Introduction
When you think about visiting Florianópolis, the first question that comes to mind is: how many days do you need to see everything? The answer varies depending on what you like. If you’re the type of person who loves to relax on the beach, a few days might be enough. But if you’re looking for adventure or cultural experiences, you’ll want more time. In this article, we’ll give you some tips on itineraries and unmissable activities to help you decide on the best time for your trip.
A weekend in Florianópolis (2 days)
If you only have a weekend, you can still enjoy some of the island’s best attractions. Here’s a suggested itinerary:
Day 1: Beach and Gastronomy
- Start the day at Joaquina beach. It is famous for its waves and the beauty of the landscape. Take the opportunity to take a dip and relax on the sand.
- For lunch, how about trying a delicious shrimp dish at one of the restaurants on Avenida das Rendeiras or in the city center? Conceição Lagoon? It's one of the region's specialties!
- In the afternoon, continue on Conceição Lagoon. You can walk or cycle along Avenida das Rendeiras, go kayaking, go on an adventure in the dunes or simply stroll through the shops and cafes. Don't forget to take some photos there!
- To end the day, choose a restaurant in the Campeche, Big Stream or in Santa Monica, all close to Conceição Lagoon and enjoy typical seafood dishes or the diverse gastronomy found in Floripa.
Day 2: Culture and History
- Start the day by visiting the Historic Center of Florianópolis. In addition to visiting the museums (such as the Museum of Florianopolis or the Historical Museum of Santa Catarina), stop by Public market, where you will find everything from crafts to delicious food.
- In the afternoon, go up to the Viewpoint of Morro da Cruz. The view from up there is simply incredible, and the sunset is breathtaking!
Three to four days in Florianópolis
With three or four days, you can explore much more. In addition to what we've already mentioned, consider:
- Lesser known beaches: Set aside a day to discover less touristy beaches, such as Caldeira Beach, with its perfect waves for surfing, or the tranquility of Lagoinha do Leste Beach, accessible by trail.
- Trails and Nature: Make the Lagoa Coast Trail. This trail, approximately 5.75 km long, is mostly flat. And, in addition to passing historical sites, it also passes through a local community and a beautiful waterfall. Along the way, you will find restaurants with incredible cuisine right on the riverbank. Conceição Lagoon. And, if you prefer, you can return or arrive by boat, enjoying the scenery along the way.
One week in Florianópolis (7 days)
If you have a week to spare, you can delve into the beauty of Floripa. In addition to the activities mentioned above, here are some more suggestions:
- Water adventures: Try surfing lessons at Mole Beach or Stand Up Paddle in Conception Lake.
- Environmental Education: Be sure to visit the Tamar project, which protects sea turtles, or the otter project. These are educational and super cool experiences, especially if you are traveling with children.
- Gastronomic explorations: Meet Saint Anthony of Lisbon with the Feira das Alfaias and take the opportunity to buy unique souvenirs. Also, be sure to try the local delicacies, such as the famous grilled mullet and seafood rice, which are mouth-watering!
- Boat trips: Set aside a day to take a boat trip to see the Fortresses of Santo Antonio de Ratones It is Santa Cruz de Anhatomirim (located in the municipality of Governador Celso Ramos).
- Beaches from North to South: Dedicate a day to exploring the beaches of the North, such as Jurerê Internacional It is Praia do Santinho, and another day to get to know the ones in the South, like Matadeiro beach and the Solitude Beach.
Beyond Florianópolis!
Florianópolis is a complete destination, but did you know that neighboring cities also offer incredible experiences? If you have more days, the Greater Florianópolis Region is full of natural beauty and unique attractions that will make your trip even more complete. Let's take a look at some options?
warm waters (36 km from Florianópolis): If you love waterfalls, you can't miss this Salto River Waterfall. Located amidst lush nature, it is the perfect destination for a day of adventure or a refreshing dip. The region is also known for its thermal waters, ideal for relaxing.
Alfredo Wagner (112 km from Florianópolis): alfredo wagner enchants with its natural beauty, and the Poço Certo Cave is one of the most impressive spots. This natural formation is ideal for those who enjoy ecotourism and love exploring unique and surprising places.
angelina (68 km from Florianópolis): For those seeking a moment of peace and spirituality, the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Angelina It is an unmissable stop. This space of faith and tranquility has a beautiful Stations of the Cross and lots of nature around it!
Biguaçu (26 km from Florianópolis): For fans of trails and waterfalls, the Buraca Waterfall trail in Bigaçu It's a great program. The hike is of moderate difficulty, and at the end, you are rewarded with a beautiful waterfall.
Garopaba (88 km from Florianópolis): From July to November, Garopaba becomes one of the main whale watching spots in Brazil. Just imagine the thrill of seeing these giants of the sea swimming close to the coast! The city's beaches are the perfect setting for this incredible experience.
Santo Amaro da Empress (30 km from Florianópolis): Santo Amaro is famous for its thermal waters, perfect for those seeking total relaxation. But if you are the type who likes adrenaline, the rafting on the Cubatão River is also an excellent choice, combining adventure and nature in an unforgettable experience.
San Pedro de Alcantara (35 km from Florianópolis): For those who love cycling, Saint Peter of Alcantara offers a cycling circuit incredible, where you can explore stunning landscapes and experience the history of the first German colony in Santa Catarina.
These are just a few examples of what Greater Florianópolis has to offer beyond its capital. If you have time, it’s worth exploring these neighboring municipalities and discovering new experiences. And the best part: there are many other attractions that you can check out in the “Region” from our website.
Conclusion
So, how many days is the ideal time to spend in Florianópolis? That depends on what you want to do and your travel style. A weekend can give you a taste of what the island has to offer, while a week will allow you to explore everything at your leisure. And remember: these are just a few suggestions. Many more activities are available under the “what to do” from our website!
Floripa is a place that promises unforgettable moments, so pack your bags, choose your itinerary and come discover everything that the Magic Island has to offer. Enjoy your trip!
