Introduction
Florianópolis—often called Magic Island—is one of those places where you immediately feel torn between slowing down and wanting to see everything. Half city, half wild island, it’s known for its laid-back surf culture, dramatic landscapes, and an almost overwhelming number of beaches.
With more than 40 beaches, sand dunes, lagoons, hiking trails, and viewpoints, you could easily spend weeks here. But even with just 2 days in Florianópolis, you can experience the essence of the island: swimming in crystal-clear water, hiking through Atlantic forest, and ending your days with sunset views over the ocean or a lagoon.
This guide focuses on things to do in Florianópolis that make sense for a short stay—mixing easy beaches with one unforgettable hike to Lagoinha do Leste. You’ll find practical tips, realistic timing, and places that feel genuinely special rather than rushed sightseeing.
We spent two days in Florianópolis, and it is one of the most memorable places we have visited in Brazil, along with Jericoacoara.
If you’re wondering what to see in Florianópolis, this itinerary is designed to help you experience both sides of the island: relaxed coastal life and raw, untamed nature.
Getting there
Getting to Florianópolis is straightforward, whether you’re already traveling through southern Brazil or flying in from farther away.
If you’re arriving by bus (like we did), the main bus terminal sits just off the mainland, right before the bridge to the island. From there, you’ll need to continue by local bus or Uber to reach where you’re staying. If your base is Lagoa da Conceição (which is one of the most practical areas), expect about 45 minutes to 1 hour by bus or 25–35 minutes by Uber, depending on traffic.
If you’re flying in, Hercílio Luz International Airport is located on the island itself, south of the city center. From the airport, Uber is by far the easiest option—public transport exists, but with luggage and limited time, it’s not worth the hassle. Uber rides are affordable and reliable, even late at night.
One thing to know before you arrive: Florianópolis is spread out. You don’t “arrive and walk everywhere” like in smaller beach towns. Where you choose to stay will shape your experience, especially if you only have two days.
Check all your bus options on Busbud — it’s simple to compare routes, prices, and book your tickets in advance.
Moving Around
Florianópolis is big, stretched out, and divided by beaches, hills, and lagoons—so how you move around really matters.
If you’re short on time, Uber is your best friend. It’s affordable, widely available, and saves you a lot of waiting compared to buses. We relied on it for early mornings and late returns, especially after hikes or long beach days.
Public buses do cover the entire island, but they’re slow and routes can feel confusing at first. They work fine if you’re traveling on a budget or sticking to one area (like Lagoa da Conceição), but hopping between beaches can easily turn into a half-day mission.
Renting a car or scooter gives you the most freedom, especially if you want to reach beaches like Matadeiro or trailheads early in the morning. Just be aware that traffic can get heavy around Lagoa da Conceição and the bridges during peak hours.
If you’re staying central and planning smartly, you won’t need to move constantly. Two well-chosen areas in two days is better than rushing across the island nonstop.
We recommend to rent a car through Discover Cars with free cancellation. Book your rental car here.
When to Visit
Florianópolis changes a lot depending on the season, so when you go will shape your experience just as much as what you do.
- Summer (December to March): This is peak season. Beaches are alive, the water is warm, and the island feels electric—but also crowded. Expect traffic jams, packed beaches, and higher prices. If you love energy, nightlife, and long beach days, summer delivers. Just plan early starts and patience.
- Autumn (April to June): One of the best times to visit. The weather is still warm, the ocean is swimmable, and crowds thin out fast. Hiking trails like Lagoinha do Leste are more enjoyable, and you’ll have space to breathe. This is when the island feels balanced.
- Winter (July to September): Cooler and quieter. You won’t come for swimming, but it’s perfect for hiking, viewpoints, and exploring neighborhoods. Prices drop, and the island feels local again. If you enjoy calm travel and don’t mind wearing a light jacket, this is a great option.
- Spring (October to November): A sweet spot. Nature is lush, temperatures rise, and the crowds haven’t fully arrived yet. It’s ideal for mixing beaches, hikes, and city exploring without stress.
If you want the best mix of weather, fewer people, and flexibility, late April–May or October–November are hard to beat.
Where to Stay
Choosing the right base in Florianópolis makes a big difference, especially if you’re only here for two days. Staying around Lagoa da Conceição is one of the best options: it’s central, well connected, and close to beaches, hikes, and restaurants.
Pousada de charme Paty´s Garden: A calm, leafy guesthouse that feels like a little hideaway. It’s ideal if you want somewhere quiet to recharge after beach days and hikes, while still being close to Lagoa’s cafés and shops.
Costa Solar Lagoa: Comfortable and practical, with spacious rooms and a relaxed atmosphere. It works well if you want something easy, well-located, and good for short stays without overthinking logistics.
Bewiki: More modern and design-focused, this is a good pick if you like stylish spaces and a social vibe. It’s also a nice option if you’re mixing work and travel or staying a bit longer.
If your plan includes beaches like Mole, Joaquina, and the Lagoinha do Leste trail, staying around Lagoa da Conceição keeps everything within reasonable distance and saves you a lot of travel time.
Here are all your accommodation options in Florianópolis
What to Eat
Florianópolis sits between the ocean and the lagoon, and that shows up straight on the plate. You’ll notice a strong focus on seafood, simple preparations, and fresh ingredients rather than heavy sauces or overcomplicated dishes.
Fish and shrimp are everywhere. Look for sequência de camarão (shrimp served in different styles), grilled fish of the day, or moqueca if you want something comforting after a long beach or hiking day. Portions are usually generous, and meals tend to be shared, especially at lunch.
Around Lagoa da Conceição, you’ll also find plenty of casual spots serving açaí bowls, fresh juices, tapioca crêpes, and light lunches—perfect if you’re heading back out to the beach or the dunes. In the evening, the area shifts into a laid-back dining scene with relaxed bars and outdoor seating.
If you eat plant-based, Florianópolis is surprisingly easy. You’ll find vegetarian and vegan options almost everywhere, especially around Lagoa, from simple rice-and-beans plates to creative veggie dishes.
One small tip: lunch is the main meal of the day here. Restaurants are busiest between noon and 2 pm, and many places close early in the evening, especially outside peak season.
Best Things to do in Florianópolis
Explore Lagoa da Conceição
This is the heart of the island for travelers, and honestly, one of the easiest places to fall into island life. Lagoa da Conceição isn’t a beach—it’s a lagoon surrounded by hills, small streets, cafés, and shops. It’s where you’ll base yourself naturally, whether you plan it or not.
You can spend hours just wandering around, grabbing a juice, checking surf shops, or sitting by the water watching paddleboarders glide across the lagoon. We liked it most in the early morning and at sunset, when everything slows down and the light turns soft.
Relax at Lagoa da Conceição Beach
Right next to the town, this small lagoon beach is calm, shallow, and perfect for a break between adventures. The water is warmer than the ocean, there are no waves, and it feels almost like a giant natural pool.
It’s not the kind of place you rush to. You stop here after lunch, sit in the sand, maybe dip your feet in the water, and let the day breathe a little.
Psst, you can join Tina’s Yoga Studio and get access to hundreds of Yoga, Meditation, and Well-being videos.
Catch Waves at Mole Beach
Mole Beach is one of the most famous beaches on the island—and you’ll immediately see why. It’s wide, wild, and usually windy, with proper waves rolling in from the Atlantic.
Surfers love it, but even if you don’t surf, it’s worth coming for the energy and the scenery. You can walk here from Lagoa da Conceição, passing dunes and viewpoints along the way. It’s a great contrast to the calm lagoon just a few minutes behind you.
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.
Walk the Joaquina Dunes
Between Mole Beach and Joaquina, you’ll find massive white sand dunes stretching as far as the eye can see. They feel almost surreal, especially under strong sunlight.
You can walk across them, sit at the top, or try sandboarding if you’re feeling adventurous. Even without doing much, just being there—wind in your face, sand under your feet—is part of the experience.
Here are all your accommodation options in Florianópolis
Swim at Matadeiro Beach
Matadeiro Beach feels more local and relaxed than the northern beaches. To reach it, you cross a small footbridge and walk past a residential area, which already gives it a quieter vibe.
The beach itself is long, scenic, and great for swimming when conditions are right. It’s also the starting point for one of the island’s most memorable hikes.
Hike the Lagoinha do Leste Trail
This is the adventure that defines Florianópolis for many travelers. The Lagoinha do Leste trail takes you through jungle, rocky paths, and coastal views before opening onto a completely secluded beach.
It’s not an easy walk, and you need to be prepared, but the reward is huge. You feel far away from everything, in the best possible way.
Swim at Lagoinha do Leste
At the end of the hike (or by boat), you’ll find a raw, untouched beach backed by forest—and a lagoon just behind it. You can choose between ocean waves or calm freshwater, depending on your mood.
There’s something special about spending time here after the hike. You slow down naturally, swim, eat your packed lunch, and forget about the rest of the island for a while.
Psst, you can join Tina’s Yoga Studio and get access to hundreds of Yoga, Meditation, and Well-being videos.
Climb to the Lagoinha do Leste Viewpoint
If you still have energy, the viewpoint hike is worth the extra effort. It’s steep and exposed, but the view from the top is one of the best on the island.
From up there, you see the beach, the lagoon, and the endless Atlantic stretching out in front of you. It’s the kind of view that makes the whole day feel complete.
Tip: We use the DJI Action 4 to film our vlogs — compact, durable, and perfect for capturing every adventure.
Other Things to Do If You Have More Time
If you’re staying longer or want a slower pace, Florianópolis has plenty more to offer:
- Walk across Ponte Hercílio Luz
- Cool off on the Trilha do Poção Córrego Grande
- Visit Palácio Cruz e Sousa
- Learn about marine conservation at Projeto Tamar Florianópolis
- Enjoy the views from Mirante do Morro da Cruz
- Relax at Armação Beach or stroll through the Florianópolis Botanical Garden
2-Day Itinerary in Florianópolis
Day 1 – Lagoons, Beaches & Dunes
- Morning in Lagoa da Conceição: Walk around the lagoon, grab breakfast, enjoy the relaxed vibe.
- Head to Lagoa da Conceição Beach: Quick swim or just chill by the calm water.
- Walk or drive to Mole Beach: Watch surfers, enjoy the ocean energy.
- Stop at the Joaquina Dunes: Walk the dunes or try sandboarding.
- Sunset drink or dinner back in Lagoa da Conceição
Day 2 – Adventure & Seclusion
- Early start toward Matadeiro Beach: Hike the Lagoinha do Leste Trail
- Relax and swim at Lagoinha do Leste: Alternate between ocean and lagoon.
- Optional climb to Lagoinha do Leste Viewpoint
- Exit via Pantano do Sul or return by boat if tired
- Dinner back in town and an early night—you’ll deserve it
Wow this is great place
Good we’ll very good
very interesting article, learned a lot.
this is a great place to travel and relax!
Really great and has beautiful scenery I enjoyed