Labelled ‘the hippest year-round beach scene in South America’ in an article by The New York Times and famed for its legendary beauty, Brazil’s Florianópolis is dotted with lakes, pristine beaches, sand dunes, waterfalls and the Atlantic Forest. But there’s far more than sun worshippers and stunning natural scenery that draws travellers to the ‘Island of Magic’. Florianópolis offers the ideal balance of eco-activities and an easygoing atmosphere coupled with the well-known Brazilian zest for life! It’s the South American capital of water sports and also a sanctuary for adventure-sports enthusiasts, both beginners and professionals alike.
Moçambique or “the great beach”, colloquially known as Mocamba, is the longest and most tranquil beach in Floripa. Its crystal-clear waters are ideal for surfing.
Located in southern Brazil, this capital of the state of Santa Caterina boasts the highest standard of living in the country and is one of its safest cities. There really is no shortage of culture in Floripa (the endearing term locals use to refer to their city) with its colourful fishing boats, varied dialects, handicrafts, festivals with communal feasts, fortresses, churches, markets and the Portuguese, African, Italian and German influences that have seamlessly created a distinct Floripan way of life.
Many visitors know that Floripa is an ideal destination for trekking, but few know about the superb Costa da Lagoa hike. This spectacular trek, which offers unmatchable views of the saltwater Conceição Lake and surrounding lush green mountains, begins at Canto dos Araçás and leads to the small picturesque fishing village of Costa da Lagoa. Originally inhabited by Carijós and Tupi-Guarani Indians and later by the Portuguese of the Azores, the lake area includes people who still retain unique Azorean customs. Before departing Costa da Lagoa, be sure to reward yourself with fresh and delicious seafood caught by local fishermen and cooked by their wives.
Trekkers are treated to views of isolated beaches.
More Floripan Cuisine
The local food is unlike the traditional Brazilian churrasco. In Floripa, indulge your taste buds with exciting fresh seafood and local ingredients including coconut milk, coriander and peppers. If fresh oysters are what you’re after, travel to the Ribeirao da Ilha neighborhood in the southern part of the island, where 80% of the oysters in Brazil are harvested. At the Ostradamus Restaurant, order the savoury gratinéed oysters or perhaps try another Floripan specialty – the seqüência de camarão (the sequence of shrimps), which consists of a succession of shrimp prepared in various styles. In the charming town center, Lagoa Centrinho, go to Chef Fedoca for local traditional seafood. Taste the muqueca, a seafood stew with Brazilian spices prepared in a clay pot.
General Travel Hints
- To avoid crowds but still enjoy great warm weather, travel to Floripa from March until the end of May.
- For first-rate surfing, visit between April and November. The best place to learn to surf is the Praia da Barra, where a mountain protects the beach from the big southern undulations that hit Floripa’s coast. These same southern swells make Florianópolis a dream location for experienced surfers, kite surfers and windsurfers!
A kite surfer in action on the waters of Florianópolis
- The best time for kite surfing is from August to December. Head to the Lagoa da Conceição for shallow warm water if you’re just learning.
- The ideal time for hiking is from March until December.
- Hike to the wild and untouched Lagoinha do Leste Beach for a rewarding beach day.
- Spend a Saturday or Sunday afternoon in the Santo Antônio de Lisboa area and stroll amongst charming houses, a street market, handicrafts, great seafood restaurants and a beautiful sunset. Don’t miss the highlight of the region: the peninsula Ponta do Sambaqui!
- Florianópolis hosts numerous world-class events throughout the year. Remember to book accommodation early!
For more information about Florianópolis, including accommodations, tours, activities, all your travel needs, upcoming events and lots of insider tips, contact your local whl.travel connection: Renata Asprino and the team from Brazil Trails at www.florianopolis-hotels.travel.
Participation of locals is of paramount... 
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Beautiful! Will have to... 
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Beautiful! What a magical sounding place.
When can we go?
In contrast to the NY Times article, your article on Florianopolis captured the true spirit of Floripa and outlined some of its best attractions admirably. Thanks for focusing on pleasures that are accessible and desirable to those of us who aren’t supermodels or rock stars or don’t have a trust fund. I’d add only that a trip to downtown Floripa, with its quaint cobblestone streets and historic architecture, and the Mercado Publico is a nice diversion from nature-oriented outdoor activities. The shrimp empanadas and a cold glass of lager at Box 32, one of the food vendors in the market, are well worth the visit, especially after a long hike of the nature or urban variety. Cheers!
Great representation of Floripa. Parabens!
You really captured the beauty and pleasure of visiting or living on this lovely island.
If anyone is interested in a more in depth look into life in Floripa you may want to check out sweethomefloripa.com, our new emagazine for International Florianopolis.
Come visit, we’d love to hear from you!
Lisa Maria Madera