Florianópolis Travel Guide | Digital Nomad

Q: What's the best time to visit Florianópolis?

The best time to visit is from late November to early March, when the weather is hot and ideal for beaches. However, December and January are the busiest months, so if you prefer fewer crowds, visit in November or March.

Q: Which beach is less crowded but still beautiful?

Praia do Matadeiro is a favorite among locals for its natural beauty and fewer tourists. It’s accessible by a short walk from Armação beach and is popular for surfing and relaxing.

Q: How can I get around the island without a car?

You can use the public buses that connect most neighborhoods and beaches, but schedules can be limited, especially at night. Consider renting a bike or using ride-sharing apps like Uber for more flexibility.

Q: Where can I try authentic seafood dishes?

Visit Ribeirão da Ilha for some of the freshest oysters and seafood, served in traditional Azorean-style restaurants with beautiful views of the bay.

Q: Is there a good spot for sunset in Florianópolis?

Locals love watching the sunset from Santo Antônio de Lisboa, a charming historic neighborhood with waterfront bars and restaurants facing the bay.

Introduction

Florianópolis, often called “Floripa,” is a vibrant island city in southern Brazil, known for its lush hills, beautiful beaches, and laid-back culture. With a mix of Portuguese colonial history and modern urban flair, it’s a hub for surfers, students, and digital nomads.

Visiting in mid-January means warm temperatures (around 28°C/82°F) and lots of sunshine—perfect for working remotely in swimsuit-weather cafes and coworking spaces. The city’s friendly vibe, affordable eateries, fast Wi-Fi, and easy access to nature make it ideal for nomads seeking a great work-life balance and outdoor adventures.

Customized for these preferences:

Travel StyleDigital nomad

Dates12-19 January 2026

BudgetAverage budget

AccommodationHotel, hostel, apartment or house, resort

Interests and Activities:

arts and culturefestivals and eventsgastronomysightseeing and toursoutdoor adventuresnightlife and entertainment

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Picture of Florianópolis, State of Santa Catarina, Brazil

Key Facts

Location

Southern Brazil, Atlantic Coast

Currency

Brazilian Real (BRL)

Religion

Roman Catholicism

Population

537,213

Language

Portuguese, English, Spanish

Electricity

220V, 60Hz, plug types C/N

Time zone

UTCBRT (UTC-3)

Country code

+55

Internet access

Broadband, mobile 4G/5G, moderate cost

Climate

Subtropical, warm summers, mild winters

See More Brazil Facts

Language:

Portuguese

hello
olá (oh-lah)
goodbye
tchau (chow)
yes
sim (seem)
no
não (nowng)
how much
quanto custa? (kwan-toh koos-tah)
please
por favor (pohr fah-vor)
thank you
obrigado (oh-bree-gah-doo)
excuse me
com licença (kohng lee-sen-sah)

Map

Logistics

Florianópolis is best reached by air via Hercílio Luz International Airport (FLN), offering direct flights from major Brazilian cities like São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Porto Alegre. From the airport, taxis, ride-shares, or affordable airport buses make it easy to reach downtown and popular beaches.

For budget-conscious digital nomads, long-distance buses connect Florianópolis with other southern Brazilian cities and are comfortable and reliable. There are no trains or boat services for intercity travel. January is high summer, so expect potential travel delays due to increased holiday traffic and occasional heavy rains—booking tickets in advance is recommended.

Weather

Florianópolis features a humid subtropical climate, with warm summers and mild, slightly rainy winters. Summer stretches from December to March, bringing average highs around 28°C (82°F), abundant sunshine, and higher humidity, ideal for beach outings and outdoor festivals. Winters are cooler, with temperatures rarely dropping below 13°C (55°F).

From January 12 to January 19, you can expect hot, balmy days, occasional rain showers, and sea breezes—perfect for swimming, surfing, and sightseeing. Extreme weather is uncommon, though brief summer thunderstorms can occur. This period is lively with cultural events, vibrant nightlife, and fresh seafood in beachside restaurants, making it a fantastic time to experience Florianópolis’s arts, festivals, and gastronomy.

Food & Drink

Florianópolis is famous for its fresh seafood, with dishes like sequence de camarão (shrimp platters), oysters, and tainha (mullet) being local favorites. Pastel de camarão (shrimp pastry) and Brazilian barbecue are also must-tries. Pair meals with local craft beer or the popular caipirinha cocktail.

For great value and atmosphere, check out cafés like Café Cultura, lively bars at Lagoa da Conceição, or seafood restaurants such as Ostradamus and Box 32 at Mercado Público. Vegetarian and vegan options are increasingly available, especially in the city center. Most restaurants add a 10% service charge to the bill; additional tipping is optional but appreciated.

Florianópolis’ cuisine thrives on what’s fresh and seasonal, with oysters best in winter and mullet festivals in June. Digital nomads will find plenty of Wi-Fi-friendly spots and casual eateries, making it easy to work and enjoy the island’s delicious food.

Feijoada

Feijoada is a hearty and flavorful Brazilian stew made with black beans, pork, and beef. It's often served...

Pão de Queijo

Pão de Queijo is a popular Brazilian cheese bread with a crispy outer crust and a soft, cheesy...

Moqueca

Moqueca is a traditional Brazilian fish stew cooked in coconut milk, onions, tomatoes, bell peppers, and cilantro. This...

Acarajé

Acarajé is a popular street food in Brazil, particularly in the northeastern region. It consists of deep-fried black-eyed...

Brigadeiro

Brigadeiro is a beloved Brazilian chocolate truffle made with condensed milk, cocoa powder, butter, and chocolate sprinkles. It's...

Accommodation

Florianópolis has excellent options for digital nomads on an average budget. Downtown ("Centro") is ideal for business needs, with reliable Wi-Fi and hotels like Faial Prime Suites. For laid-back vibes, the Lagoa da Conceição area offers trendy hostels and apartment rentals, perfect for coworking and nightlife.

Jurerê Internacional is famous for upscale hotels and beach resorts, while Praia Mole and Barra da Lagoa have affordable hostels and guesthouses. Use Hotels.com to find apartments or beach stays with fast internet. January is high season; book early for January 12-19 to secure reasonable rates and a good location.

Itinerary

Day 1

January 13 · Tuesday

Familiarize yourself with the vibrant culture and laid-back energy of Florianópolis while settling in and exploring the city’s unique highlights.

Stroll Through the Historic Center (Centro Histórico)

Begin your adventure with a walk through Florianópolis's charming historic center. Admire colonial architecture, colorful streets, and the iconic Praça XV de Novembro. Experience the vibe of the city and orient yourself while enjoying local shops and cafés.

Centro Histórico, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil

Sample Fresh Seafood at the Public Market (Mercado Público)

Enjoy lunch at the bustling Mercado Público, a local favorite for its fresh seafood and regional dishes. Relish oysters or pastel de camarão while soaking in the lively atmosphere, perfect for experiencing the city’s gastronomy.

Mercado Público, Centro, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil

Sunset at Beira-Mar Norte Avenue

End your day relaxing by Beira-Mar Norte, a scenic waterfront promenade perfect for an evening stroll. Watch locals jogging or cycling, and catch a spectacular sunset over the bay for an unforgettable first evening.

Avenida Beira-Mar Norte, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil

South Brazil: See & Experience it ALL in 13 Days, 1st Class Custom Tours

INSTANT_THEN_MANUAL

You absolutely will not find another tour out there as packed with activities and attractions as this one, provided by CharlieTheTraveler. You will also not find another tour out there that offers it all "FIRST CLASS," yet for a relatively low price. We have thousands of travelers taking this specific tour every year-and that's because no competitor can beat us on quality, price & substance. Below are just some examples of what you will see, do and have on this tour: ► A Helicopter Ride Over & Boat Ride to the Continent’s Grandest Waterfalls ► Exploring Both the Brazilian & Argentinean Side of Iguazu Falls ► Sightseeing in Rio de Janeiro ► A Wetland Cruise & Exotic Creatures ► A Daytrip to Brazil’s Most Stylist Beach Resort ► Swimming in the Clearest Rivers on Earth ► An Expedition Around the Country’s Most Popular Island ► Visiting 2 Postcard-Perfect Colonial Towns ► Cruising Along the Tropical Coastline & Snorkeling ► Familiarizing with Culture

5.0 (2 reviews)

From $5822 USD

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Day 2

January 14 · Wednesday

Immerse yourself in Florianópolis’s arts scene and flavors by exploring creative spaces and sampling authentic local cuisine.

Visit the Fundação Cultural Badesc Art Gallery

Explore contemporary Brazilian art at Fundação Cultural Badesc, a vibrant gallery housed in a restored mansion. Discover rotating exhibitions and cultural programs, and enjoy the serene on-site café for a creative break.

Fundação Cultural Badesc, Rua Visconde de Ouro Preto, 216, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil

Lunch at Feira de Coqueiros

Delight in a local food fair by sampling authentic Santa Catarina dishes at Feira de Coqueiros. Enjoy empadas, seafood, and artisanal sweets while mingling with locals in a festive atmosphere.

Feira de Coqueiros, Praça Hercílio Luz, Coqueiros, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil

Tour the Ribeirão da Ilha Oyster Farms

Take a guided tour of Ribeirão da Ilha, one of Brazil's main oyster-producing areas. Learn about traditional oyster farming, taste fresh oysters, and enjoy scenic waterfront views along the way.

Ribeirão da Ilha, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil

Pedra da Gávea hike, your best experience in Rio

INSTANT

Free Cancellation

Experienced and award-winning Guide: With years DE experience and hundreds DE 5-star reviews, Rodrigo Índio is a local Guide passionate about the mountain and totally committed to its safety and fun. Safety first: The crossing of the technical stretch DA "Carrasqueira" is made with safety and step-by-step instructions, ideal for those who have never climbed. Personalized attention: This ensures closer attention, group time breaks and constant support throughout the track. More spectacular view of Rio: DA Pedra da Gávea you will see Cristo Re DE ntor, Pan de Açúcar, beaches DA Zona Sul, Barra DA Tijuca and much more. A 360° view that will take the breath away. Amazing photos along the way: The Guide also acts as a photographer, helping you to capture the best moments in the most iconic points of the trail. Authentic Experience: More than a walk, it is an immersion in the Carioca forest, with stories, curious DEs and that climate of “explorer of the wonderful city”.

5.0 (472 reviews)

From $63 USD

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Day 3

January 15 · Thursday

Day 4

January 16 · Friday

Day 5

January 17 · Saturday

Day 6

January 18 · Sunday

Day 7

January 19 · Monday

Attractions

4.6 (16 reviews)

Sandboard Experience by Adrenailha

INSTANT

Free Cancellation

Walk towards the sea, through the forest to access one of the most beautiful Dune fields in Brazil, in one of the most important preservation areas in Floripa. Highlights: • Exclusive tour in a preservation area; • Learn the basics before riding your Sandboard; • Discover the wind dunes and the source of the Rio Vermelho; • Enjoy the views of Mozambique's beach, Morro and the islands of Aranhas; We start the tour from the agreed meeting point, when arriving at the dunes after a light walk along the access trail, we will do some basic orientations focused on safety, then we will start by the dune field in search of adventure and fun. Endless possibilities of paths to descend, we are improving the technique with each descent! As the sun sets, the stars appear and it is in this light that we will gather our kayaks to contemplate the horizon of the bay. Check the dates available on our website or contact us.

From $67 USD

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5.0 (38 reviews)

Kayak Water Trail in Red River Park by Adrenailha

INSTANT_THEN_MANUAL

Free Cancellation

Water Trails are pre-established itineraries designed to visit Floripa's natural, historical and cultural attractions from the water perspective. Navigating in Kayak, Canoe or Standuppaddle we have a different angle of observation of these attractions that on foot would be inaccessible or difficult to access. At the same time our activity challenges your skills when learning a new sport like canoeing. Test your rower skills on scripts filled with nature, culture, history and of course adventures!

From $57 USD

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4.7 (49 reviews)

Paragliding flight with instructor in Florianópolis

INSTANT

Free Cancellation

O.V.N.I. PARAGLIDING SCHOOL with more than 30 years of experience in Instructional Double Flight, makes your dream of flying accompanied by a qualified instructor come true. We make your dream of flying accompanied by an instructor qualified by the CBVL - Brazilian Free Flight Confederation come true. The Tour is carried out under the supervision of an instructor, in a paraglider developed for tandem flight. It can be done by people of any age, in a flight of approximately 20 minutes.

From $105 USD

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5.0 (19 reviews)

The best Florianópolis Private Day Tour

MANUAL

Free Cancellation

You will learn about the history of Santa Catarina Island on a 5-hour city tour of Floripa's main landmarks. The city has many natural beauties and holds stories of a time when it was a small village that served as a safe harbor for sailors who passed through here. Visit the historic center with its centuries-old buildings and constructions. Then we will go to the eastern region, famous for Lagoa da Conceição and surfing beaches. We end our tour by visiting historic neighborhoods in the north of the island.

From $154 USD

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5.0 (2 reviews)

Brazilian Canyons - Private Multi Day Tour

MANUAL

This trip would suit well with hikers and those who are looking to have an active holiday. The Aparados da Serra canyons, scattered across two states in the south of Brazil, Rio Grande do Sul and Santa Catarina, hold one of the most fascinating landscape in the country. Here, the wide mountains form edges and abysses up 1.200 meters high, looking like if sharpened by a knife. At the bottom there are waterfalls and pools for swimming. You will stay at the charming Pedra Afiada Ecological Reserve – an intimate getaway for those who crave a close connection with nature. Breakfast and dinner are included in the daily rate as there will be plenty of snacks for the hiking part. A super great-value, scenic trip into the South of Brazil.

From $2735 USD

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FAQ

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