Introduction
Florianópolis, or simply Floripa for those in the know, is the kind of destination that wins everyone over: paradisiacal beaches, mouthwatering cuisine, living history on every corner, and a unique energy that blends big city life with small-town charm.
And you know what the best part about planning your trip now is? Outside of peak season, the city is... less busy, The coastline takes on an exclusive air, and the weather is already warm and sunny. It's as if the Magic Island was prepared just for you.
If you only have 3 days in Florianópolis, Don't worry, there's plenty to enjoy! We've prepared an itinerary that combines culture, history, beaches, hiking, and of course, great food. But note: these are just a few options. There are many other incredible experiences for you to discover in the tab. “What to do” from our website.
Day 1 – Historic Center: Culture, Flavors, and an Unforgettable Sunset
Your first day in Florianópolis deserves to begin with an immersion in the city's history and culture. After all, there's nothing better than understanding where all the charm that the island still carries today comes from.
Museum of Florianopolis
Start by Museum of Florianopolis, an innovative space that unites past, present and future in one place. Unlike traditional museums, it uses technology and interactivity to tell the story of the city. There you will immerse yourself in exhibitions that show how Florianópolis was built, occupied and transformed over time.
And the best part: the museum is housed in a historic townhouse that was formerly the Town Hall and Jail, dating back to 1771. In other words, you learn about the city within a living piece of its history.
Tip: Allow at least 1 hour to explore the rooms and also take advantage of the museum's café.
🎟️ Ticket: R$10.00 per person
⏰ Hours: Tuesday to Friday, 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM | Saturday, 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM | Sunday and Monday: Closed
📍 Praça XV de Novembro – Centro, Florianópolis – SC
Praça XV de Novembro and Metropolitan Cathedral
Leaving the museum, you're already at... Praça XV de Novembro, the beating heart of the historic center. Here you'll find the famous Centennial Fig Tree, the setting for many stories and one of the most photographed spots in the city.
Facing the square is the Metropolitan Cathedral of Our Lady of Exile, Built in the 18th century, it's a true architectural gem and one of the city's oldest landmarks. Don't miss going inside: besides its religious significance, the interior holds works of sacred art and impressive details.
🎟️ Admission: Free
📍 Rua Padre Miguelinho, 55 – Centro, Florianópolis – SC
Cruz e Sousa Palace and surrounding museums
In the same square you will find the Cruz e Sousa Palace, a pink 19th-century mansion that now houses the Santa Catarina Historical Museum. It's worth visiting not only for its collection, but also for its incredible architecture and perfect photo opportunities.
Just a few steps away, other museums complete the cultural route: the Victor Meirelles Museum, dedicated to the famous painter from Santa Catarina, and himself Museum of Florianopolis. Everything is very close by, perfect for a walk.
🎟️ Admission: Free (Except for the Florianópolis Museum)
⏰ Hours: Tuesday to Friday, 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM | Saturday, 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM | Sunday and Monday: Closed
📍 Praça XV de Novembro, 227 – Centro, Florianópolis – SC
Public Market: lunch and local culture
Time to satisfy your hunger! The Florianópolis Public Market It's a must-see. A historic space, full of life, music, little shops and, of course, lots of good food. Here you can find everything from the classic shrimp pastry to complete dishes with fresh seafood.
The atmosphere is relaxed, perfect for soaking up the local energy. If you're lucky, you might even find live music playing in the central courtyard.
🎟️ Admission: Free
⏰ Hours: Monday to Friday, 7am to 10pm | Saturday and Sunday, 7am to 5pm
📍 Rua Jerônimo Coelho, 60 – Centro, Florianópolis – SC
Hercílio Luz Bridge and Santana Fort: iconic landmarks of Florianópolis.
In the afternoon, walk to the Hercílio Luz Bridge, The North Bay Bridge, one of the city's greatest symbols, was inaugurated in 1926 and was the world's largest suspension bridge at the time. Today, it is fully restored. Crossing it on foot is an incredible experience, offering panoramic views of the North Bay.
Next, proceed to the Santana Fort, Built in 1761 to protect the city, the bridge offers one of the most beautiful views of the city and is an excellent spot to watch the sunset. Beyond its historical significance, the location also provides one of the most beautiful views of the bridge.
Santana Fort
🎟️ Admission: Free
⏰ Hours: Daily, 9 AM to 5 PM
📍 CC4P+VR – Downtown, Florianópolis – SC
Dinner at Rita Maria's Warehouse
To end the first day, we suggest having dinner at Rita Maria Warehouse. Housed in old 19th-century warehouses, the space has been restored and today brings together a variety of restaurants, breweries, and even a beer garden. A perfect mix of history, gastronomy, and modernity.
📍 Al. Annita Hoepcke da Silva – Centro, Florianópolis – SC
Day 2 – East of the Island: lagoon, dunes and famous beaches
The second day is for immersing yourself in nature and exploring one of Florianópolis' most famous regions: the East of the Island.
Church of Our Lady of the Conception and historic paving
Start with the charming Church of Our Lady of the Conception of the Lagoon, Built in 1780 on Morro da Lagoa, in addition to its architectural beauty, the surrounding area boasts a historic cobblestone pavement, perfect for those who enjoy walking tours with a cultural touch.
🎟️ Admission: Free
⏰ Hours: Tuesday to Friday, 8 AM to 12 PM | Saturday, 3 PM to 7 PM | Sunday, 8 AM to 9:30 PM | Monday: Closed
📍 Rua Francisca Luiza Vieira, 220 – Lagoa da Conceição, Florianópolis – SC
Lagoa da Conceição: town center and handicrafts
Go down to the small center of Lagoa da Conceição, full of little shops, bars and cafes. On Saturdays, there's also a local craft fair where you can find unique souvenirs.
Lunch at Costa da Lagoa
Next, the suggestion is to board a small boat heading towards... Lagoon Coast, a community on the edge of the lagoon accessible only by trail or boat. The trip itself is a spectacle, but the destination also offers restaurants with fresh seafood.
Here we have a detailed text about this unique experience in Florianópolis! SEE HERE!
Afternoon at the Joaquina Dunes
In the afternoon, go to the Joaquina Dunes, a natural playground of white sand. Besides the incredible view, you can venture into sandboard. A fun experience that provides lots of laughs and photos.
And since you're in the area, don't forget to stop by... Joaquina Beach, famous for its perfect waves for surfing and cinematic scenery.
🎟️ Sandboard rentals around R$20.00 to R$30.00 per board.
Dinner at Desterro Bar and Hamburger Restaurant
To end the day, the Desterro Bar and Burger Joint, Located in the heart of Lagoa, this spot is the perfect choice. With artisanal burgers, vegetarian options, and signature cocktails, the relaxed atmosphere perfectly matches the vibe of the East side of the island.
⏰ Hours: Daily, 5:45 PM to 11:45 PM
📍 Rua Manoel Severino de Oliveira, 680 – Lagoa da Conceição, Florianópolis – SC
Day 3 – Trails and sea: adventure in Barra da Lagoa
If you come to Floripa and don't at least do a trail, Wrong! 😅 The island is famous precisely for combining nature, adventure, and breathtaking landscapes — and here are some of the highlights! 3 of our favorite trails for you to choose from., Each with a different style, but all with the same promise: unforgettable views and direct contact with the true essence of the Magic Island.
1) Boa Vista Trail
A Boa Vista trail It's the perfect option for those seeking a bit more adventure without sacrificing cinematic visuals. It's approximately... 2.8 km long, with climbs that require stamina, but which are totally rewarded by the viewpoints scattered along the way.
During the hike, you'll find natural stopping points on huge rocks, from where you can see the beaches of the East, such as Soft, Cruet It is Joaquina, in addition to Conceição Lagoon With its emerald green waters and dunes in the background, it's the kind of landscape that looks like a painting!
And the grand prize comes at the end: the trail leads to... Galheta beach, One of the most preserved beaches on the island, accessible only on foot. The feeling of arriving on foot and finding a crystal-clear sea, surrounded by cliffs and forest, is simply indescribable. It's the ideal place to relax, take a refreshing swim, and feel the wild energy of Florianópolis.
Tip: Go early, bring water, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes. The trail is quite exposed to the sun, and on hot days, the heat can intensify the challenge. But don't be discouraged: even with the effort, the reward is worth every step!
🎟️ Admission: Free
⏰ Schedule: Flexible, every day
📍 Starting point after the suspension bridge over the Barra da Lagoa Canal – Florianópolis – SC
2) Prayer Dolmen Trail
If you're looking for a faster, yet equally memorable option, then... Prayer Dolmen Trail That's the place to go. It starts near the Barra Fortress, in the parking lot of the Rancho de Canoa Restaurant, and it only has... 400 meters long. Although short, it's a steep climb that leads to the top of a hill full of mysteries.
The highlight is in the calls. “sacred stones”, which scholars believe have been used for centuries as markers of solstices and equinoxes. This transforms the trail into an experience that blends nature, history and spirituality. Upon arrival, you'll feel the unique atmosphere of the place—it's not uncommon to find groups meditating.
From above, the famous Whale Lookout delivers a 360° view of Lagoon of CoConception, From the dunes and beaches to the open sea, it's a magnificent landscape that makes anyone feel small in the face of the island's immensity.
Tip: because it is an area administered by IMMA Floripa, the visit It needs to be booked in advance.. Booking is simple and ensures the space is preserved and groups are controlled, offering a more relaxed and organized experience. So don't leave it until the last minute! Also, take your time, enjoy every detail of the landscape, and don't forget your camera: this is one of the most photogenic spots in the city.
🎟️ Ticket: R$ 20.00
⏰ Hours: Daily, 9am to 5pm (advance booking required through IMMA Floripa)
📍 Rua Laurindo José de Souza, 188 – Fortaleza da Barra da Lagoa, Florianópolis – SC
3) Natural Pools of Barra da Lagoa – easy trail with swimming in crystal-clear waters
If you're looking for something light, refreshing, and relaxing, go for... Natural Pools of Barra da Lagoa. Access is via a short and easy trail that begins at the corner of Barra da Lagoa Beach. Within a few minutes' walk, you reach a rocky headland bathed by crystal-clear waters, forming true natural pools.
The place is simply magical: the rocks create small "bathtubs" where the seawater enters calm and transparent, perfect for snorkel. Colorful little fish swim among the rocks, and the atmosphere has that hidden paradise feel that only those who have been there understand.
It's the kind of trip that's accessible to everyone, ideal for families with children, as well as couples. Plus, the hike itself is an attraction: the trail is surrounded by typical vegetation and offers beautiful views of the coast.
Tip: prefer to visit at low tide, when the pools are safer and quieter. Bring a snorkeling mask, water, and a quick snack, as there are no facilities on site.
🎟️ Admission: Free
📍 Easy trail starting from Barra da Lagoa Beach – Florianópolis – SC
Regardless of your choice, we're sure: any of these trails will create unforgettable memories.
Conclusion: a glimpse of the Magic Island
And so their story ends. 3 days in FlorianópolisA mix of history, culture, beaches, trails, flavors, and many unforgettable experiences.
But it's important to remember: this itinerary is just a taste of the Magic Island. There are many other incredible tours and experiences that you can check out in the tab. “What to do” from our website.
Floripa is multifaceted: it has beaches and hiking trails, but also gastronomy, museums, culture, and hidden gems known only to locals. Come with time, energy, and above all, an open heart to be enchanted.
Ultimately, Florianópolis is not just a destination: it's an experience you'll cherish forever.
