São Paulo – Beauty is the adjective that best defines Florianópolis, the capital of the state of Santa Catarina. On the cast of the state, in between the Island of Santa Catarina and the continent, Florianópolis also includes other smaller islands. The beauty can be seen in the flamboyant nature, in the buildings from colonial times, and the people. Not by chance, the city is known as the Isle of Magic.
Congeniality and relaxation are present in the beaches, the hectic nights and the streets of the municipality, which has 470,000 citizens. In fishermen villages, full of stories, the folklore and handicraft are kept alive. The island is today a mixture of simplicity and modernity, where the Portuguese language is spoken with an Azorean accent.
Visited by Brazilians from all states and foreigners, mostly North Americans, Canadians and the neighbouring Argentineans, ‘Floripa,’ as it is also called, is widely sought by adventurous tourists, as it offers countless options of tracks, waterfalls, hill-climbing and hang-gliding, all accompanied by stunning landscapes of mangroves, lakes, hills, dunes and small islands.
In the high season, from December until March, Florianópolis usually receives over 800,000 tourists, who spend approximately 700 million reals (US$ 406 million). In the remaining months of the year, business tourism attracts over 1 million people. "Tourism is one of the most important sectors of the municipality’s economy. We have 28 beaches with infrastructure for receiving tourists," says the executive secretary of Tourism of the municipality, Homero Gomes.
"Business tourism has grown a lot over the last few years. Today we have three large event centres in the city, and we are building a Multipurpose Arena that will host congresses, fairs, sports events and concerts. It will receive 70 million reals (US$ 40 million) in public investment," he informs.
The owner of travel company Aztlan Turismo, Camila Santini, agrees with the secretary when it comes to business tourism. "The number of people who come to the city for a fair or congress and ends up staying longer to get to know Florianópolis better has increased a lot," she explains.
And the reasons are many. All of the island’s beaches are admirable and there are options for all tastes. Canasvieiras, Ingleses and Jurerê Internacional are beaches with calm waters and wild sands. Ponta das Canas, near Canasvieiras, is calmer and has a stunning view. The beaches for surfing are Joaquina, which often hosts competitions, Praia Mole and Praia Brava, which are the most hyped.
The southern beaches are more native and maintain some of the spirit of the old fishermen island-turned-capital. Lagoa da Conceição (or Conceição Lake) is another excellent spot to visit, with its clear waters, boats and a good variety of stores. Avenida das Rendeiras (Lacemakers Avenue), which runs along the lake, and its seafood restaurants are a must.
The centre of the city offers other options for commerce, such as the Portuguese-style public market and the Beira Mar shopping mall. Around the mall, there are also options of more sophisticated restaurants. Avenida Beira Mar (Seaside Avenue) boasts modern buildings facing the ocean, and is one of the city’s most expensive spots.
Despite its name, the centre is located on the western portion of the island, in between the Morro da Cruz hill and the sea, in the spot closest to the continent. It is home to known postcards, such as the Hercílio Luz bridge, the Public Municipal Market, squares, museums, churches and theatres.
For those visiting the city for the first time, it is worth taking a few car rides. No matter where you are staying, try and visit other beaches. Get to know the more deserted ones in the south of the island, cross the small river to arrive in Matadeiro, where fishermen used to fish for whales in the old days.
While passing through the Lagoa, stop at Joaquina and at Praia Mole to check out the waves. Further to the north, at Praia do Forte you may get to know a bit more of Florianópolis’ history. Before returning home, take a picture of the gorgeous sight from the top of Praia Brava. If you feel like it, photograph the enlightened bridge. The image of the contrast with the city and the blue sea in the background is an inspiring one.
How to get there
Florianópolis is located 300 kilometres from Curitiba, 476 kilometres from Porto Alegre and 705 kilometres from São Paulo. By land, the city may be reached by car or bus via the BR-101, which is the main highway. Air access is via the Hercílio Luz International Airport.
Contacts
City Hall
Site: www.portal.pmf.sc.gov.br
Guia Floripa guide
Site: www.guiafloripa.com.br/turismo/centro/
Aztlan
Telephone: (+55 48) 9156-5622 (+55 48) 3237-9856
Site: www.aztlan.com.br
*Translated by Gabriel Pomerancblum
