Ilha da Magia is the local nickname, earned by the island's 42 beaches and the mix of lagoons, dunes and forest packed into one place.
Discover Authentic Florianópolis: A Local Travel Guide by Mercure
Recommended by the team at Mercure Florianópolis. That's the starting point for this guide: not a stock list of attractions, but the Florianópolis picks our own teams make when guests ask what to actually do here. Below, you'll find those recommendations, an interactive map, and the questions travellers ask us most before a stay.
Our map pins local favourites such as the Poção do Córrego Grande waterfall, Projeto Lontra and Rancho Açoriano, alongside our Mercure hotel.
Top 5 Things to Do in Florianópolis
Lagoa da Conceição
The lagoon at the geographic heart of the island is where locals actually spend their weekends — stand-up paddleboards in the morning, shrimp dishes and caipirinhas by night. Avenida das Rendeiras is lined with restaurants specializing in shrimp prepared every way imaginable. Go for sunset if you can time it.
Ribeirão da Ilha
An old Azorean fishing village on the island's south side, and the source of most of the oysters you'll eat in Floripa. Restaurants here run their own oyster farms, so what lands on your plate was likely still in the water that morning. The colonial architecture and slower pace make it worth the drive on its own.
Mercado Público
Running since 1851 on Rua Conselheiro Mafra, this is where locals get lunch, not tourists. Expect oysters shucked to order, fresh fish, pastéis de camarão (shrimp pastries) and some of the cheapest fruit on the island. Go hungry and graze from stall to stall.
Praia Mole
One of the island's 42 beaches and its best-known surf break — expect a younger, sportier crowd and beach bars that stay lively into the evening. If you don't surf, it's still a good beach for people-watching and a caipirinha with your feet in the sand.
Santo Antônio de Lisboa
Another Azorean-founded village, quieter than Ribeirão da Ilha, with pastel-colored houses facing the bay and a handful of restaurants built right over the water. Come for the oysters, stay for the sunset over the mainland.
Explore Florianópolis's Best Local Spots with Our Interactive Map
What's on the map in Florianópolis
We've mapped local spots around Florianópolis, from forest waterfalls to oysters by the sea.
Outdoors
Poção do Córrego Grande
A 20- to 30-minute forest trail ends at a waterfall tumbling into a natural pool. Free access, a popular swim – watch your step on the rocky, slippery parts.
Córrego Grande · Waterfall trail · Perfect for a swim
Trilha Dólmen da Oração
A 40- to 50-minute climb with views of the Atlantic and Conceição Lagoon, to a megalithic site built for watching the sky. Entry is R$20.
East Florianópolis · Hiking trail · Great for history and views
Parapente Sul
Fancy flying? Go tandem with an instructor over the dunes, the ocean and Conceição Lagoon, or take lessons on the soft dunes of Joaquina Beach.
Joaquina · Paragliding · Made for thrill seekers
Projeto Lontra
A sanctuary by Peri Lagoon caring for otters and their relatives. Catch a feeding time or a talk – the shop's proceeds support conservation.
Lagoa do Peri · Wildlife sanctuary · Great for families
Feira da Lagoa
Weekend crafts, organic produce and live music on Lagoa da Conceição's main square. Browse, snack, linger.
Lagoa da Conceição · Market · Ideal for weekends
Seaside dining
Porto dos Manacás
A rustic deck on Geralda Beach, looking over North Bay. Shrimp pastéis, a cold beer or fresh juice, and the sun sliding into the water.
Geralda Beach · Restaurant · Perfect for sunsets
Rancho Açoriano
A family-owned seafood restaurant on Itaguaçu Beach where oysters are the thing, with South Bay views and a play area for kids.
Itaguaçu Beach · Seafood restaurant · Made for oyster lovers
Ostradamus
A colourful South Bay favourite for oysters and octopus, with a long wine list to match.
Ribeirão da Ilha · Restaurant · Great for oysters
Amado Pescador
Grilled lobster and moqueca on the North Bay waterfront by Marina Santo Antônio. Book for sunset.
Santo Antônio de Lisboa · Restaurant · Perfect for sunset dinners
Bar do Betinho do Deca da Lina
Home-style cooking overlooking Lagoa da Conceição, much loved by local families.
Lagoa da Conceição · Bar-restaurant · Ideal for feijoada
FAQ
Ribeirão da Ilha and Santo Antônio de Lisboa, both Azorean fishing villages on the island where several restaurants run their own oyster farms.
It helps — the island is large and its beaches and villages are spread out, so a rental car or taxis make beach-hopping much easier than relying on buses alone.
At Poção do Córrego Grande, a short forest walk leads to a waterfall and natural pool. Access is free.
Rancho Açoriano on Itaguaçu Beach is a family-owned seafood restaurant known for its oysters.
Yes. Parapente Sul offers tandem flights and lessons starting on the dunes of Joaquina Beach.
Where to Sleep in Florianópolis
This Mercure hotel appears on our map:
- Mercure Florianópolis