Santa Catarina
This is one of the East Island's best and most secluded beaches. It's hidden from SC-406 and accessed by a small trail. The northern end is very popular with the LGBT+ community.
Mole is also considered one of Floripa's more dangerous beaches: drownings have occurred here frequently enough to prompt a more serious lifeguard tower than you'll see at other beaches.
4.81 MILES
The 3.5km Praia do Campeche is one of Floripa's five-star beaches, an absolute stunner of sun-kissed perfection with wind conditions lending themselves to…
Museu Histórico de Santa Catarina
7.26 MILES
Formerly the colonial governor’s palace, this gorgeous must-see building has ornate parquet floors and extravagant 19th-century ceilings.
2.99 MILES
The postcard view of Lagoa da Conceição awaits at this must-stop lookout, which frames both sides of the lagoon, the dunes of Joaquina and beyond.
10.31 MILES
Santinho is the north island’s best surfing beach, acclaimed for its consistent waves and uncrowded conditions.
Parque Municipal Lagoa da Peri
9.71 MILES
Lesser known and less visited than Lagoa da Conceição, Parque Municipal Lagoa da Peri has wonderful opportunities for swimming and hiking (as well as…
7.4 MILES
Floripa's historic public market bolted out of a huge refurbishment in 2015 with an improved look. It houses numerous bars and restaurants in addition to…
11.33 MILES
Dating back to 1806, this intimate baroque-inspired church was restored on order from Emperor Dom Pedro II himself, who visited in 1845 and coughed up R…
14.67 MILES
In the extreme north of the island, pretty Praia da Lagoinha is still home to a traditional fishing colony and calm, shallow seas that form an elongated…
2.08 MILES
Kids get a kick out of Brazil's non-profit sea turtle conservation organization, which features five tanks. Feedings (3:30pm) and baths (weekend mornings)…
2.22 MILES
Joaquina Beach, backed by massive dunes, has 3km of sun-toasted sand and several restaurants serving food on the beach. On the beach's northeast end is a…
3. Mirante da Lagoa da Conceição
2.99 MILES
The postcard view of Lagoa da Conceição awaits at this must-stop lookout, which frames both sides of the lagoon, the dunes of Joaquina and beyond.
4.81 MILES
The 3.5km Praia do Campeche is one of Floripa's five-star beaches, an absolute stunner of sun-kissed perfection with wind conditions lending themselves to…
7.18 MILES
You’ll hear the hourly ringing of bells in the Catedral Metropolitana, which sits grandly at the high end of the square and is the only church we've ever…
7.2 MILES
The best-preserved colonial church, Igreja de NS do Rosário, sits picturesquely atop the steps at Rua Trajano.
7.21 MILES
The center of town is the inviting Praça XV de Novembro, with its shady walks and 100-year-old fig tree.
8. Museu Histórico de Santa Catarina
7.26 MILES
Formerly the colonial governor’s palace, this gorgeous must-see building has ornate parquet floors and extravagant 19th-century ceilings.