Florianópolis has beaches for every style, from calmer seas to more rustic settings full of nature. Choosing well where to stay can be the detail that transforms the experience on the island.
Quick beach choice
Three questions before heading out
Decide in four steps:
1) Type of sea: want a calm swim? Aim for the North. If the idea is a very calm bay sea, without waves and with a village atmosphere and gastronomy, the West is the way.
2) Want waves and energy? The East usually delivers that.
3) Nature and peace: the South tends to be more rustic and may require more planning.
4) Fine adjustment: in the North, Canasvieiras usually stays more protected, while Ingleses may have more wind and waves (especially on part of the beach). Before heading out, check the forecast and respect the sea signage..
Beaches of the NORTH (with variations)
Canasvieiras and Ingleses on the same mental map
The beaches of the North help those looking for calmer sea and structure, but there is variation among them. Canavieiras is described as warm sea without strong waves, good for a calm swim. Praia dos Ingleses may have light and high waves on part of the stretch of sand, and it tends to be windier. On days with south wind, the North (Canasvieiras) is usually a more protected alternative, so check the forecast before heading out. If the sea is rough, respect the signage and the lifeguards. Want an easy day? Start with Canavieiras; want a bit more wave? Consider Ingleses or Praia Brava..
North: Praia dos Ingleses; Praia de Canasvieiras; Praia de Jurerê Internacional; Praia do Forte; Praia da Daniela; Praia do Santinho; Praia Brava; Lagoinha do Norte; Praia de Ponta das Canas; Praia da Cachoeira do Bom Jesus;Praia do Meio.
Beaches of the East
Strong waves and a youthful vibe
The East is open sea and high energy: strong waves (which can reach 3 metres in winter), soft sand and a youthful vibe, great for those who enjoy surfing and a more “wild” setting. The sea tends to be colder and have a shore break, so it is not the best choice for children or those without experience. Infrastructure varies, but there are bars and surf schools. Praia Mole and Joaquina are very wave-oriented; Barra da Lagoa usually works for beginner surfing and more relaxed outings. Watch out for currents and follow the lifeguards.
East: Praia da Barra da Lagoa; Prainha da Barra da Lagoa; Praia Mole; Praia da Galheta; Praia da Joaquina; Praia do Moçambique; Canto do Saquinho; Baía Funda; Praia do Gravatá; Praia do Rio Vermelho.
Beaches of the West
Calm bay, villages and gastronomy
The West (bay coast) is the calmest side: bay sea, no waves, shallow and warm waters in many stretches, great for families, Stand Up Paddle, kayaking or just relaxing. The charm here is strolling through Azorean villages, seeing oyster farms and following it up with a hearty lunch. Santo Antônio de Lisboa and Ribeirão da Ilha are classics for sunset and gastronomy; Costa da Lagoa combines trail or boat with a rustic atmosphere. For activities in the water, check the wind and follow guidance on crossings.
West: Santo Antônio de Lisboa; Praia de Sambaqui; Ribeirão da Ilha; Costa da Lagoa; Praia de Cacupé; Sambaqui; Tapera; Praia de Fora; Freguesia do Ribeirão; Caiacanga-Açu; Caieira da Barra do Sul; Praia de Itaguaçu e Praia das Palmeiras; Praia do Bom Abrigo.
SOUTH Beaches
Strong waves and a youthful vibe
The South is for those who want more nature and less “city”: rustic beaches, Atlantic Forest all around and simpler infrastructure. The sea tends to be colder and rougher, and some stretches of sand require walking or a trail to get there — great for those seeking peace, but it requires planning. Campeche, Matadeiro, Lagoinha do Leste and Naufragados appear as good examples of this style. On days with north and northeast wind, the South usually works well; with south wind, the sea may become rougher. Bring water, protect yourself from the sun and respect the sea.
South: Praia do Campeche; Praia do Novo Campeche; Ilha do Campeche; Praia da Armação; Praia do Matadeiro; Praia da Lagoinha do Leste; Praia do Pântano do Sul; Praia dos Açores; Praia do Rio das Pacas; Praia da Solidão; Praia do Saquinho; Praia dos Naufragados / Ponta das Campanhas; Praia da Enseada do Brito (ou da Tapera do Sul).
Plan according to the wind
Time, crowding and backup plan
To avoid getting the day wrong, use the wildcard beaches and planning. With north and northeast wind, prefer the South and East; with south wind, the North usually stays more protected. Within the North, fine-tune: Canasvieiras tends to be more sheltered, and Ingleses may have more wind and some waves. In the high season, beaches that require a trail or walk usually have fewer people. Try to arrive before 9 o’clock and, if you can, enjoy it between 8am and 10am or 4pm 6pm. If there is a storm surge, accept changes of plan and follow local guidance. Want to avoid trouble? Plan ahead and have a backup option.
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