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Florianópolis Travel
Florianópolis travel tips Photo: Larissa Fraga · CC BY 3.0

Plan

Florianópolis travel tips

What is worth knowing before you reach the island, so you enjoy more and spend less time in traffic.

Updated on October 7, 2026 ✓ Information checked on October 6, 2026 adapted from the Portuguese original

These are the tips that make the biggest difference on a trip to Florianópolis.

Planning

  1. Pick your base by region. The North, the Lagoa, the East and the South each have a different feel. See where to stay.
  2. One region per day. Group your outings so you do not cross the island several times.
  3. Start early in summer. Roads and parking lots fill up from mid-morning.
  4. Have a plan B for rain. See Florianópolis on a rainy day.

Beaches

  1. Calm water in the North, waves in the East and South. Choose the beach by what you want to do. See beaches.
  2. Lifeguards and flags are your guide to going into the sea.
  3. Water quality: check the IMA/SC bathing water bulletin (balneabilidade).

Experiences worth having

  1. A sunset over the sea at Santo Antônio de Lisboa, on the west side of the island.
  2. Oysters in Ribeirão da Ilha. See Florianópolis oysters.
  3. The bridge lit up at night: the Hercílio Luz Bridge.
  4. A hike: Lagoinha do Leste is the most famous trail.

Good manners on the island

  • On the dunes, stay on the marked areas. The vegetation holds the sand in place.
  • In protected areas such as Campeche Island, follow the rules and take your trash back with you.
  • In fishing villages, respect the space around the boats and nets.

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