Florianopolis

Safe beaches, nature, and slow island life

Country: Brazil 🇧🇷

Overview

Florianopolis (often called Floripa) is one of Brazil’s safest and most comfortable beach destinations, located on an island connected to the mainland by bridges.

The island combines dozens of beaches, light hiking, lagoons, and a relaxed lifestyle, making it ideal for week-long stays or longer.

State: Santa Catarina
Overall time: 7–14 days
Main focus: beaches, relaxation, light nature
Ranking: top beach base (safe & flexible)
Best season: December–March (summer), shoulder season in November & April

Arrival & Island Base ▾


Arrive by flight to Florianópolis International Airport.

From the airport:
• Taxi, Uber, or transfer (easy and reliable)

Base options (recommended areas):
• Lagoa da Conceição – central, lively, good transport
• Campeche – calmer beaches, good for longer stays
• Jurerê – developed, clean, more upscale

Floripa works best when you choose one main base and explore slowly.

Beaches – East Coast ▾


Explore the Atlantic-facing beaches, known for scenery and surf.

Highlights:
• Praia da Joaquina – dunes and strong waves
• Praia Mole – popular, scenic
• Campeche Beach – wide, open, less crowded

Best for:
• Long walks
• Beach days
• Surfing (seasonal)

Access:
• Bus, Uber, or rented car

Lagoa da Conceição & Surroundings ▾


Spend time around Lagoa da Conceição.

Highlights:
• Cafés, restaurants, and relaxed nightlife
• Lagoon views and sunsets
• Paddleboarding and kayaking

Optional:
• Walks around nearby hills
• Short hikes to viewpoints

This area works well for evenings and social life.

Beaches – North & South ▾


Explore quieter parts of the island.

North:
• Jurerê & Canasvieiras – calmer waters, more infrastructure

South:
• Lagoinha do Leste – dramatic beach, requires hike or boat
• Armação & Matadeiro – calmer, local vibe

Access:
• Car recommended for southern beaches
• Some locations require walking or boats

Nature & Light Activities ▾


Balance beach days with light nature activities.

Options:
• Coastal walks and short hikes
• Viewpoints over the island
• Boat trips to nearby islands

Floripa is about mixing activity with rest — not rushing.

Optional – Return via Major Cities ▾


On the way back, you can route via a major Brazilian city.

Options:
• Rio de Janeiro - iconic scenery, beaches, landmarks
• São Paulo – museums, food, culture

Notes:
• Use Uber/taxis only
• Avoid wandering unfamiliar areas

These cities work best as **short stopovers**, not long stays.

Transportation

  • Uber works well across Florianópolis
  • Buses are usable but slow for cross-island travel
  • Car rental recommended for full flexibility, especially south of the island

Safety Notes

  • Florianópolis is considered safe by Brazilian standards
  • Beach areas and main neighborhoods are comfortable even in the evening
  • Standard precautions still apply

For Rio or São Paulo:

  • Stay in central, well-known districts
  • Avoid night walking outside busy areas
  • Rely on ride-hailing apps

Notes

  • Floripa works exceptionally well for slow travel
  • One of the best beach bases in South America for longer stays
  • Easy to combine with a short city stop before international flights