Florianopolis offers an enormous variety of day excursions. As well as boasting some 40 different beaches, there are plenty of other natural treasures dotted around the island; spectacular sand dunes, lakes, marshlands, forests and rivers. The city’s cultural and architectural heritage is complemented by a wealth of historic buildings and Rupestre engravings.
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Watch the slide show that shows a little of the charm of Floripa (with music)
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HERCÍLIO LUZ BRIDGE
When it was built back in 1926, it was the world’s fifth largest suspension bridge at 821 metres long, 75 metres high and span of 339 metres. Corrosion over the years has made it no longer possible to drive over the bridge. It is however the only bridge of its type left in the world.
PUBLIC MARKET
Before being reconstructed in 1898, the market led straight to the sea where ships would moor alongside and unload cargo to be sold. These days, the market has been lovingly restored to accommodate bars, offices and even fishmongers. It now provides an opportunity to learn something of the Azorian culture.
ANHATOMIRIM FORTRESS
Southern Brazil’s largest fortress was built in 1744 to defend the island against attacks from the Spanish, and later served as a prison. To get there you can take one of the daily boat trips that leave from Canasvieiras Beach. The excursion includes lunch at Baia dos Golfinhos (where you may well get a close up sighting of dolphins) and a stopover at Ilha do Frances for a sea swim.
CAMPECHE ISLAND
This preserved archaeological site is one of Brazil’s most important national treasures, with Rupestre engravings and deserted, paradise beaches.
PERI LAKE - LAGOA DO PERI
Southern Brazil’s largest fresh water lake is a breathtaking spectacle. The adjacent park and barbecue area offer an excellent site for a picnic.
LAGOA DA CONCEICAO
One of the region’s most beautiful sights, and the gateway to the surf beaches of Joaquina and the sandboarding Dunes of Praia Mole. You’ll find a array of different restaurants, bars and night-clubs, as well as shops selling the traditional local lacework handicraft. There is also a boat trip to the Canto da Lagoa that must not be missed.
SANTO ANTONIO DE LISBOA
Birthplace of one of the first communities on the island, this tiny village has preserved houses, a church and even the route taken by Dom Pedro II when he was passing through. Restaurants and a centre for the sale of popular art and crafts complete the charm of this tiny locale.
SAMBAQUI
Great restaurants, great bars and spectacular sea views.
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ECO-TOURISM
TREKKING
There are plenty of options for those that would like to trek their way around the island, and of course they’ll always be accompanied with breath-taking panoramas.
BOAT EXCURSIONS
There are two choices: you can take a day trip in one of the island Schooners, or rent a boat of your own and make your own route round the island beaches.
BICYCLE TRIPS
The whole family can rent a bike and explore the firm sands of Daniela Beach or just pace up the cycle paths of Beira Mar North.
HORSE RIDING
Inns and Hotels offer day and night time rides that can last for anything up to six hours.
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SPORTS
DIVING
There is a choice of Diving schools that will hire the dive gear and take you out to the best dive sites and organise courses. Costao Brava and the Ilha do Arvoredo are two of the many excellent locations for Scuba and Snorkelling.
HAND-GLIDING AND PARA-SAILING
With the abundance of tall mountains and plenty of strong winds, you have all the requirements for either of these high-flying sports. At the Lagoa da Conceicao they have built a concrete take-off ramp, and the hillside at Brava Beach has north-east winds.
SURF
The island is truly blessed for those seeking surf at almost any time of year. The best beaches are Joaquina, Mole, Galheta, Mocambique (to the East), Santinho (North) and Campeche, Moor das Pedras and Matadeiro. ( to the South)
WINDSURF
On the island you’ll find options for the practice of Slalom and Wave Windsurfing. At the north of the island, Canasvieiras and Jurere are great for Slalom and Santinho, with its north-east winds.
SANDBOARD
The meetings points on the Eastern side of the island are the dunes at Lagoa and Joaquina, on the northern shores there is Ingleses and Santinho. You’ll find sandboards to hire at both these locations.
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LOCAL HANDICRAFTS
LACE MAKING
Florianopolios boasts one of the highest concentrations of hand-made lace-makers in the south of Brazil. You’ll find an enormous amount of choice from any of the shops at Lagoa da Conceicao along the Avenida da Rendieras, a picturesque avenue that got its very name from the craft itself: Lace-Makers Avenue.
CLAY POTTERY
At the Praca da Alfandaga in the city centre you’ll find lots of little shops and kiosks offering a wide range of Pottery that reflects the style of items that were indispensable to the island’s original dwellers.
STRAW AND WICKER BOWLS AND HAMPERS
At the Public Market in the city centre, there are a variety of different shops and kiosks selling a wide variety of items in the local style.
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EATING OUT
The strength of the island’s local cuisine reflects it fame for fish and fruits of the sea. Throughout the island you’ll find restaurants ranging from the most simple and homely, right through to the very sophisticated. But the “manezinho” island dwellers don’t live on fish alone and you’ll also find excellent examples of Italian, French, Spanish, German and Japanese cuisine.
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EVENTS
BOI-DE-MAMÃO
This is the most well known folkloric event in Florianopolis. In a playful mixture of dancing, singing, and drum playing similar to the world-famous Bumba meu Boi in the north east of Brazil. It takes place around Christmas and goes all the way through to carnival time, with presentations at lots of fairs and parties.
FESTA DO DIVINO
One of the most famous religious events on the island, that traditionally takes place during the nine days before 7th June, but has more recently been celebrated on a number of different days depending on the local community. On the last day, a procession of kings, queens and princes and others characters walk through the streets singing to the accompaniment of violins, violas and small drums. From May to September.
PROCISSÃO DO SENHOR DOS PASSOS
This is Florianopolis’ most important expression of religious faith and is made up of various processions that culminate in the coming together of Nosso Senhor dos Passos with Nossa Senhora das Dores, in front of the Cathedral. It takes place on the Sunday before Easter.
TERNO DE REIS
Three singers take to the streets to interpret various songs and visit homes along the way, where they are traditionally welcomed with something to eat. The main events are Terno de Natal, de Ano Novo, de Reis ( Christmas, New Year and Kings) (6 Jan) and Santo Amaro (15 Jan).
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MUSEUMS
MUSEUM OF ART - SANTA CATARINA – MASC
Brazil’s third oldest Art Museum holds more than a thousand works of art, amongst them pieces from many of Santa Catarina’s most famous artists such as Di Cavalcanti, Djanira, Panceti, Burle Marx and Iberê Camargo. Tel: (55 48) 3333-2166
HISTORY MUSEUM OF SANTA CATARINA – PALÁCIO CRUZ E SOUSA
This has been the central political archive for the state for more than two centuries. The museum’s collection boasts numerous items of furniture, works of art, objects and official documents. Tel: (55 48) 3221-3504
OSWALDO RODRIGUES CABRAL UNIVERSITY MUSEUM
The collection covers the areas of archaeology, indigenous ethnology and popular culture, as well as holding works of the famous folklorist Franklin Cascaes. Tel: (55 48) 3231-9325
MAJOR LARA RIBAS WAR MUSEUM
Set in the Forte de Santa Ana (1761) it holds a rich collection of arms and historic military outfits.
Tel: (55 48) 3333-2166
MUSEU SOLAR DA GUARDA NACIONAL
This historic architectural landmark was built in 1772 and has served as both National Guard and Military School. It contains collections of antique porcelain, weapons and furniture. Tel: (55 48) 3247-1000
SOUND AND IMAGE MUSEUM - MUSEU DA IMAGEM E DO SOM – MIS
Sound and Image Museum: Museu Da Imagem E Do Som – MIS
At 16:00 from Monday to Friday you can watch Brazilian and foreign film. Free Admission. Tel: (55 48) 3333-2166
MUSEU DO HOMEM DO SAMBAQUI “PADRE JOÃO ALFREDO ROHR”
This unique collection of human skeletons, animals, fossils, sacred art and indigenous utensils studies the evolution of man and his customs. It is one of Brazil’s finest archaeological collections. Tel: (55 48) 3222-6667
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See also our gallery of images with more photos of Florianopolis.
