Introduction
Lagoinha do Leste is one of Florianópolis’ most spectacular hikes and one of the island’s last truly wild beaches. Hidden behind dense forest and reachable only on foot or by boat, this stretch of sand feels far removed from the busy beaches most people associate with Brazil.
You’re not coming here for beach bars or easy access. You’re coming for the effort, the views, and that feeling of earning your destination. The trail takes you through jungle paths, rocky coastal sections, and steep viewpoints before opening onto a dramatic beach backed by a freshwater lagoon.
You can do Lagoinha do Leste as a full-day hike, starting in the morning and returning by late afternoon. That’s exactly how we experienced it, and it turned out to be one of the most memorable days we had in Florianópolis. If you enjoy hiking, raw landscapes, and places that still feel untouched, this one belongs high on your list.
Note: One thing worth knowing before you go: petty theft can happen on the Lagoinha do Leste trail. A friend warned us that hikers have occasionally been robbed, especially when walking alone or late in the day. We didn’t experience anything ourselves, but it’s smart to stay cautious.
Start early, hike during daylight, avoid going solo if you can, don’t bring valuables, and keep your phone and camera discreet. Like many wild places around the world, Lagoinha do Leste is best enjoyed with awareness and common sense.
How to get there
Lagoinha do Leste isn’t accessible by car, which is exactly why it still feels so wild. To reach the trailheads, you’ll need to rely on public transport or a taxi, then continue on foot.
The easiest and cheapest option is the bus. If you’re staying around Lagoa da Conceição, head to the TILAG bus terminal. From there, take bus 841 or 843 toward TIRIO (this is a terminal, so you can’t miss it). Once there, change to either 563 (Costa de Dentro) or 564 (Pântano do Sul), depending on where you want to start or finish the hike.
If you plan to start from Matadeiro Beach (which we highly recommend), ask the driver to drop you at Ponto da Igreja. There’s a small church there, and the bus turns around at that point. From there, it’s a short walk to Matadeiro Beach and the beginning of the trail.
Expect the full bus journey to take around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic and connections. It’s long, but straightforward, and part of the adventure.
Uber technically works on the island, but drivers are often reluctant to go that far south, and prices can be high. For Lagoinha do Leste, the bus is by far the most reliable option.
About this hike
Lagoinha do Leste is one of the most iconic hikes in Florianópolis, and also one of the most rewarding. The beach sits inside a protected area and can only be reached on foot or by boat, which keeps it wild, raw, and beautifully untouched.
There are two main trails leading to Lagoinha do Leste:
- From Matadeiro Beach: longer, more challenging, and far more scenic
- From Pântano do Sul: shorter, easier, and mostly through forest
If you’re up for it, the best way to experience the hike is to enter via Matadeiro and exit via Pântano do Sul. This turns the hike into a one-way adventure instead of a backtrack, and you get the best landscapes when your legs are still fresh.
The Matadeiro trail takes around 2 hours and is considered medium to hard. You’ll walk on rocky paths, climb up and down coastal hills, and pass through dense forest with constant views over the ocean. It’s physically demanding, but incredibly scenic.
The Pântano do Sul trail is much easier and takes about 1 hour. It’s well maintained with steps and forest paths, making it a gentler way out after a long day.
On top of that, Lagoinha do Leste offers an optional viewpoint hike, which is short but steep and exposed. It’s not mandatory, but if conditions are good, it’s one of the most impressive viewpoints on the island.
This is not a casual stroll. You should be comfortable hiking, wear proper shoes, and plan your timing well. But if you’re looking for one of the most memorable outdoor experiences in Florianópolis, this hike absolutely delivers.
Psst, you can join Tina’s Yoga Studio and get access to hundreds of Yoga, Meditation, and Well-being videos.
When to visit
Lagoinha do Leste can be done all year, but the experience changes a lot depending on the season and weather. Because this hike is fully exposed in parts and the trails can get slippery, timing matters.
- Summer (December to March): This is the most popular time to hike Lagoinha do Leste. Days are hot, the lagoon is perfect for swimming, and the beach feels almost tropical. The downside? Heat, humidity, and crowds. Start early, bring plenty of water, and expect more people on the trail and at the beach—especially during Brazilian school holidays.
- Autumn (April to May): One of the best periods to visit. Temperatures are milder, the trail is quieter, and the ocean is still warm enough for a swim. Rain is less frequent, which makes the rocky sections safer and more enjoyable.
- Winter (June to August): Cooler, drier, and far less crowded. This is a great time for hiking, but swimming is less appealing due to colder water. On windy days, the beach can feel rough, but the views are often crystal clear
- Spring (September to November): Another excellent season. Nature is lush, days are warming up, and crowds haven’t fully returned yet. Occasional rain showers happen, but conditions are usually very good for hiking.
Tip: Always check the weather forecast before you go. Avoid hiking after heavy rain—the rocks become slippery, and the viewpoint trail can be dangerous. Start early in the day so you’re not rushing back before sunset.
Where to stay
Lagoinha do Leste itself has no accommodation, which is part of what keeps it wild and unspoiled. To do the hike comfortably as a day trip, it’s best to stay on the east or south side of Florianópolis, close to Lagoa da Conceição or the southern beaches. This will save you time on buses and make an early start much easier.
Pousada de Charme Paty’s Garden: A calm, cozy guesthouse tucked away in greenery. It’s a great option if you want peace after a long hike, with a relaxed atmosphere and easy access to public transport.
Costa Solar Lagoa: Located near Lagoa da Conceição, this place works well if you want to combine hiking with beach time, cafés, and sunset spots. Comfortable, practical, and well-positioned for getting around the island.
Bewiki: Modern, simple, and well-designed. A good choice if you like clean lines, shared spaces, and a social vibe without sacrificing comfort. Ideal for travelers who want something easy before an early hike start.
Tip: Stay as close as possible to Lagoa da Conceição or the southern part of the island. Morning buses toward Matadeiro or Pântano do Sul take time, and starting early makes the hike far more enjoyable.
Here are all your accommodation options in Florianópolis
What to eat
There’s no proper restaurant scene at Lagoinha do Leste, so food planning is part of the adventure. Think simple, practical, and easy to carry.
Before the hike, grab breakfast near where you’re staying—something filling but not too heavy. Bakeries in Florianópolis are perfect for this: pão de queijo, fresh bread, fruit, and strong Brazilian coffee will do the job.
For the hike itself, bring your own food. A sandwich, wraps, bananas, nuts, crackers, or energy bars work best. You’ll burn a lot of energy on the trail, especially if you go up to the viewpoint.
At the beach, you’ll find a few very basic huts selling drinks and simple food like fried snacks or sandwiches. They’re convenient if you’re starving, but don’t expect anything memorable—or cheap.
After the hike, once you reach Pântano do Sul, reward yourself. This is the place for fresh fish and seafood, grilled simply and served with rice and salad. After a long day of walking, it tastes ridiculously good.
Tip: Carry enough water and food for the full day. Even if you plan to buy something at the beach, don’t rely on it—options can be limited or closed depending on the day.
Tip: We never travel without our DJI Mini 3 PRO drone anymore — it’s totally worth having to capture places from a whole new perspective.
The hike step by step
Step 1: Getting to Matadeiro Beach (starting point)
Your hike to Lagoinha do Leste usually starts at Matadeiro Beach, on the southern end of Florianópolis Island. This is the most scenic way in—and the one we recommend.
From the city (or Lagoa da Conceição), take the bus toward Ribeirão da Ilha / Pântano do Sul, get off near Armação, and walk across Armação Beach to reach Matadeiro. There’s no road access—once you see the sand, you’re on foot.
Matadeiro itself is already a reward: wide beach, waves, surfers, and a relaxed local vibe. Walk all the way to the left end of the beach. That’s where the trail begins.
Step 2: The Matadeiro → Lagoinha do Leste trail (the hard part)
This is the longest and most demanding section of the day.
The trail takes around 2 hours, depending on pace and conditions. It’s considered medium to hard, mostly because:
- The path is rocky and uneven
- There’s a lot of up and down
- Some sections are narrow and exposed
You’ll walk through dense Atlantic forest, coastal cliffs, and open viewpoints over the ocean. The scenery constantly changes, which helps forget how much your legs are working.
Wear proper shoes. This is not a flip-flop hike.
Tip: We use the DJI Action 4 to film our vlogs — compact, durable, and perfect for capturing every adventure.
Step 3: First glimpse of Lagoinha do Leste
After about two hours, the forest opens up—and suddenly you see it.
Lagoinha do Leste appears below you like a secret:
- A wild beach
- A lagoon behind it
- No roads, no buildings, no noise
This moment alone makes the hike worth it. Walk down toward the beach, find a spot, drop your backpack, and breathe. You’ve earned it.
Here are all your accommodation options in Florianópolis
Step 4: Beach time & lagoon swim
Lagoinha do Leste gives you two completely different swims:
- The ocean: cold water, waves, powerful and refreshing
- The lagoon: calmer, warmer, perfect to relax and float
Most people alternate between both.
There are a few small huts where you can buy drinks or simple food, but don’t rely on them. This is a place to slow down, eat what you brought, swim, and enjoy doing absolutely nothing for a while.
Psst, you can join Tina’s Yoga Studio and get access to hundreds of Yoga, Meditation, and Well-being videos.
Step 5: The viewpoint hike (optional but unmissable)
If you still have energy, don’t skip this. The trail to the Lagoinha do Leste viewpoint starts near the lagoon. It’s a steep 30-minute climb, same way up, same way down.
This is the most dangerous section:
- Narrow paths
- Loose dirt and rocks
- Slippery when wet
But the view from the top is unreal. You see the entire beach, lagoon, ocean, and cliffs in one frame. Easily one of the best viewpoints on the island.
If conditions are bad or you’re tired, skip it. No view is worth an injury.
Step 6: Exit via Pântano do Sul (the easy way out)
To finish the hike, take the trail from Lagoinha do Leste to Pântano do Sul.
This section takes about 1 hour and is much easier:
- Mostly forest
- Well-marked
- Wooden stairs in many sections
Your legs will feel the stairs after a full day, but compared to the Matadeiro trail, this one is straightforward.
Once you reach Pântano do Sul, you’re back in civilization—restaurants, buses, cold drinks.
Step 7: Optional boat ride (if you’re exhausted)
If you’re completely done with hiking, there’s an alternative.
Near the Pântano do Sul side of the beach, small boats offer transfers back to the village for around 35 BRL per person. It’s quick, scenic, and saves your knees.
Not always running—depends on weather and demand.
Psst, you can join Tina’s Yoga Studio and get access to hundreds of Yoga, Meditation, and Well-being videos.
Suggested 1-day itinerary (with timing)
- 09:00 – Leave your accommodation: Head toward the south of the island by bus or Uber. Bring water, snacks, and sun protection—there’s nothing once you’re on the trail.
- 11:00 – Arrive at Matadeiro Beach: Walk across Armação Beach to reach Matadeiro. Take a short break, enjoy the view, and locate the trailhead at the far left end of the beach.
- 13:00 – Reach Lagoinha do Leste: After about two hours of hiking through forest and coastal paths, arrive at the beach. Drop your backpack, swim, eat lunch, and relax.
- 15:00 – Hike to the Lagoinha do Leste viewpoint: Start the steep climb to the viewpoint. Take it slow—the path is narrow and exposed in places.
- 16:15 – Back at the beach: Cool down with another swim in the lagoon or the ocean before starting the exit hike.
- 16:25 – Begin the hike to Pântano do Sul: Follow the easier forest trail out of Lagoinha do Leste. Expect stairs and a steady descent.
- 17:30 – Reach Pântano do Sul: Reward yourself with a cold drink or snack. Catch the bus back toward the city.
- 19:00 – Arrive back in town: Tired legs, salty skin, and the feeling of having explored one of Florianópolis’ wildest places.
very interesting, thanks😄