Hidden Gems of Florianópolis: Why This Destination is a Must-See in Brazil

Florianópolis is a true Brazilian gem, hidden almost 800 kilometers from Rio de Janeiro. Floripa, as the locals call it, has attractions similar to those offered by other large cities in Brazil, but in addition, it has a unique and almost magical charm. Florianópolis is a city that leaves no one indifferent, and this article will tell you all the reasons why you should visit it. Let's dive into this topic.

The Best Things to Do in Florianópolis

Let's explore all the exciting things you can see and do in this incredible Brazilian city, also known as the Magic Island:

Visit Its Amazing Beaches

Believe it or not, there are 42 official beaches that you can explore in Floripa, located along 160 kilometers of coastline. Needless to say, many of them look simply paradisiacal.

 The most popular beaches are Campeche, Lagoinha do Leste and Naufragados in the south, as well as Praia Mole and Joaquina in the east. All of these are great places for long walks, but if you choose to walk from Campeche, one of the longest beaches on the island, you can easily reach Joaquina or Morro das Pedras on foot. 

Visit Local Markets

Conveniently located in the city center, you’ll easily find the Florianópolis local market. It’s the place where both tourists and locals come to buy fresh herbs, fish, fruits, and vegetables. Additionally, you can find many different restaurants and sample some local dishes in the middle of the market.

Street bands playing Brazilian music will make the whole experience even more lively and colorful. If you decide to visit the market, be sure to try the sugarcane juice – a traditional Brazilian drink made from sugar cane. 

Explore Floripa's Nightlife

In addition to its natural wonders, Floripa also offers a variety of options for a fun night out. We're talking about places like Boni's Bar, famous for its delicious shrimp and cold beers; Blues Velvet Bar, with its art exhibitions and vibrant DJ performances; Bar Deriaz, a true paradise for samba enthusiasts; and Café de la Musique, a very popular club in the area, among many others.

And if clubs aren’t really your thing, but you do enjoy a good old-fashioned game of chance, you shouldn’t miss out on the city’s opportunities. Floripa Poker Club is an ideal place for card lovers. Plenty of players, several tables to join and a wide variety of poker games – this place will keep you entertained all night long. Another option is Sharks Sports Bar, one of the best poker clubs in Floripa.

Additionally, if you are interested in sports betting and other casino games, you can try your luck online. Since the state of Santa Catarina is very popular in the sports betting and online casino community, sports betting fans can browse sites such as sportsbetting24.com, which specialize in analyzing and showcasing the best in the market. These portals make it easy for bettors to find the top sports betting sites in the region, such as 1xBet Casino, Bet365 Casino, Betsson Casino, and many others. So, instead of searching for physical locations, players can enter the world of online betting while enjoying their cocktails and dinner at one of the local restaurants.

Try Different Sports

Brazilians are passionate about surfing, and Florianópolis is known as one of the best surfing spots in the country. All of the island’s beaches offer incredible surfing conditions, making them suitable for beginners, intermediates and professional surfers alike.

In addition to surfing, the island also offers ideal conditions for other water sports, such as diving and parasailing. In addition, there are many places where visitors can engage in other physical activities, such as yoga, cycling, Muay Thai, skateboarding, among others. Cycling enthusiasts should know that Floripa has one of the best cycling infrastructures in Brazil.

Take a Trip to Lagoa da Conceição

No trip to Floripa should go by without a visit to the Conceição Lagoon – a place close to the city center, but which is actually surrounded by nature. Once there, you will see that some of the most beautiful beaches are very close, but still, the huge freshwater lagoon remains the highlight of the city.

This amazing place is perfect for sailing, kitesurfing, wakeboarding, windsurfing, stand-up paddleboarding and many other exciting activities. Lagoa da Conceição is also full of amazing restaurants and is simply a great place to relax, enjoy with your friends and meet interesting people.

Although it is not as famous as other Brazilian cities, Florianópolis is a true beach paradise that leaves no one indifferent. Once you visit this incredible island, you will surely fall in love with its vibrant culture, stunning coastline, lively local markets, exciting nightlife and different types of entertainment, including water sports and various other activities.