According to tourists who visited Florianópolis, the must-do activities on a first visit are: 1. Visit Lagoinha do Leste, a natural beach accessible by trails or boat, considered one of the most beautiful in Brazil. 2. Explore Naufragados, a secluded beach at the southern tip, accessible on foot via a jungle trail. 3. Stroll through Santo Antônio de Lisboa, a neighborhood with Azorean heritage, colonial houses, and a notable seafood route. 4. Enjoy Lagoa da Conceição, the social heart of the island, a gateway to beaches, dunes, and trails. 5. Venture into the Dunas da Joaquina for sandboarding with ocean views, a unique adventure experience.
The top-rated activities by tourists in Florianópolis are: 1. Hiking to Lagoinha do Leste, a trek through native jungle to reach one of Brazil's most pristine beaches (trail duration: 1 to 1.5 hours). 2. Sandboarding at Dunas da Joaquina, experiencing the thrill of sliding down sand dunes with spectacular ocean views (board rentals available on-site). 3. Seafood tasting in Santo Antônio de Lisboa, enjoying the rich local culinary offerings in a historic neighborhood (one of the best seafood routes in Florianópolis). 4. Surfing at Praia Mole or Joaquina, taking surf lessons or simply watching surfers at beaches known for their waves. 5. Exploring Costa da Lagoa, accessing trails and waterfalls in this lagoon area, ideal for gentle hikes and enjoying local cuisine (accessible only by boat).
From Florianópolis, you can take the following day trips: 1. Ilha do Campeche: Ferry or boat from various beaches (e.g., Armação, Campeche), featuring white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and archaeological sites with rock inscriptions. 2. Ribeirão da Ilha: A short drive or public transport from the center, with historic architecture, oyster production, and seafood cuisine. 3. Balneário Camboriú: Approximately 80 km (1.5 hours by car or bus), with urban beaches, theme parks, a cable car, and nightlife.
It is recommended to spend at least 3 days in Florianópolis to see the key points. 5 days are ideal for a more relaxed exploration, including hiking and some excursions. A week allows for a complete immersion, visiting more remote beaches and enjoying local cuisine and culture. The island is large, and attractions are spread out, so the ideal duration depends on your desired travel pace and interest in specific activities like surfing, hiking, or gastronomy.
The high season is from December to March, with hot weather (temperatures between 28°C and 35°C) and very high prices. The low season is from June to September, with cooler and drier weather (temperatures between 15°C and 22°C) and lower prices, ideal for saving. The ideal season is from April to May and from September to November, offering a balance of pleasant weather (temperatures between 20°C and 28°C), fewer crowds, and moderate prices, with possible discounts outside the high season.
Florianópolis has a moderate cost level. The estimated daily budget is $60-100 USD for backpackers, $100-180 USD for a mid-range budget, and $180+ USD for a comfort budget. Reference costs are: average restaurant meal $13-18 USD (R$70-100), budget meal $5-9 USD (R$30-50), public transport $1 USD (R$7), average attraction entry $10-20 USD, budget accommodation per night $15-27 USD (R$80-150), and mid-range accommodation per night $54-145 USD (R$300-800). An example budget for 5 days is around $400-700 USD. Florianópolis is moderately expensive in Brazil, comparable to other popular destinations but generally more affordable than São Paulo.
The beaches of Florianópolis and its natural trails are freely accessible. The historic center and the waterfront can also be explored at no cost. The Free Walking Tour Florianópolis, based on voluntary tips, offers tours of the historic center. For guided tours, Tur.com highlights: Sandboarding en Dunas da Joaquina from USD 7, Transporte público local from USD 1.35, Snorkel en Praia do Campeche from USD 15, Clase de Surf (grupo) from USD 35.
