Grande Florianópolis Travel Guide

Discover the best things to do, places to visit, food to eat, where to stay, and more in Grande Florianópolis. Plan your trip with our comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to Grande Florianópolis

Grande Florianópolis is a beautiful region located in the state of Santa Catarina, in southern Brazil. The region includes Florianópolis Island, as well as several mainland cities such as São José, Palhoça, and Biguaçu. Known for its stunning beaches, rich history, and vibrant culture, Grande Florianópolis has something to offer for every type of traveler.

Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or just a relaxing beach vacation, Grande Florianópolis has it all. In this guide, we’ll cover some of the top things to do and places to visit in the area, along with recommendations for where to stay, what to eat, and how to get around.

List of Places to Visit in Grande Florianópolis

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Casa da Alfândega: a historic building that was once used as a customs house and now houses a museum showcasing the history of Santa Catarina.
  • Forte Santo Antônio de Ratones: a colonial fort built in the 18th century, now turned into a museum.
  • Museu Histórico de Santa Catarina: a museum that tells the story of Santa Catarina through exhibits and artifacts.
  • Ponte Hercílio Luz: a landmark bridge and symbol of Florianópolis, offering stunning panoramic views of the city and the bay.

Natural Attractions of Grande Florianópolis: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Campeche Island: a secluded island with turquoise waters and a pristine beach, accessible by boat from the mainland.
  • Lagoinha do Leste: a remote beach accessible only by hiking trail, offering breathtaking views of the ocean and the surrounding hills.
  • Praia Mole: a popular beach known for its great surfing and lively atmosphere.
  • Serra do Tabuleiro State Park: a vast protected area with hiking trails, waterfalls, and abundant wildlife.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Grande Florianópolis

  • Trilha do Morro do Lampião: a moderate hiking trail that leads to the summit of Morro do Lampião, offering panoramic views of the island.
  • Trilha da Lagoinha do Leste: a challenging hiking trail that takes you through dense forests and steep cliffs to the secluded beach of Lagoinha do Leste.
  • Ciclovia Beira-Mar: a scenic bike path that runs along the waterfront in Florianópolis, connecting several beaches and parks.

Best Things to Do in Grande Florianópolis: Activities and Tours

  • Surfing lessons: with some of the best waves in Brazil, Grande Florianópolis is a great place to learn how to surf.
  • Kayaking: explore the mangrove swamps and lagoons of the region on a guided kayak tour.
  • Scuba diving: discover the colorful marine life and underwater caves of Campeche Island with a scuba diving excursion.
  • Stand-up paddleboarding: glide across the calm waters of Lagoa da Conceição on a stand-up paddleboarding excursion.

Week-Long Itinerary for Grande Florianópolis

Day 1 Visit the historic center of Florianópolis, Casa da Alfândega, and the Mercado Público.
Day 2 Explore the beaches of the east coast, including Praia Mole and Joaquina.
Day 3 Hike the Trilha do Morro do Lampião for panoramic views of the island.
Day 4 Take a boat tour to Campeche Island for swimming and snorkeling.
Day 5 Learn to surf on one of the region’s top surfing beaches.
Day 6 Visit the colonial fort of Forte Santo Antônio de Ratones and the nearby beaches of Santo Antônio de Lisboa.
Day 7 Relax on the secluded beach of Lagoinha do Leste and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Food and Drink Scene of Grande Florianópolis

Must-Try Dishes

  • Moqueca de peixe: a delicious seafood stew made with fresh fish, tomatoes, peppers, and coconut milk.
  • Feijoada: a hearty stew made with black beans and various cuts of meat, typically served with rice and farofa.
  • Pastel de camarão: a savory pastry filled with shrimp, cheese, and other ingredients.
  • Brigadeiro: a traditional Brazilian dessert made with condensed milk and chocolate.

Local Beverages

  • Cachaça: a distilled spirit made from sugarcane, often mixed with lime and sugar to make a caipirinha.
  • Chopp: a draft beer served in many bars and restaurants throughout the region.
  • Mate: a traditional tea made from the yerba mate plant, often consumed cold with ice and citrus fruits.

Where to Stay in Grande Florianópolis: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Sofitel Florianópolis: a luxurious hotel located in the heart of Florianópolis, with stunning views of the bay and the city.
  • Hostel Way2go: a budget-friendly hostel located near the beaches of Joaquina and Campeche.
  • Pousada Rota dos Ventos: a charming guesthouse nestled in the hills of Santo Antônio de Lisboa, offering panoramic views of the ocean.

What to Buy in Grande Florianópolis: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Handicrafts: browse the local markets for handmade pottery, textiles, and other traditional crafts.
  • Cachaça: bring home a bottle of the region’s famous sugarcane spirit.
  • Oysters: the region is known for its delicious oysters, which can be found fresh in many seafood restaurants.

Local Culture and Customs of Grande Florianópolis

Grande Florianópolis has a rich cultural heritage, influenced by its indigenous, colonial, and immigrant roots. The region celebrates several traditional festivals throughout the year, such as the Festa de São João in Santo Antônio de Lisboa and the Festa do Divino in Florianópolis. Visitors are encouraged to respect local customs and traditions, and to participate in cultural events to learn more about the region’s history and people.

Best Time to Visit Grande Florianópolis

The best time to visit Grande Florianópolis is during the summer months, from December to March, when the weather is warm and sunny. However, this is also the busiest time of the year, so expect crowds and higher prices. For a quieter and more affordable trip, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons of spring (September to November) or fall (April to June).

Do’s and Don’ts of Grande Florianópolis

Do:

  • Respect the environment and take care to preserve the natural beauty of the region.
  • Try the local cuisine and beverages, and ask for recommendations from locals.
  • Learn about the region’s history and culture by visiting museums and attending cultural events.

Don’t:

  • Leave trash on the beaches or in natural areas.
  • Ignore local customs and traditions, such as dress codes or religious practices.
  • Engage in risky behavior, such as hiking alone in remote areas or participating in water sports without proper instruction or supervision.

Safety and Health

Safety in Grande Florianópolis

Grande Florianópolis is a relatively safe region, but visitors should still take precautions to avoid theft and other crimes. Avoid leaving valuables in plain sight, especially on the beaches, and be aware of your surroundings at all times. If you plan to hike or explore remote areas, consider hiring a local guide and carrying a cell phone for emergencies.

Health in Grande Florianópolis

The health care system in Brazil is generally good, but visitors should still take steps to protect their health during their trip. Make sure your routine vaccinations are up to date, and consider getting vaccinations for hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and yellow fever. Use insect repellent and protective clothing to avoid mosquito bites, which can transmit diseases such as dengue fever and Zika virus.

Getting to Grande Florianópolis: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Grande Florianópolis

  • Hercílio Luz International Airport (FLN): located on Florianópolis Island, with several daily flights from major cities in Brazil and some international destinations.
  • Navegantes International Airport (NVT): located about 100 km north of Florianópolis, with connections to several Brazilian cities.

Bus Stations Near Grande Florianópolis

  • Terminal Rodoviário Rita Maria: the main bus station in Florianópolis, with connections to cities throughout Brazil.
  • Terminal Rodoviário de São José: located in São José, with connections to cities in the region.

Other Options

  • Rental car: several car rental companies operate at the airports and in the cities of Grande Florianópolis.
  • Private transfer: some hotels and tour operators offer private transfers from the airport or bus station to your accommodations.

How to Get Around in Grande Florianópolis

Grande Florianópolis has a good transportation system, with buses and taxis serving all the main cities and tourist destinations. In the city of Florianópolis, there is also a bike-sharing program called “Bike Anjo” that allows visitors to rent bikes for short trips. For longer excursions, such as hiking or exploring remote areas, consider hiring a car or a local guide.

Where to Go Next from Grande Florianópolis: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Blumenau: a charming German-influenced city located about 150 km north of Florianópolis, known for its Oktoberfest celebrations and traditional architecture.
  • Beto Carrero World: an amusement park located about 90 km north of Florianópolis, featuring roller coasters, shows, and other family-friendly attractions.
  • Serra Gaúcha: a scenic mountain region located about 300 km south of Florianópolis, known for its wine production, chocolate factories, and winter sports opportunities.

Conclusion

Grande Florianópolis is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to southern Brazil. Whether you’re looking for natural beauty, history and culture, or just a relaxing beach vacation, the region has something to offer for everyone. With this guide in hand, you’ll be able to plan an unforgettable trip to this stunning region of Brazil.



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