Florianópolis Brasil, often called Floripa by locals, is one of the most underrated destinations in South America, known for its world-class surf, stunning beaches, and vibrant digital nomad and tech communities.
My husband and I first arrived in Florianópolis right before the pandemic, and we ended up staying 9 months because of lockdown (the best place to be stuck to be honest, and that’s a story for another day)!
Fast forward 5 years and we are now back in Floripa with our newborn baby, choosing to be based here as we work towards Brazilian citizenship this year!
In this Ultimate Florianópolis Brasil Travel Guide, I’m sharing everything you need to know to plan your perfect trip. Whether you’re coming for surfing, food, partying, nature, remote work, or the island lifestyle, this guide will help you experience this magical island the right way.
Quick Facts
- AKA Floripa and “Ilha da Magia” or Magic Island
- Language: Brazilian Portuguese, although you’ll find many people and students who speak English here
- Currency: Brazilian Real (BRL)
- Plugs: Type C (two round pins) and the newer, official Type N (three round pins in a triangle)
- Best For: Surfing, families, beach hopping, digital nomads, food lovers, nature lovers
- Time Zone: Brasília Time (BRT, UTC−3)
- Cost of Living: Lower than Rio & São Paulo, higher than most of Brazil
- Airport: Hercílio Luz International Airport (FLN)
💡 Pro tip: If you are planning to stay for longer than 3 months, I definitely recommend applying for your CPF (Brazilian ID number). Here’s a guide to do this online for free!
Where is Florianopolis Brazil?
Florianópolis is located in southern Brazil, in Santa Catarina state. It is an island city, connected to the mainland by three bridges.
Map of Florianopolis in Brazil
Also read: Rio de Janeiro vs Florianopolis: Which Brazilian City is Better?
How to get to Florianopolis Brazil?
While Floripa doesn’t have many direct long-haul international flights, it’s very well connected via Brazil’s major hubs.
Flying to Florianópolis
The airport on the island of Florianópolis is Hercílio Luz International Airport (FLN), fully renovated in recent years.
- From São Paulo (GRU or CGH): ~1 hour flight
- From Rio de Janeiro (GIG or SDU): ~1.5 hour flight
- From Brasília: ~2 hours
- From other Brazilian cities: Frequent daily flights
If you’re flying internationally, the easiest route is to connect through São Paulo (GRU) or Rio de Janeiro (GIG), then take a short domestic flight to Florianópolis.
There are also a few flights from North America to Florianópolis through Panama City with COPA Airlines.
Arriving by Bus
Florianópolis also has excellent long-distance bus connections, making it a popular option for travelers already in Brazil or neighboring countries.
- Comfortable overnight buses connect Floripa to São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Curitiba, and Porto Alegre
- International buses run from Argentina and Uruguay
- Buses arrive at the Rita Maria Bus Terminal, located near the city center
While buses are slower than flying, they’re affordable, comfortable, and a common way to travel in southern Brazil.
Driving to Florianópolis
If you’re road-tripping, Florianópolis is accessible via BR-101, Brazil’s main coastal highway. The island is connected to the mainland by three bridges, including the iconic Hercílio Luz Bridge.
Driving gives you flexibility to explore but be aware that traffic can get heavy during summer, holidays, and weekends.
Getting from the Airport to the City
From FLN airport, you can easily reach different parts of the island by:
- Uber or taxi (most common and affordable)
- Car rental (recommended if you plan to surf). Here is the complete guide to renting a car in Floripa with best companies and pricing.
- Airport bus (budget-friendly but slower)
Depending on where you’re staying, the drive from the airport to popular areas like Campeche, Lagoa da Conceição, or the city center typically takes 15–40 minutes.
What Florianopolis Is Known For
My husband and I first decided to visit Floripa for its surf and carnival parties, and our friends from São Paulo who recommended it to us told us it was their favorite place for beach lifestyle.
We ended up loving the balance between city lifestyle that you can find a short drive from all its beaches, as well as modern conveniences that make it perfect for living.
Over time, we also grew to appreciate how family friendly this island is, especially with a newborn baby! Most restaurants have a play area, and there are so many amenities available everywhere for new mothers.
Florianópolis is known for its rare combination of surf culture, natural beauty, and high quality of life. It’s one of those places that appeals just as much to short-term travelers as it does to people who end up staying for years.
World-Class Surf
Floripa is one of the top surf destinations in Brazil, with consistent waves year-round and beaches for all levels from beginner-friendly breaks to powerful reef and beach breaks.
With over 40 beaches facing different swell directions, there’s almost always somewhere working.
40+ Beaches on One Island
One of the biggest draws of Florianópolis is the sheer diversity of beaches and bodies of water like lakes and lagoons.
You’ll find: wild, undeveloped surf beaches, calm bays perfect for swimming, family-friendly and baby-friendly lakes, and secluded coves and viewpoints.
Also read: Top 5 Beaches in Florianopolis, Brasil
Laid-Back Surf Meets City Life
Florianopolisis famous for balancing island lifestyle with modern infrastructure. You get surf-town energy, but also shopping malls, great hospitals, strong internet, and a growing remote work and expat community.
Seafood and Local Food Culture
The city is especially known for its fresh seafood, particularly oysters, shrimp, and traditional sequência de camarão (shrimp feasts).
Floripa is Brazil’s oyster capital, especially in areas like Riberão da Ilha with popular oyster farms offering farm-to-table experiences and tastings.
Local markets, beachside restaurants, and casual cafés make Floripa a standout foodie destination in southern Brazil.
Digital Nomad and Expat Hub
Florianópolis has become one of Brazil’s top cities for digital nomads and expats, especially surfers, entrepreneurs, and families looking for a slower pace without giving up comforts.
This has made socializing and meeting other like-minded families super easy!
Best Time of Year to Visit
Because Florianópolis is located in the south of Brazil, it is a seasonal destination as it gets pretty cold during the winters (June-August).
But the best time to visit depends on what you’re looking for as winters are when the swell arrives!
- Summer (Dec–February): HOT, warm waters, lively, lots to do during Carnival, but also the busiest and most expensive time to visit. Smallest waves as there’s not much swell.
- Fall (March–May): One of the best times overall, with warm weather, fewer crowds, and better prices.
- Winter (Jun–Aug): Mild temperatures and peak surf season, ideal for surfers and long-term stays. Just make sure to double check you don’t come to surf during tainha season as many beaches are off-limits to surfers.
- Spring (Sep–Nov): Warming weather, lighter crowds, and a great balance before summer returns.
Regardless, my husband and I are staying for a year and have enjoyed every season so far! So there is definitely something to do and things to enjoy no matter what time of year you come.
Best Things To Do In Florianopolis
Visit Campeche Island
Campeche Island is a protected island just off the coast known for its crystal-clear white sand beaches and excellent snorkeling. Access is limited via authorized boats from Praia do Campeche, which helps preserve its paradise-like feel.
Go on a City Tour by Bus
Floripa is actually a huge island and there is so much to explore. A city tour by bus is a great way to see the best parts of the island in a day!
Go on a Walking Tour
Learn the history, art, and gastronomy of the island with an educational and fun walking tour.
Take a Surf Lesson
If you are a beginner surfer, taking a surf class in Floripa is such a fun and memorable experience! The best beach to learn at is Barra da Lagoa, perfect for beginners. Most surf schools have board and wetsuit rentals included (if necessary).
Paragliding Flight with Instructor
A great way to see the island from above! Book a paragliding flight with an instructor to get the best views of Floripa.
Visit Joaquina Dunes
These sand dunes are massive and such a unique part of the island. You can also rent boards and go sandboarding down them!
Is the Internet Fast in Florianópolis?
Yes, the internet in Florianópolis is fast and reliable enough for remote work, streaming, and most online needs.
Anecdotally, my Airbnb by the beach has upload speeds of around 500 mbps download and 200 mbps upload.
Most neighborhoods and accommodations offer broadband or fiber internet, with typical speeds ranging from 30–200+ Mbps depending on your plan and provider.
Cafés & Coworking: Many cafés and coworking spaces in areas like Lagoa da Conceição and Centro have strong Wi-Fi.
Mobile Data: Brazilian mobile networks (TIM, Vivo, Claro) have good 4G/LTE coverage across the island and reasonable data plans. I recommend Holafly for unlimited data in Brazil to always stay connected.
Accommodation Wi-Fi: Modern short-term rentals and long-term apartments often include fiber internet as standard, especially in popular remote-work neighborhoods. Make sure to ask ahead for a screenshot of their internet speed if it’s important to you.
Pro tip: Purchase Holafly to have unlimited 4G/LTE data in Florianópolis and all of Brazil. Holafly partners with some of the biggest carriers in Brazil so you are always automatically connected to the one with the fastest speed!
Where to Surf in Floripa
Florianópolis is one of the best surf destinations in Brazil, thanks to its island geography and beaches facing multiple swell directions. With over 40 beaches, there’s almost always a wave somewhere.
Note that annually around June, most beaches are closed for tainha season! This is when fishermen fish mullet and beaches are closed for an entire month.
Between the months of July and December, a wetsuit is definitely necessary as the water is COLD. In the middle of winter, I wear a 4/3mm or 3/2mm and also have a shortie as the water warms up. In the summer months, you can surf in a bikini.
Board rentals are available on most beaches in the summertime, but check the Instagram pages of surf shops during low season to see if they are available if you need one.
Praia Mole
One of the most popular surf beaches in Floripa, Praia Mole offers consistent beach breaks and a lively surf scene. Best for intermediate to advanced surfers, with strong currents on bigger days.
Joaquina Beach
Joaquina is Floripa’s most famous surf beach and hosts international competitions. Powerful waves, shifting sandbanks, and great swell exposure—ideal for experienced surfers.
Campeche
Campeche has long stretches of beach with peaks that work for different levels depending on conditions. More spread out and less crowded than Mole or Joaquina.
Barra da Lagoa
Located in the north, Santinho works well on larger swells and is often less crowded than the main east coast beaches.
Lagoinha do Leste
For adventurous surfers, Lagoinha do Leste is only accessible by hike or boat. When it’s working, it offers incredible waves in a wild, untouched setting.
Best Restaurants and Cafés in Floripa
Here are my personal favorite restaurants and cafés on the island that you must try!
- Ostradamus Restaurante – A Floripa institution for oysters and seafood with ocean views, perfect for a sunset dinner
- Rancho de Canoa – Classic seafood and grilled fish right on the water in Barra da Lagoa
- Ponta das Caranhas – Great local seafood restaurant with view of the lake
- Píer 54 Restaurante – Stylish seafood and local dishes in the city center with a beautiful view of the bridge
- Garam Masala Indian Restaurant – Authentic Indian cuisine in Rio Vermelho
- Vista Nipô – Best sushi restaurant with a rooftop view
- Spitfire Pizzeria – My favorite pizza place
- Cafe Cultura Lagoa de Conceiçao – Perfect coffee spot for digital nomads who want to get work done
- Tropilha Grill – The BEST rodizio style all you can eat Brazilian BBQ. Off the island on the mainland
- Meninas de Minas café – My favorite place to get all kinds of pão de queijo (Brazilian cheese bread)
Where to Stay
Where you choose to stay on the island depends on what you are looking for! I’ll include the top spots I recommend depending on what type of experience you are looking for.
Costao do Santinho All Inclusive Resort – If you are on vacation and want to stay at an all inclusive resort on the beach, then this is for you! It is a premier beachfront resort offering luxury accommodations, dining, and activities for the whole family.
Boutique Hotel Quinta das Videiras – This is my recommendation if you want to stay somewhere chic and central and want to be in the city center, walking distance to shops, restaurants, and nightlife in downtown Lagoa.
Flat Partic Hotel Jurerê Beach Village – Jurerê is the island’s most upscale beach neighborhood with luxury resorts, beach clubs, and home to my favorite club P12. There’s so much to do here but it is quite a drive away from the rest of the island.
Aurora do Campeche – Campeche is known for its waves and digital nomad scene, so if you are looking to surf and connect with others, I recommend staying beachfront here.
Best Hikes in Florianópolis
When my parents visited Florianópolis from New York, I made sure to research all the hikes as they LOVE hiking!
Here are some of the best hikes and walks on the island, whether you want a challenge or something more relaxed.
Lagoinha do Leste
Lagoinha do Leste is the most iconic hike in Floripa. Accessible only by trail or boat, it takes you through lush jungle and rewards you with a wild, untouched beach and lagoon.
- Difficulty: Moderate to hard
- Time: 2–3 hours each way
- Why it’s special: Remote beach, dramatic cliffs, total escape vibe
I recommend going with a local guide so you know exactly where to go!
Trilha do Gravatá
The Trilha do Gravatá is one of the best shorter hikes on the island. Starting near Praia Mole, this coastal trail leads to a beautiful viewpoint overlooking Galheta Beach and the open ocean.
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Time: 30–45 minutes
- Why it’s special: Big views with minimal effort, perfect at sunrise or sunset
Morro das Aranhas
Located in the north of the island, Morro das Aranhas offers sweeping views over Praia do Santinho and Ingleses and is great if you want a quick hike with a big payoff. If you have a 4×4, you can also drive along the beach from Rio Vermelho to a secret beach at Canto das Aranhas.
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Time: 30–45 minutes
- Why it’s special: Panoramic coastline views, accessible year-round
Walk Around Lagoa da Conceição
For something more relaxed, the walk around Lagoa da Conceição is perfect. The flat paths along the lagoon are ideal for an easy stroll, morning walk, or sunset loop, with cafés, viewpoints, and water reflections the entire way.
- Difficulty: Easy
- Time: Flexible (short walks or longer loops)
- Why it’s special: Scenic, social, and great for everyday movement
Costa da Lagoa Trail
The Costa da Lagoa follows the edge of the lagoon and connects small communities, waterfalls, and local restaurants. You can hike one way and return by boat.
- Difficulty: Easy
- Time: 1–2 hours (one way)
- Why it’s special: Nature, water views, and local food stops
Hiking Tips for Floripa
- Wear good shoes—trails can get muddy after rain
- Bring water and sun protection, even on short hikes
- Start early in summer to avoid heat
- Stick to marked trails and avoid remote hikes alone
Whether you’re chasing epic viewpoints or just a peaceful walk by the water, Florianópolis makes it easy to mix nature into everyday life—and that’s a huge part of why people fall in love with the island.
FAQs
Is Florianópolis safe for travelers?
Yes, Florianópolis is considered one of the safest cities in Brazil, especially in beach neighborhoods and central areas. As anywhere, use common sense, avoid leaving valuables unattended, and be more cautious at night.
Do I need to speak Portuguese in Florianópolis?
Portuguese is the main language, and while you’ll find some English spoken in surf shops, cafés, and tourist areas, learning basic Portuguese will greatly improve your experience especially for longer stays.
Is Florianópolis good for surfing beginners?
Yes! Floripa has beaches for all levels, including beginner-friendly waves as well as advanced surf spots. With so many beaches facing different directions, you can usually find suitable conditions year-round. I recommend Barra da Lagoa and Matadeiro for beginners.
How many days do you need in Florianópolis?
At minimum, 4–5 days to get a feel for the island. Ideally, 7–10 days allows you to explore different beaches, surf, eat well, and slow down. Many travelers end up staying much longer than planned.
Do you need a car in Florianópolis?
It’s highly recommended. While Uber works well, having a car makes beach hopping and exploring different parts of the island much easier especially if you plan to surf or visit less touristy areas.
Is Florianópolis expensive?
Compared to Rio and São Paulo, Florianópolis is more affordable, but it’s more expensive than many other parts of Brazil. Prices vary a lot by neighborhood and season as it gets super pricey during the summers.
Is Florianópolis good for digital nomads?
Yes. Floripa is one of Brazil’s top digital nomad hubs thanks to reliable internet, coworking spaces, cafés, tech hub, safety, and lifestyle balance.
Can you live in Florianópolis long term?
Absolutely. Many expats and Brazilians choose Florianópolis for its quality of life, healthcare, infrastructure, and outdoor lifestyle. It’s a popular choice for families, surfers, and remote workers looking to settle in Brazil.
Conclusion
Florianópolis is known as the Magic Island for a reason and almost everyone I know who visits falls in love. There are so many things to do that caters for travelers and families of all kinds.
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