Best beaches in Florianópolis: north, east and south

Florianópolis has dozens of beaches and, even though they are all on the same island, they are very different from one another. Some have flat, calm water and facilities for the whole family, others have strong waves and surf, and others can only be reached on foot along a trail. Choosing well where to spend the day (or where to stay) completely changes your trip.

That is why we put together this guide to Florianópolis beaches by area: north, east and south, with what you will find at each one and what kind of traveler they suit. If you are still deciding how to get there, at Planet Travel we have Florianópolis packages from Uruguay with accommodation on the island.

How the island is laid out

Florianópolis covers almost all of Santa Catarina Island, which is connected to the mainland by bridges. The city center sits on the west coast, facing the mainland, and the most sought-after beaches are spread across three areas:

North: the most built-up area with the most services, and mostly calm water.
East: open sea, waves, dunes and Lagoa da Conceição.
South: the wildest part, with fishing villages and trails.

Distances on the island look short on the map, but in high season traffic is heavy. That is why it is best to stay in the area you will use the most.

North beaches: ideal for families

This is the favorite area for many Uruguayans, especially those traveling with kids. There are restaurants, supermarkets, pharmacies and beach umbrella rentals at almost every beach.

Canasvieiras

Calm sea, warm water and shallow depth near the shore. It is a classic among visitors from Uruguay and Argentina, with plenty of accommodation and dining options. Boat trips along the north coast leave from here.

Jurerê and Jurerê Internacional

Light sand, calm water and a more upscale vibe, with beach clubs and high-end homes. Ideal if you want an easy beach day and nights out.

Ingleses and Santinho

Ingleses is wide, with lots of infrastructure and slightly rougher water than Canasvieiras. Santinho, right next to it, is more open and has waves, surrounded by dunes and hills.

Daniela and Forte

Two quieter beaches in the northwest, with very calm water, good for little kids and for anyone who wants to avoid the crowds.

East beaches: surf, dunes and the Lagoa

The east faces the open ocean, so the water is usually colder and the waves bigger. This is the area for surfers, young people and anyone who enjoys more natural landscapes.

Praia Mole

Coarse sand, waves and a young, laid-back atmosphere. A great spot to spend the day, with beach bars right on the sand.

Joaquina

Famous for surfing and its huge dunes, where people go sandboarding. The sea is strong, so swim with caution and close to the lifeguards.

Barra da Lagoa

A fishing village with a sheltered beach at one end and the channel that connects the Lagoa to the sea. It has great seafood and is the starting point for Prainha da Barra, which you reach on foot.

Lagoa da Conceição

It is not an ocean beach, but it is the social heart of the island: restaurants, bars, water sports like kitesurfing and windsurfing, and sunsets over the lagoon. Ideal as a base if you want to be close to the east beaches.

South beaches: nature and trails

The south is the least developed part. It has more unspoiled beaches, hills covered in vegetation and villages where you can still see traditional fishing.

Campeche

Long, with crystal-clear water and waves. Just off the coast lies Ilha do Campeche, one of the most beautiful sights in Florianópolis, which you reach by boat and where visitor numbers are capped.

Armação and Matadeiro

Armação is a quiet village with a historic church and a fishermen’s beach. Crossing a small river and walking a little, you reach Matadeiro, a small beach surrounded by greenery and very popular with surfers.

Lagoinha do Leste

For many, the most beautiful beach on the island. There is no car access: you get there on a trail that starts from Pântano do Sul or Matadeiro, with a demanding uphill stretch. Bring water and comfortable shoes, and set off early.

Pântano do Sul

A fishing village with seafood restaurants on the waterfront. Ideal for lunch after a hike.

Which beach to choose for your type of trip

Families with kids: Canasvieiras, Jurerê, Daniela or Forte, for the calm water and facilities.
Couples: Jurerê Internacional for a more elegant plan, or Lagoa da Conceição and Campeche for something more relaxed.
With friends or for nightlife: Lagoa da Conceição, Praia Mole and Jurerê.
For surfing: Joaquina, Santinho, Campeche and Matadeiro.
For nature and hiking: Lagoinha do Leste, Ilha do Campeche and the south in general.

Tips to make the most of the beaches

Get up early in high season: the best-known beaches fill up fast and parking is hard to find.
Respect the flags: there are currents in the east and south; swim near the lifeguard stations.
Check the wind: when the wind blows from the south, the north beaches are usually more sheltered.
Bring cash: some small beach bars and umbrella rentals on remote beaches don’t take cards.
Mix areas: if you stay in the north, set aside at least one day for the south and another for the Lagoa.
Best time to go: from December to March the water is most pleasant; in March there are fewer people.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best area of Florianópolis to go with kids?

The north of the island, especially Canasvieiras, Jurerê, Daniela and Forte, for the calm, shallow water and the number of services nearby.

Which Florianópolis beaches have the warmest water?

In general, the northern ones, because they are more sheltered from the open ocean. The east and south beaches usually have colder water and more waves.

How do you get to Lagoinha do Leste?

Only on foot, on trails that start from Pântano do Sul or Matadeiro, or by boat in some cases. Bring water, sunscreen and closed-toe shoes.

If you already know which beach is yours, the next step is planning the trip: you can see the Brazil packages and choose the one that best fits the way you travel.