If you're planning a trip to Florianópolis and are unsure which area to choose for accommodation, know that you're not alone. This is undoubtedly one of the most common questions for those visiting the Magic Island for the first time—and also for those who have been before and want to experience something different.
When the subject is North of the Island, Doubt turns into curiosity: after all, why is this region so famous? Why do Argentinians, Uruguayans, and Paraguayans choose the north every summer with such joy? And why do so many people who come once end up returning there?
We'll explain all of this to you — the way a friend who lives on the island would, without beating around the bush. With the pros, the cons, the golden tips, and everything you need to know to decide if the North of the Island is the right choice for your trip.
Where is the North of the Island located?
The North of the Island is one of the most extensive and diverse regions of Florianópolis. Unlike other parts of the city, the north is not just one neighborhood or one beach—it is a collection of beaches, neighborhoods, and experiences that are completely different from each other, but all share the same geographical area at the top of the island.
Among the main neighborhoods and beaches that make up the region are:
- Canasvieiras — the queen of mass tourism, with calm seas and complete infrastructure;
- Jurerê Internacional — the most popular and sophisticated in Brazil, with famous beach clubs;
- Traditional Jurerê — next to the International Avenue, but much quieter and more residential;
- English Beach — extensive, bustling, and with excellent infrastructure for families;
- Santinho Beach — rustic, with dunes and rock inscriptions from prehistoric civilizations;
- Brave Beach — for surfers, with powerful waves and stunning views;
- Ponta das Canas It is Lagoinha — peaceful hideaways for those seeking true tranquility;
- Bom Jesus Waterfall — for families, shallow and perfect for young children;
Geographically, the North of the Island is located at an average distance of 30 to 40 minutes from downtown Florianópolis, ...depending on exactly where you're staying. During peak season, traffic can significantly increase this time—but we'll talk more about that later.
Advantages of staying in the North of the Island
The sea is calm like a swimming pool (and warm!)
This is perhaps the biggest distinguishing feature of the North of the Island: the beaches facing the North Bay have calm, warm, and shallow waters that resemble a giant swimming pool. Canasvieiras, Daniela, Ponta das Canas, Bom Jesus Waterfall It is Lagoinha These are perfect examples of that.
You know when you go to the beach with your family and the child gets nervous because the waves are big? In the north, this problem practically doesn't exist. The water comes in gently, it's shallow for a long stretch, and the color is that transparent blue-green that makes you want to stay in it for hours.
For families with young children, the elderly, or anyone who simply prefers a peaceful swim in the sea, the North of the Island is hard to beat.
Tourist infrastructure among the best on the island.
The North of the Island was the first region of Florianópolis to establish itself as a tourist destination — and this is reflected to this day in the infrastructure you find there. It is the region with the highest concentration of hotels, guesthouses, resorts, restaurants, bars, supermarkets, pharmacies, car rental agencies, tour agencies, and everything else a traveler might need.
In neighborhoods such Canasvieiras It is English, Here, you can find practically everything within a few steps. You can spend the whole week without needing a car for basic daily errands.
One region, multiple profiles — there's a beach for every traveler.
What makes the North of the Island unique in Florianópolis is that it houses completely different beach profiles in a relatively compact area.
Looking for glamour and excitement? Jurerê Internacional. Do you want peace and quiet with your family? Traditional Jurerê or Daniela. Do you want rough seas for surfing? Brave Beach or Little Saint.Looking for a secluded and quiet spot? Lagoinha or Ponta das Canas.
In less than 30 minutes by car, you can transition between completely different experiences. That's rare, even in Florianópolis.
Gastronomy that goes far beyond the obvious.
The North of the Island has a surprisingly rich gastronomic scene. In Canasvieiras It is English, Here you'll find options for all budgets and tastes, from restaurants specializing in seafood to snack bars, pizzerias, and international cuisine — after all, the strong presence of tourists from the Southern Cone has created a demand for diversity that the region has embraced.
Nightlife for those who want excitement.
During the summer, the North of the Island is the liveliest region of Florianópolis — especially in Jurerê Internacional It is Canasvieiras. Famous beach clubs, national and international DJs, live shows, parties on the sand... the summer season in the north is practically a non-stop festival.
But you don't need it to be summer to find nightlife there. Canasvieiras It is English They have lively bars and restaurants all year round, and there's always something happening on weekends.
Historical tours that surprise you.
The north of the island holds some of the most important historical landmarks of Florianópolis. Fortress of Sao Jose da Ponta Grossa, built in 1740 and listed as a national historical landmark, is located between Jurerê Internacional and the Praia do Forte. Cannons, walls, and sea views transport you to colonial Brazil.
At Santinho Beach, the Open-Air Archaeological Museum It's a must-see: rock inscriptions engraved by civilizations that inhabited the island approximately five thousand years ago can be seen from a walkway over the rock. Free entry and pure history.
Trails and adventure for the most active.
For those who think the North is just quiet beaches and beach clubs, there's a surprise. Witch Hill Trail, which connects to Brave Beach to the English, This is one of the most popular trails on the island, with breathtaking scenery, native vegetation, and that great feeling of accomplishment at the end.
To the Santinho dunes They are also a must-see stop — you can go sandboarding, admire the sea from a privileged angle, and spend an entire morning exploring.
Where to stay in the North of the Island
The north has a huge variety of accommodations to suit different travel styles. Here are some options by travel style:
For those seeking a complete resort: O Costao do Santinho Resort It's a virtually self-sufficient complex on Santinho Beach, with access to the dunes, swimming pools, restaurants, and top-notch facilities. Ideal for those who want a stay that is the destination itself.
For those seeking glamour and a prime location: The options in Jurerê Internacional These include boutique inns and high-end vacation apartments. The region is expensive, but the experience is unparalleled for those who want to enjoy the island's most vibrant scene.
For families with children: Canasvieiras It is Bom Jesus Waterfall They have a wide range of guesthouses and hotels with good facilities for families, close to the calm sea and with shops nearby. You will find options for different budgets.
For those seeking tranquility with good food nearby: Traditional Jurerê It's a base for those who want tranquility during the day and fine dining at night.
For backpackers and solo travelers: You English They have a wider range of more affordable accommodations, hostels, and vacation rentals. The neighborhood's layout makes getting around on foot easy.
Disadvantages of staying in the North of the Island
Now, let's talk honestly about the other side. Because every place has its less favorable points—and it's better to know them before deciding.
Traffic during peak season: prepare your heart.
This is, without a doubt, the biggest challenge in the North of the Island. During peak season — especially between Christmas and Carnival — the access roads to the north become congested in a way that can test anyone's patience.
SC-401, the main access road to the region, can turn into a parking lot during peak hours. If you plan to leave early for the beach, that's fine. But if you decide to return to the city center in the middle of the afternoon or make an impromptu trip, allow yourself plenty of time. Lots of time.
Outside of peak season, traffic almost completely disappears — and then the north becomes a delight.
Distance from the Center and the East
If you want to explore a lot of Historic center of Florianópolis or the beaches of the East (such as Praia Mole, Joaquina or Conceição LagoonThe North may not be the ideal base. Travel between regions, especially with traffic, can take a considerable amount of time.
Sure, you can take day trips to these regions, but if your priority is to experience the East intensely, it might be worth staying there.
Rough seas on some beaches
Brave Beach It is Little Saint They have strong waves. They are beautiful, no doubt, but they are not ideal for small children or for those seeking calm sea bathing. If you go to the North expecting only calm seas and choose these beaches without researching beforehand, you may be surprised.
The tip is simple: research the beaches beforehand and choose your accommodation according to what you value most. The North has both — you just need to know which one is right for you.
Higher prices in Jurerê Internacional
If the idea is to stay in Jurerê Internacional — especially during peak season —, the price tag can be high. The region is one of the most sought-after in Florianópolis, and accommodation prices reflect this. For those traveling on a tighter budget, it can be difficult to stay in this specific area.
The good news: neighboring neighborhoods like Traditional Jurerê, Daniela or parts of Canasvieiras They offer very good experiences at a more affordable cost.
Intense activity in the summer (which can be pros or cons)
The north of the island receives a huge number of tourists in the summer — especially foreigners from the Southern Cone. This transforms the region into something resembling a small international city for a few months.
For those who enjoy excitement, diversity, and that seasonal energy, it's incredible. For those who want peace and quiet, it might be too much. It all depends on what you're looking for in your trip.
What to do in the North of the Island?
If you decide to stay there, you can put together a rich and varied itinerary without having to leave the region:
- Enjoying the calm sea of Canasvieiras or Daniela with the family
- Visit the Fortress of Sao Jose da Ponta Grossa and delve into colonial history
- Explore the Open-Air Archaeological Museum in Santinho with the rock inscriptions
- To do the Witch Hill Trail between Praia Brava and Ingleses
- Climbing on Santinho Dunes and go sandboarding
- Surfing (or watching surfers) in Brave Beach
- Walking along the length of English Beach at dusk
It's days and days of itinerary without repeating an experience.
For whom is the North of the Island ideal?
- Families with young children that require calm seas and complete infrastructure
- Couples who want sophistication, fine dining and nightlife.
- Groups of friends who want excitement, beach clubs and a lively season
- Surfers who don't give up on the waves
- Travelers who like everything in its place. — supermarket, pharmacy, restaurants within walking distance
- Foreign tourists familiar with the region (especially Mercosur)
- For those who want history and nature. all within the same itinerary
For whom might this not be the best choice?
- Those who want to explore mainly the East or the South (Conceição Lagoon, Praia Mole, Barra da Lagoa, Campeche, Ribeirão da Ilha etc.)
- For those seeking total isolation and empty beaches
- For those who want to stay very close to the historic center.
- Those who travel during peak season on a limited budget and want Jurerê Internacional specifically
- For those who can't stand traffic (during peak season)
So… is it worth it?
It's definitely worth it — but it depends on what you want from your trip.
The North of the Island is the most versatile region of Florianópolis. Nowhere else on the island will you find such a variety of beaches, such complete infrastructure, such a rich history, and such a vibrant nightlife in such an accessible area. That's why the North has won the hearts of generations of travelers—both Brazilian and foreign—and continues to be the number one choice for those who come to the Magic Island.
If you're traveling with family seeking comfort and convenience, the North delivers. If you're traveling with friends wanting excitement and nightlife, the North delivers. If you want history, gastronomy, and landscapes? The North delivers that too.
The point is to know which part of the North is yours. And now you have the information to make that choice with much more confidence.
Ultimately, there is no "best region"—there is only the region that matches the trip you want to experience. And the North of the Island has different versions for different types of travelers.
Which Floripa do you want to live in?
Want to explore other areas of Florianópolis before deciding? Check out our... Complete guide to the island's regions and also our text about Is it worth staying in the East of the Island?.
