Florianópolis has 42 named beaches spread across an island 54km long and 18km wide. The variety is what makes it special: you can surf overhead waves on the wild east coast in the morning, paddleboard on a calm bay-side cove in the afternoon, and watch the sunset from a fishing village beach in the evening. Here are the best beaches broken down by what you want to do, with practical details on access, facilities, and conditions. See our Florianopolis weather by month for more information.
Best Beaches in Florianópolis for Surfing
Praia Joaquina
Joaquina is the island’s signature surf beach, a 3km stretch of consistent beach break with powerful waves that work on south and east swells. The best conditions run April through October with 1 to 3-meter waves. The north end of the beach (near the rocks) is for experienced surfers, while the middle section offers mellower waves for intermediates. The adjacent 30-meter sand dunes create a dramatic backdrop. Facilities include public showers, bathrooms, surfboard rentals (R$40 to R$60 per day), and several beach bars. Parking costs R$20 to R$30 in summer. Bus 184 (Joaquina) runs from TICEN via Lagoa da Conceição. Lifeguards on duty during summer months.
Praia Mole
Praia Mole sits just south of Joaquina and delivers faster, hollower waves on the same south swells. The 1.2km beach is backed by green hills with no road access directly to the sand, which keeps the atmosphere more natural. The northern end near the rocks gets the biggest waves. The beach has a strong LGBTQ+ following and the left side (facing the ocean) is traditionally the gay section. Parking is at the top of the access road (R$20) with a 5-minute walk down to the sand. Basic facilities: one beach bar, no formal surf rentals (bring your own gear or rent in Lagoa before coming). Bus 184 drops you at the access road. Strong rips are common, swim between the flags.
Praia do Santinho
Santinho, on the northeast coast, picks up both south and east swells, making it rideable year-round. The beach is wider and less crowded than Joaquina, with 2km of sand backed by dunes and the Costao do Santinho resort complex. Waves tend to be more forgiving here, good for progressing intermediates. The beach has the best-preserved ancient rock inscriptions (oficinas líticas) on the island, dating back 5,000 years, visible on the rocks at the north end. Full facilities: showers, bathrooms, beach chair rentals (R$15 per day), and several kiosks. Free parking at the main lot (fills by 10am in summer).
Best Beaches in Florianópolis for Swimming and Families
Praia de Jurerê Internacional
Jurerê Internacional is the island’s upscale beach neighborhood with calm, clear water that stays shallow for 50+ meters offshore. The 2km beach faces the protected north bay, so waves are minimal and the water is 2 to 3°C warmer than the Atlantic side. White sand, impeccably maintained. The beach is lined with high-end beach clubs (P12, Café de la Musique, Taikô) where a sun lounger with umbrella costs R$200 to R$500 per day in summer. The public area between the clubs is free. Best for families with young children, swimming, and people who want a resort-style beach day. Parking is limited and expensive (R$40 to R$60 in summer). Bus 280 (Jurerê Internacional) from TICEN.
Praia de Canasvieiras
Canasvieiras is the most popular beach for Argentine and Uruguayan tourists, with a long crescent of calm, shallow bay water. The 1.5km beach is backed by a dense strip of high-rise hotels and restaurants. Water is waist-deep for 30 to 40 meters, ideal for children. Pedal boats, kayaks, and banana boat rides rent from vendors along the sand (R$50 to R$100 per hour). The beachfront promenade (Avenida das Nações) has ice cream shops, pizzerias, and souvenir stores. Canasvieiras gets very crowded in January and during July school holidays. Free public parking exists but fills by 9am in summer. Bus 210 and 231 from TICEN. Good choice if you want a lively atmosphere with plenty of services.
Praia do Campeche
Campeche is a 5km beach on the east coast that manages to be both beautiful and functional. The southern section has stronger waves for surfing, while the central and northern sections have gentler conditions suitable for swimming on smaller swell days. The beach is wide enough that it never feels crowded even in January. Kiosks are spaced far apart, giving it a less commercial feel than the northern beaches. Ilha do Campeche, a protected island 1.5km offshore, is visible from the beach and accessible by boat (R$80 to R$120 round-trip). Parking is along the access roads (free, but competitive in summer). Bus 410 (Campeche) from TICEN. Good for a full-day beach outing with a mix of swimming, walking, and surf-watching.
Best Beaches in Florianópolis for Seclusion and Nature
Lagoinha do Leste
This is the island’s most spectacular secluded beach, accessible only by a 2-hour hiking trail from Pântano do Sul or by boat. The 900-meter beach sits in a protected bay surrounded by Atlantic Forest-covered hills. No buildings, no kiosks, no phone signal. The water has strong rips and swimming is dangerous, but the beach itself is perfect for sunbathing, picnicking, and feeling like you have discovered somewhere truly wild. The hike has a 250m elevation gain and takes about 2 hours from the Pântano do Sul trailhead. Bring minimum 2 liters of water per person, food, and sun protection. Boats from Pântano do Sul or Armação cost R$60 to R$80 round-trip and take 20 minutes each way. Do not attempt the hike in flip-flops or without water.
Praia de Naufragados
Naufragados sits at the island’s southernmost tip, accessible via a 45-minute trail through Atlantic Forest or by boat. The 1.2km beach has dark, coarse sand and faces the open ocean with strong waves. The beach is named for the shipwrecks that occurred off this treacherous point. A lighthouse (Farol de Naufragados) sits on the hill at the south end with panoramic views over the southern coast. The trail starts at the end of the road in the Caieira da Barra do Sul neighborhood and is well-marked. Bring everything you need, there are no facilities. The beach is popular with locals on summer weekends but empty on weekdays. The trail can be muddy after rain.
Praia da Galheta
Galheta is the island’s official nudist beach, accessible only by a 15-minute trail from Praia Mole’s parking area. The 800-meter beach sits in a protected cove with clean water and big waves. Even if you keep your swimsuit on (clothing is optional, not mandatory), Galheta is worth visiting for its wild, undeveloped character. No vendors, no buildings, just beach and Atlantic Forest. The water has strong currents, swim cautiously. Bring water and food. Access is via the trail from the Praia Mole parking lot, clearly marked with wooden signs. Takes 15 to 20 minutes downhill to reach the sand.
Best Beaches in Florianópolis with Village Atmosphere
Praia do Pântano do Sul
Pântano do Sul is a working fishing village on the south coast with a beautiful 2km beach backed by colorful wooden boats, seafood restaurants, and low-rise houses. The water is calmer than most south-coast beaches thanks to a protective headland. The real draw is the restaurant row along the beachfront: a dozen simple, family-run places serving fresh-caught fish, shrimp, and the local specialty tainha (mullet) during the May to July season. A full seafood meal for two with drinks costs R$120 to R$180. The beach is rocky in parts, bring water shoes. Bus 563 (Costa de Dentro) from TICEN. Great for a relaxed afternoon that combines beach time with a long seafood lunch.
Praia da Armação
Armação, just north of Pântano do Sul, was the island’s main whaling station in the 18th century. Today it is a laid-back village with a 3km beach that has gentler waves than neighboring beaches, making it one of the better swimming options on the south coast. The village has several good, unpretentious seafood restaurants and a few small pousadas. The old whaling church (Igreja de Sant’Ana, built 1772) still stands near the beach. Bus 562 from TICEN. The Matadeiro beach at the far south end is reachable by a 5-minute trail and is even quieter. Armação makes a good base for exploring the south coast beaches without the crowds and prices of the north. Also check our best time to visit Florianopolis for more details. Also check our things to do in Florianopolis for more details. Also check our events and festivals in Florianopolis for more details. Also check our where to stay in Florianopolis for more details. Also check our Florianopolis travel tips for more details.
