A young, vibrant, surf beach with breathtaking scenery and a whole lot of personality.
If you’re looking for one of the most iconic beaches on The Magic Island, Floripa, Praia Mole is it. It’s beautiful, bustling, powerful, and full of life.
Located in the Lagoa da Conceição District, Praia Mole stretches for 960 meters, from the rocky point of Ponta do Gravatá in the south to Ponta do Meio in the north. It’s a beach with character: soft, sinking sand, crystal-clear Atlantic water, strong waves, beach bars pumping music, and one of the liveliest crowds anywhere in Florianópolis.
This guide covers everything you need: how to get there, where to park, safety tips, the surf conditions, trails, LGBTQ+ areas, paragliding, and local insights you won’t find anywhere else.
Quick Answer: Why Praia Mole Is So Famous
Praia Mole is known for:
- Powerful surf with long, heavy waves
- Young vibes, flirting, music, and beach clubs
- A big LGBTQ+ scene
- Paragliding off the surrounding hills
- Incredible natural scenery and soft, sinking sand
- Easy access from Lagoa da Conceição
Where Is Praia Mole and How Do You Get There?
Praia Mole sits on the east coast of Florianópolis, between Barra da Lagoa and Praia da Joaquina.
By Car
Drive via Highway SC-406 for about 15.5 km from Centro or 10 minutes from Lagoa da Conceição.
Mole is around 200m from the highway, separated by a slight hill and vegetation, you’ll walk a small trail (2–3 minutes) from the parking areas to the sand.
👉 Renting a car in Florianópolis
By Uber / Taxi
Fast and cheap most days. Expect R$15–R$35 from Lagoa, R$40–60 from Centro. Traffic on summer weekends can double trip times.
By Bus
Several buses run along SC-406, and stop at the bus stop on the main road. From here you’ll need to walk the 200m down to the beach.
From Terminal Lagoa Da Conceição to Praia Mole takes approximately 30 minutes. From Campeche it can take around 1 hour 20 and you will need to change busses in Lagoa Da Conceicão.
For planning bus journeys in Florianópolis check out this really helpful travel planner – https://moovitapp.com/
What’s the Vibe at Praia Mole?
Praia Mole has one of the strongest personalities of any Floripa beach.
It’s known for:
- Surfing
- Flirting
- Beach bars with DJs
- Athletic bodies everywhere
- A young crowd
- Paragliding overhead
- Beautiful hiking trails
There’s always something happening — people drinking, music playing, beach football, surfing, couples taking photos, paragliders circling the sky. It’s a place where you go for energy, not solitude.
LGBTQ+ friendly
The northern end, toward Praia da Galheta, is well-known as a meeting point for the LGBTQ+ community and has been for decades. It’s relaxed, social, and welcoming.
Carnival at Praia Mole
During Carnival, Praia Mole becomes wild.
Parties run from morning until sunset. The beach bars bring DJs, and thousands pack the sand.
Is Praia Mole Safe for Swimming?
Short answer: No — unless you are a confident swimmer.
Praia Mole is one of the most dangerous beaches in Florianópolis due to:
- Very strong rip currents
- A steep drop-off immediately after the shore
- Heavy plunging waves
- Noticeable undertow, especially around full and new moons
- Exposure to the full power of the open Atlantic
This isn’t a casual swimming beach.
If you’re traveling with kids, Mole is not recommended if you want to swim and be in the water.
Nearby options like Barra da Lagoa or Campeche (on calm days) are far better.
Lifeguards at Praia Mole
There is one of the best-equipped lifeguard stations on the island.
Still, respect the red flags. When the lifeguards say “don’t go in,” they mean it.
Surfing at Praia Mole – Local Wave Breakdown
Praia Mole is one of the top surf spots in Florianópolis well known for consistent swell throughout the year, and pumping waves when the sand banks and swell are lining up.
With a that reels from a rocky headland at the North end, sand bottom peaks along the middle stretch, and a big heavy right that comes alive in big swells, Praia Mole has a mix of everything on one beach.
It can be busy when the conditions are good and you will find a lot of Floripas best surfers here like Yago Dora, and Mateus Herdy regularly here.
Check out the Praia Mole Surf forecast on Surfline. If you are looking for a surf webcam, you can find the Praia Mole Surf Webcam on Waves Now.
What makes the wave special:
- Long, powerful walls
- Consistent swell exposure
- Beachbreak peaks along the entire stretch
- Heavy waves on bigger days
- Good barrels when sandbars line up
Best conditions
- Swell: South, southeast, east
- Wind: Northeast is best; south winds ruin it
- Tide: Mid to high often best
Suitable for:
- Intermediate to advanced surfers
- Beginners should take lessons, surf on smaller days and stay close to lifeguards at the center of the beach.
Surf culture
The beach has strong roots in Floripa’s surf history.
Since the 1980s, surfers have made Mole their home, long before tourism arrived and it shows.
When you surf, many parking attendants place a floor mat at the back of your car and leave a large bottle of water for you to rinse sand off your feet.
It’s a small thing, but it makes Mole feel very Floripa.
Beach Bars, Food & Amenities
Praia Mole offers the perfect blend of nature + social life.
Beach Bars
There are several bars along the sand, some with DJs or live music.
You don’t have to sit inside — you can order from the sand.
Popular items:
- Açaí bowls
- Capinaria
- Fresh juices
- Cocktails
- Ice-cold beer
Showers & Facilities
Most paid parking areas include:
- Outdoor showers
- Bathrooms (basic)
- Rinse points
Most of the beach bar also have outdoor showers available for their guests. If you are not having a drink there you may have to pay R$5 to use their showers.
Umbrella and Beach Chair Rentals
You will find several beach vendors renting umbrellas (Guarda Sol) and beach chairs (cadeiras). Prices can vary so it is best to ask and agree before you sit.
Parking at Praia Mole
Praia Mole now has lots of parking, but summer crowds still fill it fast. If you have a car or have a rental car you will want to arrive early, especially on weekends, to get the best parking.
As you drive up the road you will see lots of signs “Estacianamento” which means parking. They will also often have “ducha” meaning shower, “banheiro” meaninig toilets or “accesso a praia” meaning they have a trail to the beach.
Parking attendants wait on the road edge and will try to wave you into their parking. It is up to you where you park, and they are pretty much all the same.
Parking Options
Paid parking lots:
- R$20–30 per day
- Usually shaded under trees
- Showers included
- Trail directly to the beach
Street parking:
- Local attendants (“flanelinhas”) help keep an eye on cars
- Availability is limited
- Free, but give a small tip to the local attendant.
When to arrive
- Summer weekdays: before 10am
- Summer weekends: before 9:00am
- If you arrive late, expect to walk from farther lots or to spend a while trying to find a parking space.
Leaving the beach – traffic warning
From 4–6pm, Mole → Lagoa da Conceição becomes a parking lot of cars. The narrow road and single lanes can back up traffic as far as Barra da Lagoa as everyone heads home from a day at the beach.
Best strategies:
- Leave around 3:30pm, OR
- Stay until sunset and enjoy the golden-hour magic while the traffic dies down.
Trails: Galheta & Ponta do Gravatá
🌿 Trail to Praia da Galheta (20 minutes)
Starts at the north end of Praia Mole at the rocks. You will ding. arelatively easy trail that takes you along the hillside to Galheta beach.
- Nature reserve
- Nude-friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly zone
- Spectacular scenery
- Gentle, easy walk
🌄 Trail to Ponta do Gravatá (30–40 minutes)
This trail does not strictly start at the beach, but from the main road just to the south of Praia Mole (Bus Stop Rodovia Jornalista Manoel De Menezes, 414 / 443). It is a very popular hike, especially on weekends. It starts very steep on a concreted path, and then runs along the ridge line to Ponta do Gravata.
- Dramatic cliffs
- Great for sunrise photos
- Less crowded
- View of both Mole and Joaquina
Bring shoes, the trail gets slippery after rain.
Natural Characteristics of Praia Mole
Praia Mole gets its name (“Soft Beach”) from the texture of the sand — fine, coarse-grained, and soft enough that your feet sink when you step.
Key natural features:
- Length: 960 m
- Sand width: 10–75 m
- Sand type: Fine, soft, shifting
- Sea: Crystal-clear, cold, open ocean
- Drop-off: Very steep
- Waves: Long, strong, plunging
- Vegetation: Low Atlantic Forest shrubs
- Energy: High — the beach is always alive
Brief History of Praia Mole
- Formerly known as Praia do Retiro da Lagoa or Praia Molle
- Deserted until the 1980s
- Surfers were the first regular visitors
- Development of a hotel complex brought tourism
- Quickly became a hotspot for young people, surf culture, and nightlife
- Today, it’s one of the cultural symbols of Floripa’s modern beach scene
Events & Highlights (2025–2026)
- Dream Tour Surf Championship (Nov 4–17) – Major Brazilian titles
- SC Open Games – Surfing, beach sports
- Summer DJ Festivals – Beach bars host seasonal events
- New Year’s Eve Parties – Large crowds, fireworks
- Airbnb Top Trending Destination 2025 – Floripa boom continues
Practical Tips Before You Visit Praia Mole
- Bring sun protection, there is no natural shade on the sand – but you can rent beach umbrellas (Guarda Sol)
- Wear sandals/flip-flops – The road and sand on the trails can get very hot in the summer sun.
- Keep valuables secure – Floripa is very safe overall, but don’t leave valuables unattended.
- Respect lifeguard signs – Praia Mole has strong currents and powerful waves.
- Arrive early to avoid parking stress
- Stay after 6pm for the best golden-hour photos
- Plan your exit around traffic if you’re heading back to Lagoa, Centro, Campecehe, or anywhere South really.
FAQ – Praia Mole, Florianópolis
Is Praia Mole safe for swimming?
Not really — waves are strong with powerful shorebreak, currents are powerful, and the seabed drops quickly. Recommended only for confident swimmers.
How much is parking at Praia Mole?
R$20–30 per day in managed lots; free street parking when available.
Is Praia Mole good for kids?
Yes, but not if you want to go in the water. Choose calmer beaches like Jurerê or Barra da Lagoa.
Is Praia Mole LGBTQ+ friendly?
Yes — especially the northern end near the Galheta trail.
Can beginners surf at Praia Mole?
With a surf instructor, yes. But it is recommended for more intermediate and above surfers. Mole is powerful – beginners should take care.
How long is the beach?
960 meters with sand widths up to 75 meters.
Is there food on the beach?
Yes, beach bars offer meals, drinks, and açaí bowls, you will find small vendors selling on the sand also.
