Florianópolis is one of Brazil’s fastes growing destinations. In the first quarter of 2025 Hostelworld data ranked it 3rd in Brazil after Rio and Sao Paulo, with a 29% year to date growth rate in bookings.
An island city that blends surf culture, natural beauty, and creative energy, it attracts everyone from beach lovers and adventure travelers to digital nomads seeking a base with real soul.
Let’s explore the top things to do in Florianópolis, from the colonial streets of Santo Antônio de Lisboa to the dunes of Joaquina and the surf breaks of Campeche.
Quick look
- Explore Florianópolis City & Historic Downtown
- Step Back in Time in Santo Antônio de Lisboa
- Relax at Lagoa da Conceição
- Take a Surf Lesson at Barra da Lagoa
- Discover Peri Lake & Matadeiro Beach
- Enjoy the Beaches of Florianópolis
- Go Hiking
- Try Whale Watching
- Party in Jurerê
- Carnival in Florianópolis
Explore Florianópolis City & Historic Downtown
Start in Centro, the heart of the island’s mainland connection. If you are traveling by road, this is the area you will first see as you cross the bridge. It is the islands city heart compact, walkable, and full of life.
- Praça XV de Novembro – the city’s main square, shaded by a 100-year-old fig tree, surrounded by cafés and local shops.
- Catedral Metropolitana de Florianópolis – built in the 18th century and still one of the city’s most striking colonial landmarks.
- Mercado Público – the beating heart of the city. Locals come here for seafood, cold beers, and live samba.
- Rua Felipe Schmidt – a pedestrian shopping street linking major downtown attractions.
From downtown, walk or take an Uber to the Hercílio Luz Bridge, the city’s postcard icon. You can stroll across in about ten minutes and grab a coffee in the nearby park overlooking the bay.
👉 Local tip: Try Noma Sushi, right by the bridge, for dinner with sunset views across the mainland.
If you want to see the skyline from above, drive or rideshare to Mirante do Morro da Cruz — the best panoramic viewpoint over the city, Lagoa da Conceição, and the island’s eastern coast.
Step Back in Time in Santo Antônio de Lisboa
Just 15 minutes from downtown, Santo Antônio de Lisboa is one of the island’s oldest Azorean settlements. Cobblestone streets, pastel-colored colonial homes, and art galleries line the waterfront.
This peaceful bayfront district is famous for oyster farming, and eating freshly harvested oysters by the sea is practically a local ritual.
- Where to eat: Freguesia Oyster Bar or Bistrô do Mar for sunset dinners right on the water.
- What to see: The small pier, artisan shops, and the nearby Fortaleza de São José da Ponta Grossa, a restored 18th-century fortress overlooking Jurerê Bay.
👉 Combine both in a half-day trip — lunch in Santo Antônio and a late-afternoon visit to the fortress.
Relax at Lagoa da Conceição
At the center of the island lies Lagoa da Conceição, Florianópolis’ inland lagoon and cultural hub.
Top things to do:
- Rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard.
- Try kitesurfing or take a lagoon boat tour.
- Watch the sunset from Mirante Praia Mole or Morro da Lagoa Viewpoint.
- Visit the Dunas da Lagoa and try sandboarding
Nearby beaches Praia da Joaquina and Praia Mole are just ten minutes away, ideal for surfing or chilling in one of the open-air bars overlooking the sea.
Take a Surf Lesson at Barra da Lagoa
You cannot visit the surf mecca of Brazil and not surf at least once. Home to 2025 WSL world champion Yago Dora, and with consistent swell, beautiful beaches, clear water and 70+ beaches, Florianópolis is known as the mecca of Brazilian surfing.
If you are trying surfing for the first time, head to Barra Da Lagoa, where you will find several surf schools who will supply you with boards, wetsuits and coached sessions. Check out the Search House Hostel, and SeaWolf Hostel who both offer group surf lessons in Barra da Lagoa.
Once you are done, you will find the beach lined with bars and restaurants, perfect for a post surf wind down.
Discover Peri Lake & Matadeiro Beach
For a quieter escape, head south to Lagoa do Peri, a freshwater lake inside a protected park.
You can rent kayaks or SUP boards and paddle to a small waterfall hidden in the jungle — a local secret best done with a guide.
Afterwards, walk or drive to Praia do Matadeiro, one of Floripa’s most scenic and untouched beaches. It’s accessible only by a footbridge or with a shallow river crossing from Armação Beach. You will find a beautiful beach a with some small local bars on the shore.
On the way back, stop at Morro das Pedras Viewpoint for a panoramic look at the southern coastline and Ilha Campeche.
Enjoy the Beaches of Florianópolis
The island has over 70 beaches each with its own personality, from family-friendly bays to amazing surf beaches.
Must-see beaches:
- Praia da Joaquina – iconic surf spot with sand dunes and consistent swell.
- Praia do Campeche – endless stretch of sand and amazing waves
- Ilha do Campeche – a protected offshore island reached by 20-minute boat ride.
- Barra da Lagoa – Lively beach vibe with music and bars, great beginner surf.
- Praia do Matadeiro – secluded, natural, and perfect for a relaxed day.
- Praia Mole – Famous beach surrounded nby nature and some great beach bars.
👉 Check out our list of beaches in Florianopolis
Go Hiking – From Rainforest Trails to Coastal Peaks
Hiking in Florianópolis rewards you with hidden beaches, waterfalls, and panoramic views.
Top hikes:
- Lagoinha do Leste Trail – the island’s most famous trek; 2–3 hours each way through rainforest to a wild beach.
- Trilha do Saquinho – shorter, scenic hike starting from Praia da Solidão.
- Trilha do Gravatá – coastal path between Praia Mole and Joaquina.
- Morro da Lagoa – steep climb with stunning views over Lagoa da Conceição.
Try Whale Watching (July–November)
Between July and Novmeber, peaking in August–September, you can spot southern right whales as they migrate from the south to warmer waters in the north.
Several local operators run eco-friendly tours, or you can sometimes see them directly from the shore at spots like Praia Mole, Barra Da Lagoa or Campeche.
Experience Nightlife & World-Class DJs in Jurerê
If you want high-energy nights, Jurerê Internacional is where Brazil’s elite come to party.
Beach clubs like P12 host inerantional stars like Mochakk or Black Coffee. Café de la Musique, and Safari Beach Club also host international DJs during the summer and festive seasons (Carnival, Easter, New Year).
Even if you’re not into all-night parties, it’s worth visiting for a beach lunch, people-watching, and a taste of Floripa’s glamorous side.
Carnival in Florianópolis
Floripa’s Carnival is vibrant but WAY more manageable than Rio’s chaos.
The main parade takes place at Passarela Nego Quirido, while local blocos (street parties) happen across the island, especially in Campeche and Lagoa da Conceição.
- Carna Floripa offers a VIP viewing experience next to the main parade route, with food and drinks included.
- Tickets for official events sell fast, but you can always join spontaneous street celebrations near the beaches.
Final Thoughts
Florianópolis truly has it all — beaches, lakes, hikes, surf, kitesurfing, local cuisine, and nightlife.
It’s one of South America’s most balanced destinations: lively yet laid-back, modern yet full of nature.
Whether you come for a weekend or settle here for months as a digital nomad, Floripa will pull you in with its rhythm ,one beach, one wave, one sunset at a time.
