Experiences and local guides in Florianópolis

Nature

Florianópolis occupies a 54 km-long island joined to the mainland by bridges: 42 beaches, dunes, two lagoons, hills covered in Atlantic forest and fishing villages of Azorean origin. To the east, open-sea beaches with waves (Joaquina, Mole, Campeche); to the north, calm water; to the south, trails to wild beaches like Lagoinha do Leste and Naufragados. Right whales along the coast from June to November.

Activities

• Surfing at Joaquina, Praia Mole, Campeche and Santinho, beginner schools at Barra da Lagoa
• Sandboarding on the Joaquina dunes, kitesurfing and windsurfing on the Lagoa da Conceição
• Hiking to Lagoinha do Leste, Naufragados and the Costa da Lagoa, paragliding from Morro da Lagoa
• Kayaking and stand-up paddle on the Lagoa, diving and snorkelling at Campeche island and Arvoredo
• Oysters at Ribeirão da Ilha, the public market, samba and Azorean culture at Santo Antônio de Lisboa

When to go

December to March is summer, with busy beaches and warm sea. April to June and September to November have good surf, kite wind and fewer people. Winter is cool but sunny, ideal for trails and whales.

How to get there

Hercílio Luz airport (FLN) is on the island, 12 km from the centre, with flights from São Paulo, Buenos Aires, Santiago and Montevideo. Buses from São Paulo (12 hours), Curitiba (5 hours) and Porto Alegre (6 hours). The east-coast beaches (Mole, Joaquina, Campeche) are 20 to 30 minutes from the centre by bus or car.