Island traffic: pick one base and stay close in summer

The tainha fishing season opens on 1 May, and the Campeche fishing community marks it at its rancho on the beach with a procession, a beach mass, a blessing of the fishermen and cultural activities, which start the evening before. The traditional beach net, hauled from the sand by many hands, depends on weather and…

For a quieter stay, base yourself in Campeche or Armação on the south side of the island, where the pace is slow and the beaches feel closer to nature. Campeche has clear water, views of the island off its coast and options for many budgets, while Armação is a former fishing village that feels more rustic. Check wave…

The Parque Natural Municipal do Morro da Cruz sits on the island's highest hill, about 285 metres up, and its lookout frames the Centro, the North Bay and the mainland side of the city. Entry is free and there are trails, but no restaurant or snack bar, so bring water. The park keeps daytime hours, so arrive well…

Since January 2026, Florianópolis city buses no longer accept cash on board. Visitors can collect the first Tourist Card free at the terminals, where ticket offices still take cash, or buy single tickets with Pix at the turnstile or in the transport apps. Keep your banking app open before scanning the QR code and wait…

The Santa Cruz fortress on Anhatomirim Island, in the North Bay, was begun in 1739 to guard the sea approach to Santa Catarina Island. The university that runs it offers free entry on the last Sunday of each month from March to November, with tickets booked online for the chosen date. The boat is separate and run by…

Bar do Arante is a long-established seafood house right on the beach at Pântano do Sul, where fishermen once used the walls as a postal service. Today notes cover them from ceiling to floor, and waiters carry small pads so you can add your own. Order the grilled tainha or the fried fish with pirão, and expect a small…

Lagoa do Peri is a freshwater lagoon inside a protected park in the south of the island, with free entry, walking trails, picnic areas and a playground. It is the calm alternative to the surf beaches, and the lagoon also supplies drinking water to over 100,000 people, so take your litter with you. Come on a weekday…

The Costa da Lagoa trail follows the lagoon shore for about 7 km from Canto dos Araçás through fishing hamlets, with almost no climbing. The return from the far end is by boat to the pier in the centre of Lagoa da Conceição, or on foot again. Ask the boat staff for the last departure before you set off, and do not…