8 Best things to do in Balneário Camboriú, Brazil, in 2 days

Introduction

Balneário Camboriú sits on Brazil’s southern coast, perfectly placed between Joinville and Florianópolis. It’s a beach town with a twist: golden sand and calm mornings by the ocean, paired with one of the most striking skylines in South America. Think high-rise towers pressed right up against the sea, giving the city a bold, almost futuristic look.

This is a destination many Brazilians choose for holidays rather than international travelers—and that’s part of its charm. You get a lively atmosphere, excellent infrastructure, and beaches for every mood: busy, social stretches right in town, and quieter, more secluded coves just a short walk or drive away.

It’s also worth knowing that Balneário Camboriú is one of the most expensive cities in Brazil when it comes to real estate. That alone tells you how desirable the location is. If you have two days here, that’s enough to see what makes the city special without rushing—mixing viewpoints, beach time, and slow walks along the coast.

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Getting There

Reaching Balneário Camboriú is fairly easy, even though the city doesn’t have its own airport.

The closest airport is Navegantes (NVT), located about 35 km away. From there, you can reach Balneário Camboriú in roughly 45 minutes by taxi, Uber, or shuttle. This is the fastest and most convenient option if you’re flying in.

If you’re already traveling through southern Brazil, buses are extremely reliable. Direct buses run frequently from Florianópolis, Joinville, and Curitiba, with comfortable coaches and reasonable travel times. From Florianópolis, the journey takes around 1.5 hours, making Balneário Camboriú an easy coastal add-on to a larger itinerary.

Arriving by car is also a good option, especially if you plan to explore nearby beaches. Roads are well maintained, and the coastal drive itself is part of the experience—green hills on one side, flashes of ocean on the other.

Check all your bus options on Busbud — it’s simple to compare routes, prices, and book your tickets in advance.

Moving Around

Balneário Camboriú is compact and easy to navigate, especially if you’re staying near the beachfront or central area. For most visitors, walking is enough to get around during the day—everything from the main beach to restaurants, shops, and cafés is close by.

For longer distances or to reach the more secluded beaches, Uber and taxis are everywhere and surprisingly affordable. This is the option you’ll probably use the most, especially in the evening or when heading up to viewpoints.

If you enjoy a slower pace, renting a bike is a great idea. There’s a long promenade along the main beach that’s perfect for cycling, especially early in the morning or late afternoon.

Having a car only really makes sense if you want to explore beyond the city, such as Praia Brava or other hidden beaches along the coast. Otherwise, Balneário Camboriú is one of those places where moving around is refreshingly simple.

We recommend to rent a car through Discover Cars with free cancellation. Book your rental car here.

When to Visit

Balneário Camboriú is a classic beach destination, so the experience changes a lot depending on the season.

• Summer (December to March) is peak time. This is when the city is at its liveliest—hot weather, full beaches, packed restaurants, and a buzzing nightlife. If you’re coming for the beach atmosphere and don’t mind crowds, this is the moment. Just be ready for higher prices and less personal space, especially from late December to mid-January.
• Shoulder season (April–May and September–November) is the sweet spot. The weather is still warm, the ocean pleasant, but the crowds thin out significantly. Beaches feel more relaxed, and getting around is easier. If you want to enjoy Balneário Camboriú without the chaos, aim for these months.
• Winter (June to August) is cooler and quieter. You won’t come for swimming, but it’s a good time to enjoy viewpoints, coastal walks, and restaurants without crowds. The city feels calmer and more local during this period.

Tip: If possible, avoid Brazilian school holidays and long weekends. Even outside summer, the city can suddenly feel very busy when locals travel in.

We usually travel with Airalo eSIMs, but when we need unlimited data for work, we go with Holafly.

Where to stay

Balneário Camboriú offers very different experiences depending on where you stay. You can be right in the buzz of the city or completely removed from it, surrounded by nature and quieter beaches.

If you want easy access to restaurants, shops, and nightlife, staying near the center makes sense. But if your idea of a perfect stay includes calm mornings, birds instead of traffic, and empty beaches, heading slightly outside town is absolutely worth it.

Here are three great places to consider, each with a different vibe:

• Villa Germânia – A charming pousada with a cozy, European feel. It’s a lovely option if you want something smaller, quieter, and more personal than a big city hotel.
• Hotel Rosenbrock – Comfortable, well-located, and practical. A solid choice if you want to stay close to the action while still enjoying a relaxed atmosphere.
• Estaleiro Guest House – Perfect if you want to slow down. Located near Praia do Estaleiro, this guesthouse is surrounded by nature and feels far from the city, even though you’re only a short drive away.

Tip: During summer and holiday periods, accommodation in Balneário Camboriú books out fast. If you’re traveling between December and March, locking in your stay early will save you money and stress.

Here are all your accommodation options in Balneário Camboriú

What to Eat

Balneário Camboriú is a great place to eat well, especially if you enjoy seafood and classic Brazilian comfort food. Because it’s a coastal resort town, menus lean heavily toward fresh fish, shrimp, and simple dishes made to be shared.

Along the beachfront and main avenues, you’ll find plenty of casual restaurants and churrascarias, perfect after a long beach day. Expect grilled meats, rice, beans, salads, and farofa served in generous portions. It’s filling, affordable, and very Brazilian.

Seafood lovers should look out for sequências de camarão (shrimp sequences), where shrimp is served fried, grilled, in sauce, and sometimes even as a stew—all in one meal. Moqueca, a slow-cooked fish stew with coconut milk, is another classic worth trying if you spot it on a menu.

For something quick, there are many padarias (bakeries) and snack bars selling pastries, pão de queijo, and strong Brazilian coffee. They’re perfect for breakfast or a mid-morning stop before heading back to the beach.

And finally, don’t skip açaí. Served cold, thick, and topped with fruit or granola, it’s everywhere—and incredibly refreshing in the heat.

Tip: Restaurants near the busiest beaches tend to be pricier. Walking just a few blocks inland often gets you better food at more local prices.

Best things to do in Balneário Camboriú

Relax on Central Beach

Central Beach is the heart of Balneário Camboriú. Long, wide, and backed by an impressive wall of skyscrapers, it feels more like an urban beach than a tropical escape—and that’s exactly its charm.

You’ll see locals running in the morning, families setting up umbrellas, and vendors walking by selling everything from coconut water to grilled cheese. It’s lively, social, and perfect if you want to feel the energy of the city without going far. We liked stopping here early or late in the day, when the light softens and the beach feels less hectic.

Our Favorite Hotels in Balneário Camboriú

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Villa Germânia

Hotel Rosenbrock

Estaleiro Guest House

See all available hotels in Balneário Camboriú

Road Trip to the Surrounding Beaches

If you want a completely different vibe, get out of the city and explore the nearby beaches. This is one of the best things to do in Balneário Camboriú.

A short drive brings you to Praia das Laranjeiras, popular and busy, especially with families and boat tours. Keep going and you’ll reach Taquaras Beach, calmer and more relaxed, with a local feel and good surf conditions.

Further south, Praia de Taquarinhas is wild and undeveloped, perfect if you want raw nature and fewer people. And then there’s Praia do Pinho, one of Brazil’s most famous naturist beaches—respectful, well-organized, and surprisingly peaceful.

This coastal road trip is scenic, easy, and lets you choose your own pace. We found it was the best way to escape the crowds without leaving the region.

Psst, you can join Tina’s Yoga Studio and get access to hundreds of Yoga, Meditation, and Well-being videos.

Take in the View from Morro do Careca

For one of the best viewpoints in the area, head to Morro do Careca. The walk up is short but steep, and the reward is worth it.

From the top, you get sweeping views over Balneário Camboriú on one side and Praia Brava on the other. It’s especially beautiful late in the afternoon, when the sun starts dropping and the coastline lights up. If you’re into paragliding, you’ll also see people launching from here.

Here are all your accommodation options in Balneário Camboriú

Go Outlet Shopping

Balneário Camboriú is known for shopping, and if that’s your thing, you’ll feel right at home. The city has several outlets and shopping centers where Brazilian and international brands are often sold at good prices.

Even if you’re not planning to buy much, it’s a comfortable way to escape the heat for an hour or two. Air conditioning, cafés, and people-watching included.

Psst, you can join Tina’s Yoga Studio and get access to hundreds of Yoga, Meditation, and Well-being videos.

Wander Through Downtown

Downtown Balneário Camboriú is busy, a bit chaotic, and very alive. Streets are lined with restaurants, bars, small shops, and cafés, all buzzing from morning until late at night.

This is where daily life happens—locals grabbing lunch, tourists planning beach days, and music drifting out of open doors. It’s not about monuments here, but about atmosphere. Just walking around gives you a good sense of the city.

Our Favorite Hotels in Balneário Camboriú

View All

Villa Germânia

Hotel Rosenbrock

Estaleiro Guest House

See all available hotels in Balneário Camboriú

Ride the Cable Car

One of the most classic activities in Balneário Camboriú is taking the cable car that connects the city to Praia das Laranjeiras.

The ride itself is short but scenic, gliding over forest and coastline with beautiful views. It’s an easy way to reach the beach without driving, and it adds a bit of fun to your day. Try to go earlier in the day to avoid queues.

Stroll Around the Marina

The marina area offers a calmer, more polished side of the city. You’ll see boats, yachts, waterfront restaurants, and wide promenades that are perfect for a slow walk.

It’s especially pleasant in the evening, when the light reflects off the water and the pace slows down. A nice contrast to the busier beachfront areas.

Here are all your accommodation options in Balneário Camboriú

Spot Traditional Houses

Hidden among modern buildings and flashy towers, you can still find traditional houses that hint at Balneário Camboriú’s past as a small coastal town.

They’re easy to miss, but spotting them adds another layer to your visit. It’s a reminder that before the skyscrapers, this was a quiet fishing area—and the contrast makes the city even more interesting.

Psst, you can join Tina’s Yoga Studio and get access to hundreds of Yoga, Meditation, and Well-being videos.

Balneário Camboriú Itinerary: How to Spend 2 Days

Day 1 – City Vibes & Easy Beaches

• Start your day with a walk along Central Beach, when it’s quieter and the light is softer.
• Grab a coffee nearby and ease into the city rhythm.
• Wander through downtown, browsing small shops and watching daily life unfold.
• Head up to Morro do Careca Viewpoint for panoramic views over Balneário Camboriú and Praia Brava.
• Take your time at the top—this is one of the best photo spots in the area.
• Eat somewhere downtown or near the beach, keeping it casual and close by.
• Take the cable car toward Praia das Laranjeiras.
• Spend a few hours swimming, relaxing, or walking along the shore.
• Return to the city and stroll around the marina as the sun starts to set.
• Have dinner nearby and enjoy the calmer, evening atmosphere.

Day 2 – Coastal Road Trip & Nature

• Rent a car or scooter and set off on a coastal road trip south of the city.
• Stop first at Taquaras Beach for a quieter, more local feel.
• Continue to Praia de Taquarinhas if you want something wild and undeveloped.
• Visit Praia do Pinho if you’re curious—it’s peaceful, well-organized, and very different from the city beaches.
• Choose one beach to stay longer, swim, or simply do nothing.
• Eat at a small beach restaurant along the way, keeping things simple and relaxed.
• On the way back, stop by outlets or shopping centers if you enjoy browsing or need a break from the sun.
• Walk through residential areas to spot traditional houses hidden among modern buildings.
• Finish your stay with a last walk along Central Beach.
  Dinner downtown or near the marina for a laid-back final night.

Our Favorite Hotels in Balneário Camboriú

View All

Villa Germânia

Hotel Rosenbrock

Estaleiro Guest House

See all available hotels in Balneário Camboriú