Florianopolis Travel Guide: Plan Your Trip to the Magic Island [2024]

FLORIANOPOLIS TRAVEL GUIDE

Florianopolis Brazil: A Quick Look

Florianopolis, Brazil, is one of the best places in Brazil to visit. In this Florianopolis travel guide, you will find everything you need to know, from pre-planning your trip to staying safe. 

You will get a feel for everything you need to pack, to areas that the most popular to stay in. The locals call it ‘Floripa’ and it is commonly known as Magic Island. For an in-depth country guide, see our complete Brazil travel guide.

Whether you are coming to party with friends or relaxing on the beaches with family, Floripa literally has it all. Below you will find the best areas to stay per your goal for the trip, in addition to all of the things to do.

Florianopolis Brazil: Quick travel tips before you go

🛫 Airport: The airport in Florianopolis, Brazil, is called Hercilio Luz International Airport. Its airport code is FLN.

🤑 Currency: Brazilian Real, denoted by the symbol R$

🗣️ Language: Portuguese, English is more common in tourist areas and in hotels. 

🕰️ Time Zone: Brasilia Standard Time (GMT-3). One hour ahead of EST and 4 hours ahead of PST. 

💵 Cost: Affordable when coming from a stronger currency such as the US dollar, Euro or Yen. 

🛜 Internet: Not as fast in comparison to being in the heart of Rio, but not terrible either. It is middle of the road. 

📄 Brazil Visa: As of now, If you are traveling from the United States, Canada, Australia, or Japan, then NO. This could change as of October 1, 2023. Track the status and details here. For EU Nationals, you do NOT need a visa, and you may not be affected by the Oct 1, 2023 change. You can see the details here.

🔌 Power Outlets: In Brazil, there are two associated plug types, Types C and N. Plug type C is the one that has two round pins. Plug type N is the plug that has two round pins and a larger grounding pin. Consider bringing a universal travel adapter to ensure compatibility with these outlets during your travels.

🔋 Power Grid: Great, Brazil operates on a 127/220V supply voltage and 60 Hz. Some of the newer hotels operate at 220V but do not count on this everywhere. 

📳 SIM Card: If you are thinking, do I need a SIM card for Brazil? The answer is for sure, yes. They are inexpensive, and having one in any country you travel to is safer.  

🚘 Car Rentals: Renting a car in Brazil can get a little overwhelming, and some people are a little nervous about driving abroad. However, depending on your trip, it could be the best way to get around.

Florianopolis Brazil: Safety Travel Tips (Use Common Sense)

🍏 Food safety: Food is safe. Use common sense, though, and avoid certain things like grilled shrimp on the beach. 

💧Water safety: Avoid tap water except to brush your teeth. Filtered water and ice are safe. Restaurants usually have filters too. Stick with filtering your water or buying bottled water. Consider using a Water-To-Go Filterable Bottle for convenient access to clean and safe drinking water during your travels.

👷‍♀️ Daytime safety: Most common thing in any tourist area is petty theft. Here are some tips. Ditch designer clothes, purses, and jewelry (including expensive watches. Don’t bury your head in your phone. Only have your phone out when absolutely necessary. 

🦺 Nighttime safety: Use common sense like in any big city you visit. Don’t put valuables in your pocket, don’t walk alone at night, don’t pull your phone out on the street, don’t wear jewelry or watches or expensive purses, and don’t use the metro at night.  

👺 Avoiding scams: Lock up your valuables. Buy your tickets online for sightseeing tours and concerts, not from a street vendor. Book taxis or Uber directly from your apps or hotel. Watch where you withdraw your money, do it at banks and not inside subway stations or stores. Do not leave your drink unattended.

Florianopolis Brazil Travel Tips: A Locals Perspective

🏨 Best neighborhoods for tourists:  Lagoa da Conceicao (group of friends and solo travelers), Canavieiras (families), Santo Antonio de Lisboa (couples), Downtown (best central location), Jurere Internacional (Nightlife)

🎄Top Brazilian holidays and traditions: Carnival, Festa Junina (June Festival), Independence Day (Sete de Setembro), Dia de Finados (Day of the Dead), Christmas

🍜 Local food to try: Pave, cachorro quente, brigadeiro, coxinha, feijoda, pao de quejo, ostra (oysters), polvo (octopus), churrasco

🍹 Local drinks to try (alcoholic): Cachaca, caipirinha, Catuaba

🧉 Local drinks to try (non-alcoholic): Cajuina, chimarrao (hot) and terere (cold), coconut water, guarana, acai juice, garapa or caldo de cana, xiboquinha, 

🚶‍♂️Walkability: Great! You can easily visit most things on foot in just a few hours.

🎉 Nightlife: It is okay. It is not the nightlife of Rio, but it definitely is there in certain neighborhoods. 

😀 Friendly to foreigners: Yes, very welcoming.

🏥 Hospitals: Good, as Florianopolis is the second largest city in the state of Santa Catarina.

🇺🇸 English speaking: In spots, not everywhere.

FLORIANOPOLIS TRAVEL GUIDE

Where is Florianopolis Brazil Located?

Florianopolis Map 

Florianopolis, affectionately known as ‘Floripa’, sits pretty in the southern region of Brazil, on the enchanting island of Santa Catarina. A destination where tropical beauty meets rich cultural heritage!

What State is Florianopolis In? 

Florianopolis, a coastal delight and vibrant capital city, is found within the scenic boundaries of Santa Catarina. This southern state in Brazil is a true gem, sandwiched between Paraná to the north and Rio Grande do Sul to the south, offering access to both magnificent highlands and stunning coastal areas.

What’s the Closest Airport to Florianopolis Brazil?

The closest airport is in Florianopolis, Hercilio Luz International Airport (Code: FLN). The airport is about 20 minutes from to downtown Florianopolis so it is easy to get to. When flying in, you usually have a connection in either Sao Paulo or Rio De Janeiro.

What is the Best Way to Get to Your Florianopolis Hotel?

Once you’ve arrived at Hercílio Luz International Airport (FLN) in Florianopolis, there are a few different options for getting to your hotel.

The simplest, best way to have a hassle-free start to your trip is to organize a private shuttle to your hotel so you do not have to think about it upon landing. If you are more adventurous, then you can do the following. 

💡 Pro Tip: If you are planning to take an Uber, make sure that you have a Brazil SIM card so that you phone operates properly. You never want to depend on free public WIFI for using your ride-share apps. 

You can take a taxi, but MAKE SURE the meter is on to avoid getting scammed. This is something you have to do in every country abroad, and it is no different here. 

Renting a car in Florianopolis is great option. Rental car places are at the airport so it is an easy pickup. This is a solid way to go if you will drive all around the city and surrounding areas. If  this is more of a family trip this also is a great option. If you will be drinking all day every day, then a private shuttle and Ubers are a better play.

How to Get Around Florianopolis?

Ride Sharing (top choice): Ride-sharing services like Uber are popular in Florianopolis. They are cheap and convenient. They’re perfect for navigating the city with the least amount of hassle. 

Rent a Car (top choice): Hiring a car offers ultimate freedom for your Florianopolis adventure. This way, you can explore remote beaches or drive the scenic coastal roads. A rental car offers much more trip flexibility. Just remember to bring your valid driver’s license and be prepared for right-side driving.

Take a Taxi:  In Florianopolis, they are abundant and provide a hassle-free way to get around, though they may cost more. Always make sure the meter is on to prevent getting overcharged.

Get on a Bike: With numerous bicycle lanes, Florianopolis welcomes cyclists. It’s a great way to see the city’s beauty. Bicycle rental shops are plentiful, making it an easy option.

The Ferry (more activity based): Travel by water and enjoy the solid views of the coast. Ferry rides are popular for visiting areas like Santo Antônio de Lisboa and the smaller islands around Florianopolis.

Public transportation (last choice): Florianopolis has a good public transportation system, and it is less expensive, but unless you have to, this may not be the best choice as it is more to navigate and think about. 

When to Go to Florianopolis?

Deciding when to visit Florianopolis depends on what you want out of your trip. Remember, the seasons are opposite of US and Europe so plan accordingly. 

Florianopolis Brazil Summer (December to March): If you want sun, festivals, and beach days, this is your time to go. It will be more crowded with international travelers and Brazilian locals coming from other cities. This is the best season for nightlife.

Summer Carnival: Carnival is one of the most popular festivals in the world. It falls in the Brazilian summer, usually in late February or early March. If you want to experience the craziness of it but not be in a big city like Rio, then Floripa is the next best option. 

Florianopolis Brazil Fall (April and May): If you want a slower pace, autumn/fall offers nice weather and is less crowded. The water is still warm, making it solid for swimming and surfing.

Florianopolis Brazil Winter (June to August): Around this time, there are cooler temperatures and some rainfall, but it’s also a great time to take advantage of Floripa hiking trails and historical sites without the packed house of the summer. 

Florianopolis Brazil Spring (September to November):  Spring is also a good time to go, with the flowers starting to blossom. If you like bird or whale watching, this is the time to go.

Remember, regardless of when you decide to visit, you just can’t go wrong with Florianopolis!

Where to Stay in Florianopolis Brazil? (By Neighborhood)

There are a few different areas to stay in Florianopolis, Brazil. The choice will depend on what kind of trip you are planning. 

The main areas are as follows Lagoa da Conceicao (group of friends and solo travelers), Canavieiras (families), Santo Antonio de Lisboa (couples), Downtown (best central location), Jurere Internacional (nightlife). 

So the first step is deciding the goal for your trip depending on who is going, then search based on that.

Lagoa da Conceicao (Best for Group of Friends and Solo Travelers) 

Lagoa da Conceicao in Florianopolis is ideal for solo travelers and groups. It has good nightlife, lots of good restaurants and outdoor activities. 

Choosing a hotel in this location allows you to be in the middle of the action but also provides easy access to Floripa attractions.

Canavieiras (Best for Families) 

Canasvieiras is a fantastic choice for families visiting Florianopolis. 

Known for its calm waters and sandy beaches, it’s a safe haven for children to swim and play. The district is packed with family-friendly restaurants and shops, and it offers a range of accommodations to suit families of all sizes. 

With its laid-back atmosphere and abundant amenities, staying in Canasvieiras provides you a stress-free, enjoyable family holiday.

Santo Antonio de Lisboa (Best for Couples)

Santo Antonio de Lisboa is an idyllic retreat for couples in Florianopolis. Known for its romantic sunsets, cobblestone streets, and charming colonial architecture, it exudes an enchanting, intimate atmosphere. 

With a variety of cozy seafood restaurants and unique little shops, a stay here offers couples a peaceful, romantic escape away from the city’s bustling center.

Centro or Downtown (Best Central Location) 

Downtown Florianopolis is the heart of the city, making it a good central location for any visitor. With its mix of historical sites, local markets, diverse restaurant options, and solid nightlife, there’s always something to get into. 

Staying here allows easy access to the city’s attractions and transport links, providing an ideal base for your Florianopolis trip.

Jurere Internacional (Best for Nightlife) 

Jurere Internacional is Florianopolis’ hotspot for those seeking a nonstop nightlife scene. This is where the high-end clubs, beachfront bars, and stylish restaurants are. It is pretty much the place to be if you want to party and shop at designer spots. 

Staying in this area places you in the middle of the action, so if your goal for the trip is to party, this is your spot to be.

Best Things to Do in Florianopolis Brazil

• Discover the Beaches: Floripa has over 42 beaches. The top ones to visit are Praia Mole, Campeche, and Joaquina. Each one is unique and offers beach activities. 
• Hit the Historic Centre: This is where you will find older colonial-type buildings, the awesome public market, and the Metropolitan Cathedral. 
• Try Sandboarding: The dunes of Joaquina Beach is where you do this, and is a must try if you and more adventurous. 
• Hike to Morro da Cruz: Here, you will see panoramic views of Floripa. 
• Visit Lagoa da Conceicao (Neighborhood): This area of Floripa has lots of restaurants and shopping. It is also a good spot for water sports. 
• Visit Santo Antonio de Lisboa (Neighborhood): It has lots of colonial buildings and seafood restaurants. It also has quiet beaches and is a good place to watch the sunset. 
• Nightlife at Jurerê Internacional (Neighborhood): This spot is known for its luxury resorts, beach clubs, high-end restaurants, and designer boutique stores. If you are looking for an upscale party vibe, this is the spot. 
• Try Azorean Cuisine in Ribeirao da Ilha: Here, you are going to find local traditional dishes and incredible sunsets. 
• Enjoy Nature at Peri Lagoon: This is a great spot for hiking, bird-watching, and picnicking.
• Go Shopping at Floripa Shopping: You will find a bunch of international brands, local crafts, and unique souvenirs.

Best Florianopolis Tours

Tours in Florianopolis are a great way to see the sites and the surrounding areas. Unless you’re intending to rent a car in Florianopolis, taking a tours is the easiest most cost effective option. You don’t want to be taking Uber or taxis to see all this stuff as it adds up. 

💡 Pro tip: If having a car in Florianopolis seems like a good fit for you, don’t forget another great option is renting a car. 

Below, you’ll find the best tours in Floripa and its surrounding regions. These range from seeing the beaches, to walking tours, to the adventure, food, and nightlife. It is also a fast way to get a feel for the neighborhoods.

💡Pro Tip:  If I am 7 days in a location, I like to first take a tour of neighborhoods to quickly get a feel for where I want to spend the rest of my time. The last thing you want to do is see your favorite spot when you have ½ day left on the trip. 

💡Pro Tip: Do not book tours from anyone on the streets. Book them online. It is better to do it online as it is cheaper than doing it in the hotels. The hotels are the middleman that will take a cut for no reason. 

Tours are a streamlined way to dive into the culture, history, and fun Floripa has to offer without having to plan too much.

Here are the top tours for Floripa: 

• Complete Florianopolis City Tour: This includes a professional guide that will show and explain all of the city’s top sites, including the beaches, markets, and neighborhoods. 
• Florianopolis Historic Center Walking Tour: If you like to walk, this will take you down through the public market, colonial buildings, and the popular Metropolitan Cathedral. 
• Beach Hopping Tours: This tour focuses on Floripa’s 42 beaches. You can focus on just relaxing or doing activities such as sandboarding and surfing. 
• Food and Culinary Tours: If you are a foodie, this is your tour. It will allow you to try traditional Azorean dishes in the area of Ribeirao da Ilha.
• Adventure Tours: If you are more adventurous, then you can do sandboarding at Joaquina dunes, hiking up to Morro da Cruz, or doing water sports at Lagoa da Conceicao. 
• Nightlife Tours: This may be good for solo travelers or indecisive groups that are not sure how to navigate the nightlife in Jurere Internacional and want a little help. 
• Nature and Wildlife Tours: You can visit Peri Lagoon for bird-watching or the Florianopolis Botanical Garden if you like plants. 
• Private Custom Tours: I sometimes like personalizing things and doing a private custom tour. This way you can choose your own itinerary and go at your own pace, not having to worry about a group.

Is Florianopolis Safe for Tourists?

Yes, Florianopolis is considered one of the safest cities in Brazil. This is not to say crime does not happen like in any big city or tourist destination you have to use common sense. 

You’re biggest concern here is the typical petty crime (like theft) in the busy season and around the more popular landmarks. You could be in Paris or Floripa, and the risk of this type of thing is the same. 

The more pre-planning you do, the less of a target you are. 

💡Pro Safety Tips (For any city you travel to) : 

• Keep valuables in two different spots on your person. Keep most of your small valuable stuff in a small thin fanny pack that you can hide underneath your shorts around your waist. Keep what you are willing to lose in another spot on your body. This way if you do get pickpocketed or ever confronted, you only lose a portion that didn’t matter as much. 
• In tourist spots, do not continuously check your pockets where you have your valuables. Petty thieves look for that. 
• Watch out for chaotic situations, like someone spilling a drink on you as a distraction. 
• Ask your hotel what areas to avoid completely and what areas to avoid only on late nights.
• Zero flash like watches, purses, and jewelry.

It’s always important to take normal precautions. Florianopolis generally has a lower crime rate compared to other Brazilian cities. 

Its neighborhoods are well-patrolled, and residents are welcoming toward tourists. That being said, be aware of your surroundings, especially at night or when visiting crowded tourist areas. 

Keeping an eye on your stuff and avoiding poorly lit or deserted areas. It’s always a good idea to check with locals or your hotel staff about any areas to avoid. 

Remember, your safety largely depends on being aware of your surroundings and making smart, PRE PLANNED decisions.

What is the Best Travel Insurance for Brazil?

This is a question that I get a lot, as travel insurance can get confusing. This is a critical part of your trip though so that you do not have to worry when visiting Florianopolis or any other part of the world. 

Figuring out travel insurance can be overwhelming. However, having the right travel insurance coverage is essential for a stress-free trip to Florianopolis, Brazil. The key is to make sure it is simple and flexible. 

To streamline this, we have broken down the best travel insurance companies out there in the industry that are all great but also serve different needs.  

Let’s explore what each of them brings to the table: 

✅ World Nomads: Best for comprehensive coverage, flexibility, AND adventure sports. Covers trip cancellation, emergency medical costs, and emergency medical transportation and protects your travel gear. 

✅ SafetyWing: This is for general travelers, frequent travelers,  and long-term digital nomads in Brazil. Provides lots of flexibility as far as start date, coverage extension, and automatic renewals. It also has limited home-country coverage. 

✅ Travel Insurance Master: Brazil travel insurance search tool, this is for people who really want to compare policies. 

Florianopolis Travel: Frequently Asked Questions

Can you drink the water in Florianopolis Brazil?

The short answer is NO. 

In Florianopolis, Brazil, It is better to avoid unfiltered water. Even though it is treated and typically safe to drink as a visitor, why even take the risk.

Brushing your teeth is fine, but otherwise, I would either get bottled water or bring your own filtered water bottle. 

That being said, many restaurants in Florianopolis use purified water for customers and also to prepare ice, so your cold drinks are usually good to go. Be sure to ask the restaurant, and if not, go back to the bottled water option. 

Also keep in mind, the Brazilian sun is hot and strong so you want to stay hydrated. The last thing you want to do is get sick and ruin your trip because of dehydration. 

So your steps to stay Safe with the water are: 

1. In an AirBnb, boil the water if you do not have bottled water.
2. In a hotel, buy bottled water, but this can get expensive.
3. Get a filtered water bottle that you can refill, and it is free, and you don’t have to worry about something so simple to solve while in Florianopolis, Brazil. Consider bringing along a Water-To-Go Filterable Bottle for convenient access to clean and safe drinking water during your travels.

What’s the Florianopolis Weather Like?

Florianopolis, Brazil, is a tropical climate, which means it has warmer humid summers and more mild winters. 

During the summer, which is from December to March, temperatures range from 24°C to 30°C (75°F to 86°F). It is humid, so be prepared for that. This is the time period when it may rain a bit more. 

In the winter (it does get colder than up North) which is from June to September, the temperatures are much more mild. They are about 10°C and 20°C (50°F to 68°F). There is less rain in the winter, but it still happens. 

The shoulder seasons, fall (April and May) and spring (October and November). The temps are much more moderate, and this can be a time to avoid the heat the colder temperatures of the winter, even though it is still mild, especially if you are from a climate where it snows. 

It really doesn’t matter the season, though, it depends on the type of experience you want. Floripa’s weather, keep in mind, though, changes quickly as it is an island, so it is always good to travel with a light jacket and an umbrella.

Is Florianopolis Expensive?

For tourists from the US and Europe, or any area with that strong of a currency, Florianopolis can seem much cheaper due to the exchange rates. Things like accommodations, food, and transportation can be cheaper compared to what you’d typically pay back home.

Eating out, especially at local spots, will usually cost much less than what you’d expect to pay in a major city in the US or Europe, just due to the favorable exchange rates. 

Keep in mind though, if you want to go to super high-end hotels and beach clubs, it won’t be that much cheaper. However, it still is relative and will be cheaper if you compare high-end to high-end. 

You can also find well-priced local goods and services, including artisanal crafts and guided tours. However, imported goods, upscale dining, and luxury accommodations can be on par with Western prices.

It’s worth mentioning that prices will increase during the peak tourist season, especially when looking at the high-demand areas. So, if you’re traveling on a strict budget, avoiding the summer months will help make your money go further.

Is Florianopolis Worth Visiting?

Absolutely! Florianopolis is a unique Brazil destination that all types of travelers go to. It is an island city, and depending on your goal, you will want to visit it at different times. 

It has something for everyone: hiking, nature, beaches, and nightlife. 

The locals call it Floripa, and it has much more to do beyond just the beaches. You can hike in the rainforest, party until dawn, whale watching, or sail around the island. The tours are phenomenal and can be tailored to the exact trip you want to experience. 

If you are a foodie, then there is fresh seafood galore, traditional local Brazilian barbeque, and oysters that are grown right there in the lagoons. 

The locals are warm and hospitable, and the city is relatively safe compared to other larger cities in Brazil. 

However, If you are not a fan of crowds, then you will want to visit in the shoulder seasons.

How Many Days Do I Need in Florianopolis Brazil?

If you want to experience the beach and do activities like hiking, tours, and surfing, give yourself five to seven full days. This is absolutely mandatory if you are coming in for a festival like Carnival. 

If you only want to go to the beaches still give yourself four full days. There are over 40 beaches, so if you want to see more than the main ones, you will need more days than just two or three. 

I always think of the amount of days I think I will need and then add another day or two to that. This way, you are not rushed in and out of cool places like Floripa.