Surroundings, Florianópolis

There are a number of attractions within easy reach of Florianópolis, including all of Ilha de Santa Catarina.

Related Attractions

Guarda do Embaú

On the mainland 60km/37mi south of Florianópolis is Guarda do Embaú, claimed to be one of the world's most beautiful beaches and a surfers' paradise. Close to the beach are the hills of the Serra do Tabuleiro State Park.

Ilha de Santa Catarina

Ilha de Santa Catarina is connected to the mainland by a bridge at Florianópolis. The island has a number of natural attractions with an inland lagoon and miles of beaches on the east coast. Small towns are scattered throughout the island and plenty of tourist accommodation is available.

Northern Beaches

Beaches North of Florianópolis

Within easy reach of the town are the beaches of Cacupé, Santo Antìnio de Lisboa, Sambaqui and Santinho, all of which attract large numbers of people. The best known beaches, however, are the Praia de Jurerà opposite the Ilha do Francàs, with the ruins of Fort São José da Ponta Grassa (1741), the beaches of Canasvieiras, Lagoinha and Brava, and the busy Praia dos Ingleses ("Englishmen's Beach"). On this stretch of coast are two of the oldest churches on the island: São João Batista (1740), in the district of Rio Vermelho, and São Francisco de Paula (1750), on the beach of Canasvieiras, which extends round a long and beautiful bay.

Barra da Lagoa

The blue-painted houses of Barra da Lagoa, a village near the Lagoa da Conceição on the east side of the island, also seem to have been transferred here from the Azores. The church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição dates from 1730. The villagers live from fishing and the delicate pillow lace made by the women, and also from tourism. The Lagoa da Conceição nature reserve is one of the most visited places on the island.

Eastern Beaches

Beaches East of Florianópolis

To the east of Florianópolis are some of the best known and most popular beaches on the island, including the Praia de Joaquina and Praia de Moçambique, two long beaches looking out on to the open sea, and the beaches of Barra da Lagoa and Lagoa da Conceição.

Praia da Lagoa

On the Praia da Lagoa, which is fringed by dunes, there are hotels, restaurants and camping sites, and boats can be hired.

Praia de Joaquina

17km/10.5mi from Florianópolis is the Praia de Joaquina, on which surfing competitions are held.

Ribeirao da Ilha

Ribeirão da Ilha

Ribeirão da Ilha, in the southern half of the island, is the oldest settlement within the city area. Its architecture is reminiscent of the Azores. The local people live mainly by fishing and the making of pillow lace. The church of Nossa Senhora da Lapa dates from 1763.

Jesuit Monastery

Jesuit monastery

The Jesuit house on the summit of the Morro das Pedras ("Hill of Stones") has magnificent views of the Lagoa do Peri nature reserve, 36km/22mi from Florianópolis, and the beaches of Morro das Pedras (not suitable for bathing) and Armação, both on the east side of the island.

Beaches of the Continente Sul

On Avenida 7 de Julho are the small and not particularly clean beaches of Coqueiros, Itaguaçu, etc., with numerous restaurants and night spots.

Cidade das Abelhas

12km/7.5mi north of the town on the road to Canasvieiras is the Institute of Apiculture, known as the Cidade das Abelhas ("City of the Bees"), where visitors can buy honey and see details of the life of the beekeepers.

Santo Antonio de Lisboa

Santo Antìnio de Lisboa

The village of Santo Antìnio de Lisboa, in the north of the island, gives an excellent impression of Azorean architecture with the church of Nossa Senhora da Necessidade (1750) and the Casa Aáoriana (cultural center).

São Miguel

The bathing resort of São Miguel, on the mainland 24km/15mi north-west of Florianópolis, is reached on BR 101. In addition to its beaches it has a ruined aqueduct and a church dating from the 18th century. Also of interest is the Casa dos Aáores, a historical museum housed in an 18th century building.