Florianópolis walking tour & city guide

The island

Lagoa da Conceição, a large lagoon in the center of the island, is surrounded by restaurants and sand dunes used for sandboarding. Joaquina and Praia Mole are surf beaches, while Jurerê in the north has beach clubs.

Town and history

The city center has a market hall and the Hercílio Luz Bridge, a suspension bridge lit up at night. Santo Antônio de Lisboa is a village with Azorean colonial houses and famous oyster restaurants.

Exploring the island

Florianópolis has more than 40 beaches. Joaquina is famous for surfing and sand dunes, Lagoa da Conceição is a lively lagoon village, and Campeche is a beautiful long beach.

In the north, Jurerê is upscale, while the south has quieter fishing villages like Ribeirão da Ilha, known for oysters.

Good to know

The island is best explored by car. Summer, December to March, is busy with Brazilian and Argentine tourists.

The old town center has a market hall and colonial buildings. Florianópolis is one of the safest cities in Brazil.

Island life

Locals call the island Floripa, and its rhythm changes with the seasons. In summer it fills with visitors and beach parties, while in winter it becomes calm, and from July to November southern right whales can be seen along the coast to the south. Hiking trails lead to secluded beaches like Lagoinha do Leste, reachable only on foot, and the sand dunes of Joaquina are perfect for sandboarding.