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If you’re planning a trip to Florianópolis, Brazil, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is where to stay.
And I really mean that because Floripa is huge. This isn’t the kind of destination where you can book any hotel on the island and assume you’ll be 15 minutes from everything. You can easily spend an hour getting from one part of the island to another, and during the summer, traffic can make that journey even longer.
We’ve spent a lot of time in Florianópolis. We were here during the pandemic, and then we came back and have now been living here for over a year. We’ve stayed in different parts of the island, rented both short-term and long-term, and definitely learned what I would and wouldn’t do again.
So today, I’m breaking down the best places to stay in Florianópolis depending on what kind of trip you’re looking for. At the end, I’m also sharing my tips for renting long-term in Floripa because there are a few things I really think you should know before booking anything.
If you’re new here, hi! I’m Danielle, founder of The Wanderlover. I’m a full-time traveler, creator, and online business owner, and my family and I have been based here in Florianópolis for over a year.
First, Understand How Big Florianópolis Actually Is
Before we get into specific neighborhoods, I think it’s important to understand the layout of Florianópolis.
When people say Floripa, they’re talking about the city of Florianópolis, but most of what you’re probably coming here to experience is on Santa Catarina Island.
And the island is much bigger than people expect.
You basically have the north, east, south, and central parts of the island, and they all feel very different.
- North: Places like Jurerê, Canasvieiras, and Ingleses. This area is more developed, with plenty of resorts, calmer beaches, restaurants, and nightlife.
- East: Lagoa da Conceição, Praia Mole, Joaquina, and Barra da Lagoa. This is more of the surf, nature, younger, bohemian side of Floripa.
- South: Campeche, Armação, Matadeiro, and Pântano do Sul. It’s generally quieter and more nature-focused, although Campeche has developed a lot and has plenty going on now.
- Central: Centro, which is the actual city.
So the first question I would ask yourself isn’t, “What’s the nicest neighborhood?”
It’s, “What do I actually want to do while I’m here?”
Because if you want to surf every morning, I wouldn’t stay in Jurerê. And if you want luxury beach clubs and nightlife, I probably wouldn’t put you in Rio Vermelho.
Your location can completely change your experience.
Lagoa da Conceição: Best Overall for First-Time Visitors
If someone came to me and said, “Danielle, I’ve never been to Florianópolis, I have a week, and I have no idea where to stay,” I would probably tell them Lagoa da Conceição.
Lagoa is one of the best all-around locations because you’re relatively central while still feeling like you’re actually experiencing the Floripa lifestyle.
There’s a little downtown area called Centrinho da Lagoa, and it’s very walkable. You have cafés, restaurants, bars, grocery stores, gyms, shops, and basically everything you need day to day.
Then you have the lagoon itself, where you can kayak, stand-up paddleboard, kitesurf, or just walk along the water.
You’re also really close to some of my favorite beaches. Praia Mole and Joaquina are nearby, Barra da Lagoa isn’t far, and you have the Joaquina dunes right there as well.
Lagoa also has one of the better nightlife and restaurant scenes on the island. So if you want to spend the day at the beach, come home, shower, and then walk somewhere for dinner and drinks, this is one of the easiest places to do that.
The one thing I would pay attention to when booking is exactly where in Lagoa your accommodation is.
Lagoa da Conceição is a much bigger area than just the little downtown. If you want to be able to walk to cafés and restaurants, look specifically around Centrinho.
There are beautiful houses farther around the lagoon, especially along Avenida das Rendeiras and toward Canto da Lagoa, but depending on where you stay, you’re probably going to need a car.
So for a first-time visitor, especially someone who wants restaurants, nightlife, nature, and easy access to multiple beaches, Lagoa would probably be my number one choice.
Campeche: Best for Beach Lifestyle and Walkability
Next is Campeche, and this is another area I would highly recommend.
Campeche is in the southern part of the island, relatively close to the airport, and it has become a really popular place to live.
What I like about Campeche is that it feels like an actual neighborhood rather than somewhere that exists purely for tourists.
You have cafés, bakeries, restaurants, gyms, grocery stores, and lots of residential streets. Depending on exactly where you stay, you can have quite a lot within walking distance.
And then, obviously, you have Praia do Campeche, which is this massive, beautiful stretch of beach.
This is also where you can get boats over to Ilha do Campeche, which is absolutely worth doing while you’re here.
Campeche is great if your ideal trip is waking up, walking to get coffee, going to the beach, maybe surfing, getting lunch somewhere nearby, and generally enjoying a slower beach lifestyle.
There are also different pockets of Campeche. Novo Campeche is one of the more developed and walkable areas, while other parts are much more residential.
So again, zoom in on the map before you book. Don’t just see “Campeche” and assume everything is walkable from everywhere.
Compared with Lagoa, Campeche is quieter at night. You’re not going to have the same concentration of bars and nightlife.
But if the beach is more important to you than nightlife, I’d probably choose Campeche over Lagoa.
It’s also a really good option for families or anyone staying for a few weeks rather than a few days because it feels very livable.
Barra da Lagoa: Best for a Laid-Back Surf Town
Next is Barra da Lagoa.
If you want that little Brazilian surf-town feeling, I would look here.
Barra is an old fishing village, and it still has a completely different feel from places like Jurerê or Centro.
You have fishing boats, seafood restaurants, surf schools, little bars, and the beach right there.
It’s very casual and laid-back.
During the summer, you’ll have people selling caipirinhas on the beach, surfers everywhere, families swimming, and lots of people walking around.
This is also a great place if you’re learning to surf because there are surf schools and board rentals right by the beach.
And there are other things you can walk to from here, too.
You can cross the little pedestrian bridge and follow the trail to the natural rock pools, and you have the Projeto Tamar sea turtle conservation center nearby.
Barra is also relatively close to Praia Mole, Galheta, and Lagoa da Conceição, so you’re in a really good part of the island if you want beaches and outdoor activities.
I’d recommend Barra for backpackers, surfers, younger travelers, families who want something casual, or anyone who wants that relaxed beach-town atmosphere.
If you want really polished restaurants, luxury accommodation, and a big nightlife scene, this probably isn’t your area.
But if you want to wake up, grab your surfboard, and walk to the beach, Barra is perfect.
Jurerê: Best for Luxury, Nightlife, and Amenities
Then we have Jurerê.
Jurerê is on the north side of the island, and this is probably the most upscale option on this list.
You have Jurerê Tradicional and Jurerê Internacional, and the Internacional side especially is known for luxury homes, beautiful streets, higher-end restaurants, beach clubs, and nightlife.
You also have Jurerê OPEN, which is an outdoor shopping and dining area with restaurants, cafés, shops, and events.
The beach here is very different from the east and south of Floripa. The water tends to be calmer, which makes it really nice for swimming and families.
If you’re coming here for a vacation where you want a beautiful apartment or hotel, nice restaurants, beach clubs, calm water, and everything feeling very polished and easy, Jurerê is a great choice.
The downside is location.
You’re pretty far north.
So if you’re staying in Jurerê and suddenly decide you want to hike Lagoinha do Leste or spend the day in Pântano do Sul, that’s a mission, especially in the summer.
I would choose Jurerê if you’re happy to spend a lot of your trip in the north and you’re prioritizing comfort, nightlife, and amenities over exploring every corner of the island.
I would not choose it as my base if your itinerary has you driving south every other day.
Centro: Best for City Life and Convenience
Next is Centro.
And Centro is a completely different Floripa experience because now you’re staying in an actual city rather than a beach town.
You have high-rises, shopping, restaurants, offices, the waterfront, and Beira-Mar Norte.
You can walk around the historic center, visit Mercado Público, see Praça XV, and walk across the Hercílio Luz Bridge.
There are also a lot more conventional hotels here, which can make Centro really convenient if you’re only staying for a few nights or you’re coming to Florianópolis for business.
It’s also useful if you want easy access to the mainland.
The obvious downside is that you’re not staying at the beach.
You’re going to need to drive, take an Uber, or use public transportation whenever you want an actual beach day.
So personally, if someone were coming to Floripa specifically for a beach vacation, Centro wouldn’t be my first choice.
But if you love city life, want access to lots of services, are here for work, or you’re only staying for a short period, it can make a lot of sense.
It’s also a good reminder that Florianópolis isn’t just a collection of beaches. It’s an actual city with a completely different side that a lot of tourists barely see.
Bonus: Rio Vermelho for Long-Term Living
And then I want to add one bonus area that I probably wouldn’t recommend for the average tourist, but I would absolutely consider if you’re thinking about moving to Floripa or staying for a few months.
Rio Vermelho.
This is much more residential and generally more affordable than places like Lagoa, Campeche, or Jurerê.
You’re close to this huge stretch of nature around Praia do Moçambique, and you’re positioned between Barra da Lagoa and the northern part of the island.
But I would only stay here if you have a car.
Things are much more spread out. You’re not going to walk outside and have 15 cafés and restaurants around the corner.
That’s also why you can often get more for your money.
If you’re looking for a house, more space, somewhere quieter, and you’re staying for several months rather than a one-week vacation, Rio Vermelho starts to make a lot more sense.
For a first-time tourist with five days in Floripa, I wouldn’t choose it.
For someone coming here for three months who wants a quieter, more affordable home base and has a car, it’s absolutely worth looking into.
My Quick Picks: Where to Stay in Florianópolis
So if I had to simplify everything:
- For your first trip to Floripa: Lagoa da Conceição.
- For the beach lifestyle and somewhere that feels really livable: Campeche.
- For surfers and a laid-back fishing village atmosphere: Barra da Lagoa.
- For luxury, nightlife, calm water, and higher-end amenities: Jurerê.
- For city life, convenience, and business trips: Centro.
- For moving here or staying long-term with more space for your money: Rio Vermelho.
Ultimately, the best place to stay in Florianópolis depends on what you want your everyday experience to look like.
Tips for Renting in Florianópolis
Now let’s talk about actually finding somewhere to stay because I’ve learned a few things after renting here.
1. Look at the Exact Location, Not Just the Neighborhood
This is probably my biggest tip.
Someone can list a property as being in Lagoa da Conceição or Campeche, but you could actually be quite far from the part of that neighborhood you pictured yourself staying in.
Put the address into Google Maps. Look at where the closest grocery store is. Look at the walk to the beach. Look at where the restaurants are. Use Street View if it’s available.
If you’re coming without a car, I would be even more particular about this.
2. Look Beyond Airbnb for Monthly Rentals
If you’re staying for a month or longer, I would recommend looking outside of Airbnb.
There are furnished monthly rentals, Facebook and WhatsApp groups, and sometimes you can negotiate a better monthly rate directly with an owner by walking around the neighborhood you want to stay in.
The first time we came to Floripa, we booked a month on Airbnb and then negotiated a month-to-month rate with the owner.
This past year, what we did was book on Airbnb first for a few weeks to make sure we really liked the house and location, and then negotiated a yearly rental.
It’s normal to have to pay up to three months’ rent as a deposit, and it’s also common to have to leave a place in the same condition you arrived in.
3. Ask Exactly What’s Included in the Rent
Before agreeing to a rental, make sure you understand what’s included.
Ask about:
- Electricity
- Internet
- Condominium fees
- Gas
- Water
- Cleaning
- Parking
If you’re staying for months, those things can make a meaningful difference to the actual monthly price.
4. Check the Internet Speed Before Moving In
If you’re working remotely, definitely ask about internet speed.
Don’t just ask, “Does it have Wi-Fi?”
Ask them to send you a speed test.
I run my entire business online, so reliable internet is not something I’m willing to discover is terrible after I’ve already moved in.
5. Get a Contract for Long-Term Rentals
If you’re staying for a year or more, make sure you have a contract and everything agreed upon in writing.
It’s important to understand the terms of your rental before committing to a property for that long.
Should You Rent a Car in Florianópolis?
I said this in my things-to-do video, too, but if you actually want to explore Florianópolis, I really recommend renting a car.
There are buses and Uber is available, so you can absolutely visit without one.
But the island is huge, and so many of the best beaches, hikes, and little towns are spread out.
If you’re staying in Lagoa and mostly going to Praia Mole, Joaquina, and Barra, you can probably get away without one.
If you’re staying in a really walkable pocket of Campeche and mostly want a beach vacation, you can probably get away without one, too.
But if your itinerary includes Jurerê one day, Santo Antônio de Lisboa another day, Lagoinha do Leste, Pântano do Sul, Campeche Island, Barra da Lagoa, and everything else, get the car.
You will have so much more freedom.
Just remember that summer traffic here is real. If you’re visiting around December, January, February, or Carnaval, don’t look at Google Maps today and assume those drive times are going to be the same during peak season.
This is another reason why choosing the right neighborhood matters so much.
Should You Split Your Stay Between Different Neighborhoods?
If you’re coming for more than a week and you really want to explore the entire island, I would even consider splitting your accommodation.
You could spend the first half around Lagoa or Barra and explore the east and north, then move down to Campeche or somewhere farther south for the second half.
That might sound annoying because you have to change accommodation once, but it can save you from spending hours driving back and forth across the island.
If you’re only here for four or five days, I wouldn’t bother. Pick one good base and explore from there.
Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Florianópolis
The biggest mistake I see people make with Florianópolis is treating it like a small beach destination because it’s not.
There are so many different versions of Floripa.
You can have this very polished vacation in Jurerê, where you’re going to beach clubs and nice restaurants. You can stay in Barra and surf every morning. You can live in Campeche and walk to the beach. You can stay in Lagoa and have cafés, nightlife, and nature around you. Or you can live somewhere quiet like Rio Vermelho and barely feel like you’re in a city at all.
That’s one of my favorite things about living here.
So think about what you actually want your days to look like and choose your neighborhood around that.
If you’re planning a trip to Florianópolis, I also have videos on my top things to do in Floripa and my favorite beaches on the island, so definitely watch those next.
And if you have questions about where to stay, leave them in the comments. Tell me how long you’re coming for, whether you’re renting a car, and what kind of trip you want, and I’ll try to point you in the right direction.
I’ll see you in the next one!
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