Florianopolis is a city of about 400,000 people located in the south of Brazil. The city spreads across one main island known as the Island of Santa Catarina but also includes smaller surrounding islands as well as a small part of continental Brazil. It boasts a warm, subtropical climate and some of Brazil’s most beautiful beaches – and that’s saying something!
The Island of Santa Catarina functions as the hub of the Florianopolis social scene, and has been described as a mix between St. Tropez and Ibiza. It is known for being a surfer’s paradise (it’s a location for the ASP World Tour of the Association of Surfing Professionals – in fact, the only one in all of South America) and a lively party scene for young crowds looking to have a good time with friendly people amid beautiful scenery. There are lots of cheap hotel deals available, so you won’t have to blow your budget on accommodation.
Why Go To Florianopolis
Florianopolis was named the 2009 Party Destination of the Year by the New York Times. It was also named one of the best places to live in Brazil by Veja Magazine (a Brazilian publication) and one of the “ten most dynamic cities of the world” by Newsweek in 2006. There’s no doubt that Florianopolis has made it to the big leagues. In a world where everyone is always looking for the next best thing, Florianopolis is it. During the day, you can relax on one of the 40-something beaches Santa Catarina offers, among bikini-clad girls and tanned, surfer guys. You can try your hand at scuba diving off Brazil’s gorgeous coast or try paragliding if you’d rather be above the water. And once the sun goes down, you’ll want to stay out and see Florianopolis really come alive.
Florianopolis Nightlife
No matter where you are in Florianopolis, you’ll find a lively scene full of friendly, young people drinking and dancing the night away. Jurerê Internacional is a fashionable location for more affluent visitors, where the popular Praia Café is open until 4am and always packed. Nearby is Praha, a huge club that hosts top-notch DJs and whose hired musicians have included Jack Johnson and Amy Winehouse. Another popular night location is around the Praia dos Ingleses beach, which is hugely popular among tourists to Florianopolis. But no matter where you choose to spend your nights, Florianopolis boasts an enormous number of bars, nightclubs and restaurants.
How to Get There
Florianopolis is served by Hercílio Luz International Airport which is located just over seven miles from the city center. You can get a taxi easily from the airport to get to your accommodation. If you’re already in Brazil, you can get there by bus via the Terminal Rita Maria which is conveniently located in downtown. You can also enter by car, as three bridges connect the Island of Santa Catarina to the Brazilian mainland.
No matter how you get there, if you’re looking for gorgeous beaches, beautiful people and a dynamic nightlife, Florianopolis beckons.
