Florianópolis

Understand

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. The City proper has an estimated population of 420,000 people. The Greater Florianopolis metropolitan area is home to about 1 million people. The northern beach resorts Jurerê, Daniela, Canasvieiras, Brava and Ingleses get very busy during the summer and there are plenty of hotels, restaurants and other conveniences for the tourist. Eastern beaches, like Joaquina, Mole and Moçambique are among the best surfing beaches and popular with young people. Beaches heading south include Campeche, Armação and Morro das Pedras, which are all very beautiful and also good for surfing. Isolated and unspoilt beaches, like Lagoinha do Leste and Naufragados, can be found at the southern end of the island and can only be reached only by trail. Lagoa da Conceição is a famous natural attraction, and the centerpiece of the island; it is relatively shallow, with high winds making it a world-class location for windsurfing. Peri Lagoon is quieter, on the other hand, and great for nature walks. Florianopolis is quite modern with large shopping malls, chain and high-end restaurants and many bars and nightclubs. The highway system serving the city is very good, though traffic can get bad in the tourist season. The island is known as "Ilha da Magia" or Magic Island, probably because of its incredible natural beauty, more than 100 beaches with 42 being well known, rocks, mountains, lakes, lagoons, waterfalls, bays, inlets, rich houses and buildings and young population and visitors. Florianópolis is also known for its high standards of living since it is located in the rich area of Brazil. Since the attraction is also heat, the best months to visit the island are December–March. The winter in South Brazil might be cooler than tourists expect.

Climate

Florianópolis has a subtropical climate with defined seasons. There is no dry season, but it rains more in summer. The summer months are hotter, sunny and humid, and in the summer, the sea has a pleas

Getting there

By plane 1 Hercílio Luz International Airport (FLN IATA), Av. Diomício Freitas, 3393 (12 km from the city center), ☏ +55 48 3331-4000, fax: +55 48 3331-4111. Connected to the city by local bus lines or taxi. The Brazilian airline LATAM provides international and domestic services to Florianópolis. Flights are available from JFK International (NYC), Miami, Madrid, London, Frankfurt, Milan, Paris and main cities in South America. Most of the flights require a connection in São Paulo. Airlines Gol, Avianca and Azul operate domestic flights to the city. Gol also operates destinations in South America, like Buenos Aires, Montevideo and Santiago. Summer months (December through March) several daily charter flights arrive from Argentina and Chile.

By bus 2 Terminal Rita Maria, Av. Paulo Fontes 1101 (in the city center), ☏ +55 4832123100. It links Florianópolis to the main Brazilian cities and to most of the cities in Santa Catarina state, as well as capitals and major cities in Paraguay, Argentina, Uruguay and Chile. The main bus companies operating in Florianopolis are Catarinense, Reunidas, Santo Anjo and Eucatur. The terminal has free WiFi. (updated Jun 2018) Destinations include:

São Paulo – Many early morning and late afternoon connections for around R$125, 12 hr. Foz do Iguaçu – The night trip takes around 12-14 hr. There are several late afternoon/evening connections for R$180-350. Instead of the expensive leito bus, you might just opt for a flight, which costs the same. Ciudad del Este – Two daily connections. From Ciudad del Este at 15:30 and 17:00, 14-15 hr, GS.270,000.

By car You should use the Route BR-101 (cross Brazil from north to south), the entrance to Florianopolis will be at km 206. From there read the signs and get the express route BR-282 which leads to Florianopolis.

Getting around

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. During the high season traffic can be intense, and could easily take 2 hours to get to the beach from the city center.

See

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. Water sports, parcs, restaurants, colonial architecture. (updated Jun 2023) 7 Ribeirão da Ilha. 36 km from the center, this old district of Florianopolis is a testament to Azorean immigration. Its historic center, in Frequesia, has a plaza which contains the 6 Igreja Nossa Senhora da Lapa do Ribeirão (church), and the Ethnological Museum which houses documents and relics from the region's history. Anhatomirim Island and its Fortaleza de Santa Cruz 8 Teatro Álvaro de Carvalho, rua Marechal Guilherme, 26 (near the Catedral Metropolitana), ☏ +55 48 3028-8070, +55 48 3028-8071. In the center of the city, the Municipal Theater is an example of 1870s local architecture. Teatro Ademir Rosa (Teatro do CIC), Av. Irineu Bornhausen, 5600, ☏ +55 48 3953-2300. 9 Velha Figueira (Old Fig Tree), Praça XV de Novembro. This centennial Ficus tree is honored in the official municipal hymn of Florianópolis. (updated Jun 2023) Forts - Constructed as early as 1739, the forts served to protect the city from possible Spanish attacks. Fortaleza de Nossa Senhora da Conceição (1742) Fortaleza de Santo Antônio (1740) Fortaleza Santana (1761) Fortaleza São José da Ponta Grossa (1740) 10 Santo Antônio de Lisboa. Quite nice little town on the calm west coast of the island. Multiple restaurants are directly at the waterfront. Also it is nice walk along the water heading toards Sambaqui. 11 Projeto Tamar, Rua Professor Ademir Francisco, [email protected]. 09:30–17:30 daily. Sea turtle conservation center and museum. The captive turtles in tanks, which are being kept to educate visitors and not to be released into the wild, are kind of sad. But the museum has lots of interesting information in Portuguese and English about sea turtles and conservation, including a 12-minute video. Founded in 2005, it is the most visited museum in the south of Brazil. Money spent for admission and at the gift shop goes to fund research, co

Do

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. (updated Sep 2017) 2 Trilha da Costa da Lagoa (To get to the trailhead, follow Rua João Henrique Gonçalves all the way north). A roughly two-hour hike through the forest along the side of the lagoon, passing through some small fishing villages that are only accessible by trail and boat. It also takes you past a historic building, the 31 Sobrado da Dona Loquinha built by slaves around 1780, and near a 32 waterfall a little ways away from the lagoon (follow the signs for cachoeira). A bit after the waterfall, you'll reach a town with some shops and restaurants serving very fresh seafood, at which point you can take a 45-minute boat back to Ponte da Lagoa (the bridge) for R$10 (pay when you get off), leaving about once an hour. On the boat ride, you can see the lovely little fishing villages on the water, followed by kitesurfers when you get close to Lagoa. (updated Sep 2017) Stand-up paddleboarding at Lagoa da Conceição Florianópolis is a destination for beaches and outdoor activities—when it rains, there's not much to do.

Buy

1 Beiramar Shopping, Rua Bocaiúva, 2468 (Centro, parallel with Av. Rubens de Arruda Ramos, better known as Av. Beiramar Norte), ☏ +55 48 3223-6425. Around 200 shops. (updated Jun 2023) 2 Shopping Itaguaçu, Rua Geroncio Thives, 1079, ☏ +55 48 3288-5900. Barreiros. The oldest shopping mall in the state, opened in 1982. In neighboring São José, within ten minutes of the city center. It has 180 shops and 7 movie screens. 3 Floripa Shopping, Rodovia SC 401, ☏ +55 48 3331-1000. Shopping center with 160 shops and 8 movie screens. 4 Villa Romana Shopping, Av. Madre Benvenuta, 687 (at the corner of Av. Beiramar), ☏ +55 48 3231-4900. Bairro Santa Mônica. 200 shops and 7 movie screens. This cinema has one of the largest screens in Brazil. All are modern and stadium seating style. (updated Nov 2021)

Eat

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.

Budget

City center 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. (updated Sep 2022) 2 Mini Kalzone, R. Ten. Silveira, 153. Sensational calzone. Lots of options. Clean place, quick service. Also branches in other locations. (updated Sep 2022) 3 Restaurante Sobrado, R. Felipe Schmidt, 268. Restaurant with well-diversified buffet of homemade food. Simplicity and good service. Clean and organized environment. (updated Sep 2022) 4 Estilo Restaurante, R. Conselheiro Mafra, 400. Good food, with that taste of home cooking. Air-conditioned environment and excellent service. Very good atmosphere. (updated Sep 2022) 5 Restaurante Canto Azul, R. Ten. Silveira, 396. Homemade food, well made and with the right seasoning. It has an upper part with good ventilation for sunny and hot days. (updated Sep 2022) 6 Kulturas Restaurante, R. Esteves Júnior, 50. Cozy place with well-seasoned food. Always diversified menu, very tasty. Plenty vegan options. (updated Sep 2022)

Barra da Lagoa 7 Magrão Lanches, Reduzino vergilino teixeira, 32. Fantastic burgers. very good homemade green mayonnaise. Everything very fresh, clean and tasty. It is hidden behind a green residence on a small street at a dead end street. (updated Sep 2022)

Lagoa da Conceiçao 8 Restaurante Querubim, R. Henrique Veras do Nascimento, 255. Great Brazilian homemade food. Nice atmosphere. Attentive and efficient service (updated Sep 2022)

Mid-range 9 Mein Haus Churrascaria, Rua Papa Joao XXII, 25, ☏ +55 48 3241-4739. Campinas - São José. It is further across the bridge but worth the effort. The restaurant offers a nice cheap à la carte barbecue with free garlic bread and salad. (updated Sep 2022) 10 Bar do Arante, ☏ +55 48 3237-7022. Praia do Pântano, in the south of the island. Interesting restaurant where the custom is for customers to hang slips of paper on the wall to mark their passage. The custom comes from pre-electricity days when people would use the slips to let friends know wha

Drink & nightlife

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. das Rendeiras, 1046, ☏ +55 48 3232-8535. Lagoa da Conceição. Scuna Bar, Av. Osvaldo Rodrigues Cabral, 1251, ☏ +55 48 3225-3138. Avenida Beira Mar Norte, under Hercílio Luz bridge. Night club with 2 levels, 3 bars, dance floor, live music, and dedicated parking. Popular with the over-35 crowd. Don't Tell Mama, Rua Tiradentes, 143. A nice gay/lesbian bar downtown, free entrance. Box 32, Publlic Market. Fresh seafood served at the city's fishmarket. Excellent service. Go on Saturday morning.

Sleep

Budget 433 Backpackers Hostel, Av. Prefeito Acácio Garibaldi, 433, Lagoa da Conceição (at the end of Rendeiras at Lagoa da Conceição, go straight to Joaquina beach direction), ☏ +55 48 3232-4537. Delicious breakfast and internet wifi. Private rooms are with TV, frigobar and air-conditioner. Dorms R$30, doubles R$60 in low season. 1 Hostel Way2go, Rua Rita Lourenço da Silveira 139 (Lagoa da Conceição), ☏ +55 48 3364-6004. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. Friendly staff, fast wi-fi. From R$20 in low season.. (updated Sep 2017) Albergue da Juventude, Rua Duarte Schutel 227, +55 48 225-3781. Hostelling International hostel is 10 minutes away from the bus terminal and close to the beach. Prices vary according to season. Hotel Bruggemann, ☏ +55 48 3224-2344. R. Santos Saraiva, 416 - Estreito. One of the oldest hotels in Florianopolis, Hotel Bruggeman comes with modernized amenities. Rooms are fully refurbished. Hotel Bruggeman is comprised of 84 apartments and suites, each equipped with a TV and refrigerator. Pousada Colinas da Lagoa, ☏ +55 48 3234-5999, [email protected]. It is in the privileged area of Lagoa da Conceição, with a view of its Hill and close to the best beaches of Florianópolis. Pousada Bangalos da Mole, ☏ +55 800 696 7666. Beachfront to the beautiful Praia Mole, which is central, since it is the closest beach to the Lagoa da Conceição town. Pátio Floriparadise, 5076, Avenida Luiz Boiteux Piazza, Ponta das Canas, ☏ +55 48 99131-8686. In the north of the island, Floriparadise is the hostel for those wishing to be immersed in local culture and art. The hostel is across from the local beach while close by is the vibrant area of Ponta das Canas which turns into a tourist mecca in the summer. The hostel offers a variety of local activities and linen is included in the price as well as WiFi throughout the whole hostel. Your hosts can also speak English which will help your travels immensely if you cannot speak Portuguese. Dorms start at R$25 Apartments start at R$35 Submarino Hostel, Travessa Angela Chaves 121. (updated Sep 2017)

Mid-range Ibis Hotel, Av. Rio Branco, 37, ☏ +55 48 3216-0000, fax: +55 48 3216-0001. Centro, 5 minutes from the bus station, Ibis Hotel has a 198 rooms with air-conditioning. There is a 24-hour bar, and a restaurant serving traditional cuisine on the premises. Joaquina Beach Hotel, Estrada Geral da Joaquina, 2323. Lagoa da Conceição, This hotel offers no-frills rooms with AC, TV and telephones with a nice cafe for breakfast, lunch or coffee on the ground floor. Includes parking, and is 100 m

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