Florianopolis Attractions

Florianopolis is an island. Understand this, and you'll see why many of our top picks for things to do here are "praias" (beaches). Come here looking for museums, haute cuisine, or architectural marvels, and you might be disappointed. Come with a beach blanket, an umbrella, and a pair of Havaianas, and you'll be well prepared for what Floripa has to throw at you.

If you're into surfing and watersports, even better. Praia Joaquina and Lagoa da Conceicao offer up chances for surfing and other nautical activities, respectively. Joaquina in particular, discovered by surfers in the 1970s and never abandoned, is a haven for bros and babes looking to get on the water.

Just want to sit back and relax on the beach? Campeche is a classic example of Brazilians' laissez faire attitude to soaking in the sun on the shore. Isolated, remote Naufragados offers superb vistas and the chance to commune with nature. Not isolated enough, you say? Then Ilha do Campeche (Campeche Island), is for you.

Ok, so Praia Mole might be more about status and strut than sitting on your lazy butt, but it's still a beach, and it also has a nightlife all its own. It's also close enough to Lagoa da Conceicao's bars and restaurants to serve as an excellent starting point for your nocturnal agenda.

We've also included iconic Hercilio Luz bridge here in case you really can't (or don't want to) make it to the beach, or are a history buff. You can also get your bearings on the island with a hike to the top of Morro da Cruz (Cross Hill) or a jaunt around the island in a schooner.

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