Best Beaches in Florianopolis Brazil

Let me take you on a journey across an island with over 4o beaches, as I spend a long weekend tracking down the very best. Florianopolis (or Floripa as it’s known) is a large island and capital of the Brazilian state of Santa Catarina in Southern Brazil.

It’s a very popular spot for Brazilian holidays and summer and it’s also one of the most famous places in Brazil to surf. Thanks to the help of some local friends, I rented a car and traversed the island over the course of 24 hours, experiencing all the best beaches in Florianopolis.

Here are the best beaches I visited as seen in the video above.

It’s good to note that I was there during the low season, because in the peak season and holidays, the beaches are much more full and festive!  Also good to note… Praia means beach in Portuguese. 

Best Beaches in Florianopolis: 

Campeche Beach – One of the widest and longest stretching beaches in Florianopolis.

Joaquina Beach – Famous for its big sand dunes and surfing breaks, Joaquina has long been the most popular beach in Floripa.

Mole Beach – In recent years, Mole beach is taking over Joaquina’s thrown as the ultimate hot spot for the young, cool crowd. Come here to surf or hangout and stay for the beautiful women of Floripa!

Jureré / Jureré Internacional – This part of the island is dedicated to the rich and famous. Huge homes, beautiful beach and lots of money to go around. There is also a really cool fort close to Jureré Internacional that you should check out while you’re in the area.

Santinho Beach – Off the beaten path and a little bit of a task getting there, Santinho is a great spot to escape the crowds. Although there’s a big resort on one end of the beach, if you time it right you’ll have more than enough space to enjoy the beauty of rolling green hills crashing down into the ocean.

Lagoinha do Leste – Absolute paradise. As you saw from the video, it takes a little while to get there, but that makes it all the better. Come during high season and you’ll have to share the space with surfers… a small price to pay for perfection. Here’s a map of the best beaches in Florianopolis Also…

Floripa Nightlife: Outside of having some of the best beaches in Brazil, Florianopolis is famous for its incredible nightlife. Whether it’s “Fields” downtown or Pacha in Jureré, it is incredible. You’ll need beach after partying until 6, 7, 8 in the morning.

Floripa Food:  For some of the freshest oysters you’ll ever have, head down to Box 32 in Floripa’s central market. Otherwise, there’s plenty of fresh seafood and traditional Brazilian food around the beaches. However, beach bodies are priority number one, so make good choices (or throw up after).

I loved Florianopolis, more so than I thought I would to be honest. Coming from Rio de Janeiro, I didn’t know if I’d be that impressed with the beaches and nightlife like everyone said I would. Well, I’m happy to say, I was wrong and I was definitely in awe of all the beauty (and beauties) this island offers.

Next time I’m coming back during peak season to experience all the beach parties and holiday energy! Until then, I’ll hang on to the memories of my first trip…

Watch Episode #2 of “Travel Deeper Brazil” Now on YouTube

Gareth

My name is Gareth Leonard, a Marketing Director turned World Traveler with a passion for slow, meaningful travel. I have been traveling the world full-time for the past 9+ years and document it all on Instagram and YouTube. Come join me!