Florianopolis Travel and Tourism, Brazil: A Guide to Floripa

Florianopolis Travel and Tourism, Brazil. A Guide to Floripa. Affectionately known as Floripa, the city of Florianopolis is an appealing coastal destination and one of the largest coastal resorts in southern Brazil. Florianopolis mainly resides on the island of Santa Catarina, although a small section of the city occupies the mainland districts of Coqueiros and Estreito. The island zone holds the greatest tourism appeal, particularly around its historical centre and the rather upmarket neighbourhood of Beira Mar Norte. The coastline of Santa Catarina stretches for more than 170 km / 107 miles and boasts a total of 42 individual beaches, all of which are no more than an hour's drive away from Florianopolis. However, as well as the city's glorious beaches, tourists can expect huge sand dunes, rolling hills, towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls and two large lakes, together with characterful cobblestone streets and colonial architecture around the gleaming Praca XV de Novembro. Just a matter of minutes away, tourist information is available at the Convention and Visitors Centre on the Rua Jeronimo Coelho, which is based next to the Cachacaria da Ilha. Tourists will agree that much of the appeal with Florianopolis is its island setting and subsequent coastline, and many popular attractions are never far away from the beaches. Water sports such as scuba diving, windsurfing, kitesurfing and kayaking are all available, while the nearby fishing village of Barra da Lagoa is famed for its exceptional surfing, as well as the beaches of Joaquina, Mocambique and Mole. During the Brazilian winter, whale watching from the shore becomes possible, when groups of Southern Right whales pass close by as they migrate to warmer waters. Centrally located on Santa Catarina, the Lagoa da Conceicao (Conception Lake) offers sailing and water skiing, along with many further surrounding recreational activities. Also on Florianopolis is the Agua Show Park, where a multitude of water slides and swimming pools provide an enjoyable way to spend an entire day. As the sunsets, get ready to join in the buzzing nightlife, as crowds head to the bars and restaurants, particularly around the Praia dos Ingleses (English Beach) and the Lagoa da Conceicao. Alternatively, you may well like to take in a show at either the Teatro Alvaro de Carvalho or the Teatro Ademir Rosa theatres. Read more