Florianópolis ("Floripa" for short) is a coastal city in southern Brazil, the capital of the state of Santa Catarina. Most of the city's area consists of the island of Santa Catarina, connected to the mainland by two bridges, and only a small part of the island can really be called urban—the rest is full of gorgeous beaches and nature, including a large lagoon. Though famous for its beaches, Floripa also has great hikes and beautiful forested mountains.
Florianopolis is on an island of 424.4 km² (54 km by 18 km) (163.9 square miles) in the Atlantic Ocean, and a small peninsula of 1210 km² on the mainland of southern Brazil. Three bridges link the island to the continent, including the Hercílio Luz Bridge, a landmark of the city. Florianopolis has become a popular destination in Brazil for people who are looking for superb beaches, beautiful scenery, interesting culture and friendly people. It has also experienced a real estate boom, with Brazilians looking for a better quality of life away from the chaos of the big cities, especially from the states of São Paulo and Rio Grande do Sul.
From the city center, dozens of buses go to all the beaches on the island. The bus system has drawbacks since transfers are necessary at regional terminals to get around. The cost for riding the buses is R$6 (June 2023), and it takes about 35-60 minutes to get from the city center to the beaches. Additionally, there is an air-conditioned yellow bus (Linhas Executivas) that goes direct to downtown from the main beaches for R$15 (June 2023). A car is recommended to explore all the beaches and places of interest. There are car rentals on the island and at the airport. Renting can be expensive (R$120/day with A/C), but can be worthwhile as it makes exploring the island more convenient.
1 Cruz e Sousa Palace. Near Praça XV de Novembro. It was built in the 18th century to be the residence and office of Santa Catarina's Governor. Later, it was rededicated in honor of the symbolist poet Cruz e Sousa. 2 Catedral Metropolitana. One of the most beautiful buildings in the city, at Praça XV de Novembro. 3 Municipal Market, R. Jerônimo Coelho, 60, ☏ +55 48 3225-8464. The former city market place, this market on Largo da Alfândega still holds some interesting sights. 4 Hercílio Luz Bridge. The postcard symbol of the city, inaugurated in 1926 linking the island to the mainland. 5 Lagoa da Conceição. A large beautiful lake in the center of the island.
Paragliding at Mole Beach, Lagoa da Conceição Scuba-Diving at Praia Mole, Praia do Santinho, Praia dos Ingleses Sandboarding at Joaquina, Lagoa Sandboard Surfing at Barra da Lagoa, Praia da Joaquina, and Praia Mole Windsurfing at Lagoa da Conceição Kitesurfing at Lagoa da Conceição Hiking at Lagoa do Peri, Naufragados, Lagoinha do Leste, Costa da Lagoa, Barra da Lagoa 1 Trilha da Boa Vista (To get to the trailhead, take the bridge east from Barra da Lagoa, turn right, and follow the signs that say "Trilha"). A challenging trail of around two hours from near Barra da Lagoa up through the mountains, with beautiful views of the ocean, that takes you to the beautiful Praia da Galheta.
Seafood - This coastal city is known widely for its fresh seafood. Portuguese Food - The city had been colonized by the "cultura açoriana". Their food is delicious. Italian Food - Macarronada Italiana is the main spot. Great. But there are many other good choices as well. Downtown- There are great "per kilo" buffets with amazing food, salads, and fruit. You can get a full meal with a fresh juice for under R$6. It's good for the budget traveler and to get a sense of where many locals get a quick bite. 1 Restaurante Natural Tsan The, Parthenon Center II, R. Ten. Silveira, 111 - 206. Vegan oriental restaurant. Food is creative, fresh and tasty. A lot of variety.
Most of the nightlife is concentrated around the beaches in the summer. During the winter, the night life is concentrated in Lagoa da Conceição, where most of the bars and clubs are located. Concorde Danceteria, Av. Rio Branco, 729. Centro. Nightclub with two floors, 3 bars, a rotating dance floor, and a room with free internet access. Caters to the gay community. El Divino. Local chain of bars and nightclubs. Pacha, ☏ +55 48 3282-2054. SC 402 - Rod. Maurício Sirotsky Sobrinho, Km 1 - Jurerê Internacional. El Divino Beach, Avenida dos Pampos Lote 1E S/N, ☏ +55 48 3282-1816. Open year-round on the boardwalk of Jurerê Internacional. John Bull Pub, Av.
As a coastal tourist town and a summer tourist destination, Florianópolis is safer than most large Brazilian cities. Many tourist areas are well policed and safe, and you'll see people walking around and using their phones outside, even at night. But this is still Brazil, there are still favelas, and robberies do happen, so know where you're going and take sensible security precautions: Be mindful of your personal belongings, especially in busy tourist areas, beaches and on public transport; Pay special attention to your valuables, such as cash, passports and electronic devices; Don't trust strangers, especially those who seem excessively helpful; Avoid showing valuables such as clothes, je…
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
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In Sep, Florianopolis typically sees ~22°C daytime highs and 16 rainy days.
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