Choosing where to stay in Florianopolis is essential. Florianopolis is both a big island and a city on the island and the mainland. The city is the capital of Santa Catarina State in southern Brazil.
It’s also one of our favorite places in the country. We’ve been to Florianopolis countless times. The island has some of the best beaches in Brazil. There are coves, bays, and peninsulas. Thus, you can stay on the kind of beach you like.
Besides, Florianopolis has some of the best hotels in Brazil. The area is a popular tourist spot for both locals and foreigners. Everybody loves it! Florianopolis has different neighborhoods that cater to different tastes. You will find the one that’s right for you!
Lagoa Da Conceição
Our favorite place to stay is the Lagoa Da Conceição. It’s a half an hour drive from the city and only 20 minutes from the airport. Lagoa Da Conceição is a gorgeous little town on a blue lagoon next to the beach.
The place is stunning! You can walk to Mole Beach and Joaquina Beach in less than an hour. You can take a frequent public bus or an inexpensive taxi to the beach. The town itself is gorgeous. You won’t find concrete towers, giant hotels, franchises, or big shopping malls.
You can visit a couple of historic churches and chill by the lagoon. Lagoa Da Conceição is famous for its fantastic treks and water sports. You can walk up the hill and all around the lagoon.
We Recommend These Hotels in Lagoa Da Conceição:
Hospedaria da Lagoa
Hospedaria da Lagoa is on a quiet street. The house has everything you dreamed of, including a tub, a BBQ area, a lovely garden, free parking, and great views over the hill and the lagoon. The rooms are extra comfy and come with a balcony and kitchenette.
Essência do Sol Pousada
Essencia do Sol Pousada is next to the dunes and half an hour from Mole Beach. The hotel has a pool, a garden, and a terrace. The rooms are big. The best ones have a tub and vertical showers.
Mole Beach
Mole Beach is a long sandy beach in the middle of the island’s east coast. It’s our favorite beach. Due to its waves, the beach is popular amongst surfers. However, Galheta Beach to the north has calmer waters.
Galheta is also a nudist beach. Therefore, Mole has it all! You can walk along the coast, surf, or trek to nearby hills. There are a couple of simple restaurants on the beach and bars where you can have a drink.
Gravata Beach is to the south. It’s a rocky area with massive stones that form natural pools. The views from there over Mole Beach will take your breath away. You will see families, couples, and friends enjoying this little piece of heaven.
We Recommend These Hotels by the Mole Beach:
Selina Floripa
Selina Floripa is meters from Mole Beach. It has a pool, restaurant, onsite parking, and a terrace. It’s got shared dorms and a co-working space. That’s why the vibe is so cool. We stay in a lovely room with a private bathroom, terrace, and views.
Residencial Cabanas da Praia Mole
Residencial Cabanas da Praia Mole offers rooms and bungalows next to Mole Beach. The hotel is in a lovely garden with direct access to the lagoon. The bungalows come with a kitchen and a terrace. It’s got a pool and tennis court.
Daniela
Daniela is one of the best places to stay if you like swimming. Due to its location, the beaches here are perfect for swimming and snorkeling. It’s also great for families.
The town itself is small and very quiet. That’s why it feels isolated. However, there are restaurants and bars. Besides, fancy Jurere is next door. Daniela offers fantastic views of the northern bay. Our favorite beach is Pontal, on the tip.
You can go to the Santo Antonio de Ratones fortress. The historic fortress is on an island in front of Pontal Beach. Praia do Forte is north of Daniela. The San Joao Ponta Grossa Fortress from the 18th Century is at the end.
We Recommend These Hotels in Daniela:
Belle Arti Pousada
We love Belle Arti Pousada for its all-year-round heated pool! The hotel is two blocks from the beach. It has big apartments with fully equipped kitchens and balconies. You can borrow chairs and umbrellas for the beach.
Pousada Casa de Praia
Pousada Casa de Praia offers simple yet comfortable rooms one block from the beach. The house has a lounge and a shared kitchen. The quadruple rooms are perfect for friends and families. You won’t find better rooms at this price in Daniela.
Jurere
Most luxury hotels in Florianopolis are in Jurere. The resort town is on the island, facing the North Bay. It’s probably the fanciest neighborhood in Florianopolis. You will see contemporary architecture, beach clubs, gated communities, and big mansions.
The area to the west is called Jurere International. It’s a fancy residential neighborhood with a couple of bars and hotels. The only mall on the island is here too. Though small, Jurerê OPEN sells just about everything.
A lush green forest surrounds Jurere. Jurere Beach is stunning. Though not that wide, it’s long and has golden sand. You can rent umbrellas and lounges. Canajure is north of Jurere Beach. It’s an area with big stones and calm waters.
We Recommend These Hotels in Jurere:
Hotel Sete Ilhas
The 4-star Hotel Sete Ilhas is a luxurious beachfront property. The hotel has its own lounges and umbrellas in the garden. It also has a big pool, onsite parking, and a restaurant. Every room has a kitchen, balcony, and seating area.
Il Campanario Vellaggio Resort
Il Campanario Vellaggio Resort is the only 5-star hotel in Jurere. The contemporary building faces a garden and a beach. It’s got two pools and a spa. The suites with sea views are huge, and come with a kitchen.
Canasvieiras
Canasvieras is very popular with Brazilian, Argentinean, and Chilean tourists. The neighborhood has arguably the best nightlife on the island. Canasvieras is on the north coast. Though still small, it’s a lively neighborhood where you will never have a dull moment.
The best reasonably priced beach hotels are here. Canasvieiras attracts groups of friends and families. The beach is long, wide, and sandy. You can swim in the calm blue waters. Canasvieras is famous for its sunset.
Ponta das Canas is a half an hour walk north. This beach is beautiful, and empty most of the time. From there, you can trek to the northern tip of Florianopolis Island. A safe path takes you to the top of the hill.
We Recommend These Hotels in Canasvieiras:
Hotel Porto Sol Beach
Beachfront Hotel Porto Sol Beach is a 4 story building with a big garden, a sauna, billiards, a pool, free parking, and an onsite restaurant. The best rooms have a balcony with sea views. The two-bedroom suites are perfect for fancy families.
Hotel & Pousada Sonho Meu
You won’t get better rooms at this price than at the Hotel & Pousada Sonho Meu. The hotel is one block from the beach. Tall palm trees surround the pool. The complimentary breakfast is delicious. The hotel has rooms and apartments.
Barra da Lagoa
Barra da Lagoa is in the middle of everything, so stay here if you like nature. The tiny fishing town faces Conceição Lagoon. It sits on the stream that connects the lagoon to the sea. Mole Beach is south.
Though close to everything, the area feels isolated. Barra da Lagoa Beach is one of the longest on the island. The beach is famous for its perfect waves and easygoing vibe. There are a couple of bars and restaurants.
Rio Vermelho State Reserve to the north surrounds the beach. You can trek for hours within the ecological park. To the south, you’ll find the Barra da Lagoa Natural Pools. There’s a trail that takes you to the massive stones.
We Recommend These Hotels in Barra da Lagoa:
The Search House
If you are looking for simple yet comfortable rooms on the beach, head to The Search House. The hotel is next to Barra da Lagoa Beach. It’s got rooms, dorms, a lounge, a restaurant, and a super cool atmosphere.
Pousada Lozalti
The suites, studios, and apartments in Pousada Lozalti are big and come with extra-comfy beds. The hotel is one block from the beach. The service is superb. They even bring the complimentary breakfast to your room.
Campeche
Campeche is a family oriented neighborhood on the island and offers the most affordable accommodation options. The town is on the east coast, south of Conceição Lagoon. Local people live in Campeche all year round. It’s a lively neighborhood.
Campeche is also the closest neighborhood to the airport. Joaquina Beach is north. The massive dunes are west of Joaquina and Campeche. The longest beach on the island is here. The sandy beach stretches for over 8 miles (12 km).
Morro Lampião towers above Campeche. The hill is a nature reserve. It’s an easy trek to the top. The views from there will leave you speechless. It’s the perfect place to watch unforgettable sunsets. Campeche Island is in front of the beach.
We Recommend These Hotels in Campeche:
Pousada Tulipane Florianopolis
Pousada Tulipane is at the foot of Morro Lampião, a short walk from the beach. The rooms are big and have balconies. The hotel has a pool. An Argentinean couple manage it. They prepare Argentinean cuisine and there’s an area for BBQs.
Pousada Vila Tamarindo Eco Lodge
Pousada Vila Tamarindo Eco Lodge has one of the biggest gardens on the island. It also has a big pool. The hotel is one block from the dunes and the beach. It’s got lounges and hammocks. The homemade breakfast is delicious.
Downtown Florianopolis
Florianopolis city center is both on the island and the mainland. However, the city’s attractions are on the island. Two big bridges cross the sea and connect the city. They also divide the bay into North and South Bay.
There are no nice beaches in the city. Therefore, stay here if you want to check out the city. The old town is on the island. Visit the Cruz e Souza Palace. The 18th Century Governors palace is now a museum.
The Cathedral from 1908 is next door. Walk to the 1898 Public Market, still in use today. The area around the market is full of colonial houses. You can also walk along the coast. Take a bus or trek to the top of Morro da Cruz.
We Recommend These Hotels in Downtown Florianopolis:
LK Design Hotel Florianópolis
The best hotel in Florianopolis center is the LK Design. The tall tower is next to the coast. The views from the rooftop pool are epic. The 5-star hotel has big rooms. The best ones are on the top floors.
Porto da Ilha Hotel
The Porto da Ilha Hotel is a couple of blocks from the cathedral. It’s got an onsite bar and a restaurant. The best rooms have balconies with views over the city. As a guest, you have free access to a full-size gym nearby.
Santo Antonio de Lisboa
Santo Antonio de Lisboa is the quietest town on our list. It’s on the west coast, in the middle of North Bay. According to the locals, it’s the best place to watch the sunset while sipping your favorite cocktail.
We love it because of its local vibe and architectural heritage. You will see old colonial houses converted into bars and restaurants. Don’t forget to check the Church of our Lady of Needs. The temple from 1700 faces the beach.
The attached cemetery is pretty cool too. Though the beach is quite narrow, it is also super calm. That’s why families with small kids visit. You can walk along the coast north to Sambaqui Beach, one of the quietest beaches on the island.
We Recommend These Hotels in Santo Antonio de Lisboa:
Magic Island Casas
The simple yet comfortable Magic Island Casas is in Sambaqui, a couple of blocks from the beach. It’s got a room with a double bed and bunk beds. The views from the terrace are awesome. It’s a cheap option perfect for friends.
Bela casa frente mar em Santo Antônio CDA1647
You have to rent this incredible house for a minimum of 3 days. It’s totally worth it. The two bedrooms plus two bathrooms house faces the sea and can accommodate up to 6 people. It’s got a pool and a garden.
Ingleses
We have to be completely honest. Ingleses is our least favorite beach in Florianopolis. It’s super crowded and noisy in the summer. Ingleses do Rio Vermelho is a densely populated urban center next to the beach. It’s the biggest urban area on the island.
The area is popular with local tourists. Following a construction boom, it’s full of restaurants, hotels, and bars. Ingleses Beach is north. It’s a wide and long sandy beach with eateries of all types. Due to its waves, is popular amongst surfers.
The dunes are south. You can walk through incredible sandy dunes from Ingleses to Mozambique Beach. Morro das Aranhas is a hill next to the coast. The trek to the top is one of the best ones on the island.
We Recommend These Hotels in Ingleses:
Costa Norte Ingleses Hotel
Our favorite hotel in Ingleses is the Costa Norte Ingleses Hotel. The 4-star property faces the sea. It’s got two pools (one indoor), football courts, tennis courts, a gym, a hot tub and a sauna. They have rooms, studios, apartments, and chalets.
Ingleses Palace Hotel
The contemporary Ingleses Palace Hotel faces the beach. It’s in the middle of the beach. The hotel has two pools and one of the best spas on the island. The fully equipped top floor apartment comes with a balcony.
How Long to Stay in Florianopolis
Florianopolis is so beautiful that you can stay on the island forever. In fact, the island is big and diverse. Thus, you can spend weeks going to all of the beaches. Not only that, but the treks to the hills are superb. As you can see, there are plenty of things to do in Florianopolis!
That said, the world is huge and we all have time constraints. Therefore, you might be wondering how many days are needed in Florianopolis to cover the basics. We believe you should spend at least 3 nights by the beach.
Pick your favorite beach and set base. Spend the one day touring the island and the rest doing nothing on the beach. If you have more time, visit different beaches and check out the center. Spend an entire week in Florianopolis and you will fall in love with Brazil.
Moving Around Florianopolis
Moving around Florianopolis is easy and safe. You can walk in each town everywhere. Biking is a great option too. We always rent bikes and bike within urban areas. We don’t feel comfortable biking on the road, though people do so all the time.
Buses to the island leave from the bus station in the center of the city. Though not that frequent, most are on time. Buses connect the entire island. For instance, from Lagoa to Ingleses takes an hour. Ask in your hotel.
Taxis are not expensive and are your best choice at night. Uber works across the island. The airport is on the island. There are buses from the airport to several neighborhoods on the island. In Florianopolis city you can walk everywhere even at night.
Leave a Reply