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Florianópolis, also known as Floripa or Ilha da Magia (Island of Magic), is one of Brazil’s most incredible destinations. With more than 40 beaches, beautiful hiking trails, sand dunes, incredible seafood, nightlife, surfing, and an underrated lifestyle, there is so much to discover on this island.
But Florianópolis is spread out, and some of the best experiences are easy to miss unless you know where to look.
After spending over a year living here and now applying for my Brazilian citizenship from Florianópolis, I’ve put together the 15 things I would recommend to every friend visiting. This list includes the famous attractions, my favorite local experiences, and a few things you probably won’t find on a typical tourist itinerary.
I’m also sharing my biggest tips for planning your trip, including whether you should rent a car and the best time of year to visit.
If you’re new here, hi! I’m Danielle, founder of The Wanderlover. I’m a full-time traveler, creator, and online business owner. After traveling to more than 69 countries, my family and I made Florianópolis one of our home bases.
I share what it’s really like to travel, live abroad, and build a life and business on your own terms. Let’s get into the 15 things you absolutely must do in Florianópolis!
1. Sandboard Down the Joaquina Dunes
The first thing you have to do in Florianópolis is go sandboarding at the Joaquina Dunes.
These massive white sand dunes are right next to Joaquina Beach, and they honestly look like they belong in the middle of a desert rather than on a tropical island.
You can usually rent a sandboard nearby, walk up one of the dunes, and ride down. It looks easy until you actually try it! Walking back up the sand is definitely a workout.
Even if you don’t want to sandboard, the dunes are still worth visiting for the views, photos, and experience of walking through such a completely different landscape.
My recommendation is to go earlier in the morning or closer to sunset because the sand can get extremely hot in the middle of the day.
2. Take a Boat to Campeche Island
Campeche Island (Ilha do Campeche) is one of the most beautiful places in Florianópolis.
The water can be incredibly clear and turquoise, and when the conditions are right, it almost feels like you’ve arrived somewhere in the Caribbean.
You can reach the island by boat from different departure points, including Praia do Campeche and Armação, depending on the season and sea conditions.
Once you arrive, you can swim, snorkel, relax on the beach, and explore some of the island’s archaeological sites and rock inscriptions with an authorized guide.
One important thing to know is that boat access can be limited, especially during busy periods. I recommend arranging your trip ahead of time rather than assuming you can simply show up and immediately get a spot.
Also, check the weather before booking because wind and ocean conditions can completely change the experience.
3. Complete One of Floripa’s Incredible Hikes
Florianópolis has some of the most beautiful coastal hikes I’ve ever done, and there is an option for almost every fitness level.
The most famous is Lagoinha do Leste.
You’ll hike through the forest and eventually emerge at a remote beach surrounded by mountains. More adventurous hikers can continue up to the viewpoint at Morro da Coroa, which offers one of the most recognizable views in Floripa.
Lagoinha do Leste is not a casual stroll, so make sure you bring proper shoes, plenty of water, sunscreen, and snacks.
For something more relaxed, Costa da Lagoa is a great option. The trail passes through small communities, forest, and waterfront restaurants. You can often take a boat back instead of hiking in both directions.
Another favorite is the Gravatá Trail, which is shorter but still offers beautiful views and access to a smaller beach.
Just remember that trails can become muddy or slippery after rain, and phone service may be inconsistent. Plan accordingly!
4. Try Surfing or Kitesurfing
Florianópolis is one of Brazil’s most famous surfing destinations, so even if you’ve never surfed before, this is the perfect place to take a lesson.
Beaches like Barra da Lagoa often have beginner-friendly surf schools, while places such as Joaquina Beach and Praia Mole are known for stronger waves and more experienced surfers.
The best beach for you will depend on the weather, swell, and your ability, so I recommend asking a local surf school rather than choosing based only on how the water looks.
You’ll also see a lot of kitesurfing around the island, especially near Lagoa da Conceição and other areas with favorable wind conditions.
Even when I’m not surfing, I love sitting on the beach and watching everyone in the water. Surf culture is such a huge part of life here, and it’s one of the things that makes Floripa so special.
Visiting Florianópolis during Carnaval gives you a completely different experience of the city.
There are street parties called blocos, live music, costumes, dancing, and celebrations happening across different neighborhoods.
Some events are enormous and crowded, while others feel much more local and family-friendly.
One of the best parts is seeing people of every age participating. You’ll see families with children enjoying the celebrations during the day and groups continuing the party late into the night.
If you’re visiting during Carnaval, wear comfortable shoes, take only the essentials, keep your phone secure, and check the local schedule because locations and times can change each year.
Even outside the main Carnaval period, Floripa has festivals, parties, and live music throughout the summer.
6. Spend a Day Exploring Barra da Lagoa
Barra da Lagoa is one of the easiest places to spend an entire day because several attractions are concentrated in the same area.
Start by walking through the village and crossing the pedestrian bridge.
From there, you can follow the trail toward the natural rock pools. The scenery is beautiful, although you should be careful around the rocks and avoid entering the water when the ocean is rough.
You can also walk toward the lighthouse for beautiful coastal views.
While you’re in Barra, make sure to visit Projeto TAMAR, Brazil’s sea turtle conservation project. It’s a great stop for families, but it’s also interesting for adults who want to learn more about marine life and conservation.
Then finish your day with fresh seafood or a drink near the canal.
I love how you can combine nature, sightseeing, and great food without having to travel far between activities.
7. Explore Santo Antônio de Lisboa
Santo Antônio de Lisboa is one of the most charming historic areas in Florianópolis.
You’ll find cobblestone streets, colorful colonial-style buildings, little shops, art galleries, and waterfront restaurants.
The area reflects the Azorean influence that shaped much of Florianópolis, so it feels very different from the island’s surf towns and modern neighborhoods.
My recommendation is to come in the late afternoon, walk around slowly, and stay for sunset.
The sun sets over the water on this side of the island, making it one of the most beautiful places to watch the sunset in Floripa.
Santo Antônio is also famous for oysters, so this is a great place to order fresh local seafood with a view.
If you love combining beautiful scenery, history, and food, this neighborhood is a must.
8. Visit the Fortaleza de São José da Ponta Grossa
For a combination of history and incredible ocean views, visit Fortaleza de São José da Ponta Grossa.
The fortress was built during the colonial period as part of the region’s coastal defense system.
You can walk through the historic structures, learn about the island’s past, and look out over the surrounding beaches and coastline.
It’s located near Praia do Forte and Jurerê, so you can easily combine it with a beach day.
The setting is just as impressive as the fortress itself, especially on a clear day.
Make sure to check the current opening hours before going because access can vary.
9. Visit Matadeiro and Pântano do Sul
To experience the quieter southern part of the island, spend a day around Matadeiro and Pântano do Sul.
Matadeiro is reached on foot from Armação, which already makes arriving there feel special. There are no cars directly on the beach, and the surrounding hills make it feel more secluded.
It’s beautiful, relaxed, and popular with surfers.
Farther south, Pântano do Sul has a traditional fishing village atmosphere and some excellent seafood restaurants.
This part of Floripa feels very different from the busy northern beaches. It’s slower, more local, and surrounded by nature.
You can also use this area as a starting point for certain hikes and boat trips.
If you’re looking to get away from the busier tourist areas and experience another side of the island, I highly recommend exploring the south.
10. Walk Across the Hercílio Luz Bridge
The Hercílio Luz Bridge is one of the most important symbols of Florianópolis.
It connects the island to the mainland and is especially beautiful when illuminated at night.
On Sundays, the experience can be particularly enjoyable when pedestrian and recreational access is prioritized, depending on the current local schedule and traffic arrangements.
Walk across the bridge, enjoy the views, and then explore the nearby waterfront area.
You can combine this with Parque da Luz, which has one of the best viewpoints for photographing the bridge.
This is also an easy activity to pair with a visit to the historic center and Mercado Público.
It’s a great way to experience one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks without needing to dedicate an entire day to it.
11. Have Lunch at Mercado Público
To experience the center of Florianópolis, visit Mercado Público on a weekday and stay for lunch.
The market is located in a beautiful historic building and is filled with restaurants, bars, seafood vendors, and local products.
It can become lively around lunchtime, with people meeting for drinks, sharing plates, and listening to music.
Try a pastel, order seafood, or sit down for a longer meal in the central courtyard.
The surrounding downtown area is busiest on weekdays, so that’s generally the best time to experience it.
One thing to keep in mind is that individual businesses may operate on different schedules, so verify opening hours before visiting, particularly on weekends and holidays.
12. Eat Your Way Through Florianópolis
You cannot visit Florianópolis without trying the local food!
The island is especially known for seafood, and oysters are one of its signature foods. You can eat them raw, grilled, baked with cheese, or prepared in several other ways.
Here are some Brazilian dishes and specialties I recommend trying while you’re here:
- Oysters: One of Floripa’s signature foods. Try them prepared in different ways to find your favorite.
- Sequência de camarão: A feast involving shrimp prepared in multiple styles and served with different side dishes.
- Moqueca: A rich Brazilian seafood stew that is usually served with rice, farofa, and pirão.
- Brazilian churrasco: Experience a traditional Brazilian steakhouse where different cuts of meat are served directly at your table.
- Pastel: A delicious fried pastry with different savory fillings.
- Pão de queijo: Brazilian cheese bread that’s perfect for a snack.
- Açaí: Try a proper Brazilian açaí bowl.
- Caipirinha: Of course, have at least one made with fresh lime and cachaça!
You could honestly make an entire video just about what to eat in Florianópolis. There are so many incredible local dishes and restaurants to discover.
13. Visit a Saturday Farmers Market
One of my favorite ways to experience the local lifestyle is by visiting a Saturday farmers market.
Depending on the neighborhood, you can find fresh produce, organic food, bread, cheese, flowers, handmade products, and prepared meals.
These markets are less about checking off a tourist attraction and more about seeing what everyday life in Florianópolis actually feels like.
Buy some tropical fruit, try a fresh juice, and talk to the local vendors.
The exact markets, locations, and operating schedules can change, so ask your accommodation host or search locally for a feira happening near where you’re staying.
I always love finding experiences like this when traveling because they let you see a destination beyond the typical tourist attractions.
14. Experience Floripa’s Nightlife
Florianópolis has nightlife for almost every style.
Jurerê is known for upscale beach clubs, glamorous parties, and a more luxurious scene.
Around Lagoa da Conceição, you’ll find a more casual mix of bars, live music, and places where you can go out without dressing as formally.
There are also sunset bars, electronic music events, beach parties, and seasonal events across the island.
Nightlife becomes especially active during the summer and around holidays.
One thing to remember is that distances can be significant, rides may become expensive late at night, and drinking and driving is never worth the risk. Plan your transportation before going out.
Whether you want a glamorous beach club experience or a casual evening with drinks and live music, you’ll find something here.
15. Attend a Tech, Entrepreneurship, or Crypto Meetup
My final recommendation is something most travel guides will never mention!
Florianópolis has a surprisingly active technology and entrepreneurship community.
There are startup events, coworking meetups, business gatherings, workshops, and occasional cryptocurrency or Web3 events happening around the city.
This is one of the reasons Floripa has become so popular with digital nomads and entrepreneurs. You can spend the morning surfing and then attend a startup event that evening.
As someone who works online and runs a business, I love that this lifestyle is possible here. You can enjoy the beaches and nature while still having access to a community of people building businesses and working on interesting projects.
To find events happening during your visit, look on platforms like Meetup, LinkedIn, Instagram, and local WhatsApp communities.
Even when an event is held in Portuguese, people are usually welcoming, and it’s a great way to meet locals beyond the tourism scene.
Important Tips Before Visiting Florianópolis
Now that you know what to do, let’s talk about a few practical things that will make planning your trip much easier.
Should You Rent a Car in Florianópolis?
My biggest recommendation is to rent a car.
Florianópolis looks relatively compact on a map, but the attractions are spread across the island, and traffic can make distances feel much longer than expected.
Going from the north to the south can take a significant amount of time, especially during summer, weekends, and holidays.
Public transportation exists, and ride-sharing apps can work well for occasional trips, but relying on them for your entire itinerary can limit what you see.
Having a car gives you the freedom to explore quieter beaches, change plans based on the weather, and visit several nearby attractions in one day.
You can also be more spontaneous instead of having to organize every activity around transportation.
Just avoid overpacking your schedule. Two places that look close on a map may still require a long drive because of the island’s roads, mountains, and traffic.
If you want to see as much of Florianópolis as possible, having your own transportation makes a big difference.
What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Florianópolis?
The best time to visit Florianópolis depends on what you want out of your trip.
Summer (December through February)
Summer is the best time for hot beach weather, big parties, and experiencing the island at its most energetic.
It’s also the busiest and most expensive period, and traffic can be intense.
If you want beach clubs, nightlife, and a lively atmosphere, summer is a great choice.
Carnaval (February or March)
Carnaval usually happens in February or March, depending on the year, and it’s an amazing time to visit if you want to experience Brazilian celebrations.
Expect street parties, music, dancing, and plenty of events throughout the city.
Shoulder Seasons (Spring and Early Autumn)
Personally, I love the shoulder seasons, especially parts of spring and early autumn.
You can still get beautiful warm days, but the island is generally less crowded.
If you want to explore, enjoy the beaches, and experience local life without the peak-season crowds, these periods are worth considering.
Winter (June through August)
Winter can be much colder than many foreigners expect, particularly in southern Brazil.
It can still be beautiful for hiking, surfing, and experiencing local life, but don’t assume it will be tropical beach weather every day.
Regardless of when you visit, the weather in Floripa can change quickly, so I recommend building some flexibility into your itinerary.
Final Thoughts on Visiting Florianópolis, Brazil
Those are the 15 things I think everyone should do when visiting Florianópolis!
What makes this island so special is that you can combine so many completely different experiences in one trip. You can hike to a remote beach, sandboard through giant dunes, eat fresh oysters at sunset, go surfing, and then attend a tech event or beach party that same evening.
After living here for over a year, I still think there’s so much to discover. Florianópolis has a little bit of everything, whether you’re visiting for a few days, staying for a few months, or considering making it your home base.
I’d love to know: Which of these 15 experiences would you do first? And if you’ve already visited Floripa, what would you add to this list? I’d love to hear your recommendations!
For more travel guides, Brazil content, entrepreneurship tips, and inspiration for building a life that gives you the freedom to work from anywhere, explore more here on The Wanderlover and subscribe to my YouTube channel.
Thanks so much for being here, and I’ll see you in the next post!
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