São José
Brazil · Americas
About São José
São José is a city in Santa Catarina, Brazil. It is approximately 5 km from and encircles the continental section of Florianópolis.
The municipality of São José, located in Grande Florianópolis, is the fourth oldest in Santa Catarina and was colonized on October 26, 1750, by 182 Azorean couples, from the islands of Pico, Terceira, São Jorge, Faial, Graciosa and São Miguel. In 1829, it received the first nucleus of German colonization of the State.
Rapid development, coupled with population growth and economic power, meant that, on March 1, 1833, through the Resolution of the President of the Province, Feliciano Nunes Pires, São José passed from parish to village (municipality) and, in May 1856, through Provincial Law No. 415, was elevated to the city.
Not being very touristy in nature, unlike Florianópolis, São José has attracted industries such as telecommunication equipment, textiles, and food processing.
The main district of São José are Kobrasol and the Historic Centre.
São José is ranked 21st on the HDI in Brazil.
The major BR-101 highway passes through São José, making the city a gateway to Florianópolis.
São José travel guide
Getting there
By car BR-101 cuts across the city from Palhoça and the South of the state, and from Balneário Camboriú and other points north BR-282 connects from Lages and other cities in the Serrana region to the west, and with Florianópolis just to the east
See
Historic Downtown (Centro Historico). 1 Parish Church of Saint Joseph (Igreja Matriz de São José). Founded in 1750, rebuilt in 1845, and remodelled many times. (updated Mar 2025) 2 São José Max Hablitzel Botanical Garden (Jardim Botânico de São José), Potecas neighborhood, [email protected]. M-F 08:00-18:00, Sa 09:00-18:00. 160,000 m2 of Atlantic Forest. Free parking. Guided tours with biologists can be arranged Tu-Th by email. (updated Mar 2025) Kobrasol neighborhood (Bairro do Kobrasol). Pedra Branca Hill (Morro da Pedra Branca).
Do
1 Balneario Guararema Beach. A beach with restaurants.
2 Guarda do Embaú Beach, Palhoça. A clean beach with a fishing village, beautiful views, and very good trails. Folia do Zé. Refounded in 2025, the city's carnival lasts a week in lafpte February and early March. The city's samba school parades on the Passarela Nego Quirido, there are block parties, and a seniors' ball. It is celebrated as a safe and family-friendly event. (updated Mar 2025)
Buy
1 Continente Park Shopping, BR-101, Km 211 - Distrito Industrial, ☏ +55 48 3094-9268. The newest shopping mall in the region, opened in 2012 with 8 movie screens and over 200 stores. (updated Jun 2018) Shopping Center Itaguaçu.
Overview adapted from Wikipedia, travel guide fromWikivoyage (CC BY-SA)。Photography via Wikimedia Commons.