when there was still ample beach chairs to rent, and plenty of space to pick from to set up camp for the day. A couple hours later it was completely packed! Also make sure to bring some cash, because the restrooms cost 5 Brazilian real each time you go in.
Take a Surfing Lesson.
While you’re at Joaquina Beach, make sure to look into taking a surfing lesson! Joaquina is known as the surf capital of Southern Brazil. It’s famous for its consistent waves, making it a hotspot for surfing enthusiast. Here, you can find surf schools offering lessons, rental gear, and ample opportunities to catch some waves. If you’re already an experienced surfer, you might consider trying night surfing! The beach has stadium lights installed, making it possible to surf at night when the waves are at a certain level.
Visit the Joaquina Sand Dunes.
I told you there was a lot of things to do at Joaquina Beach. The towering surrounding sand dunes can reach heights of up to 30 meters, creating a picturesque backdrop when viewed from the beach. You can sandboard down them. Or if you’re not feeling that adventurous, it’s a stunning background for your Instagram photos. The dunes offer spectacular views during sunrise and sunset hours, when the light casts a magical glow over the desert scene. If you need a break from the typical beach activities, this is definitely something fun and unique you can do in Floripa.
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As you can see, Floripa is magical island waiting to be explored. It’s small, but mighty, and offers just as much as the more visited cities in Brazil. This post is already pretty long, so I made another on some indoor things you can do in Floripa if it rains. You can read it here. And for more Brazil travel tips and inspo, make sure to check out my other blog posts.
