A Perfect Mix of Travel, Lifestyle & Fitness
To be honest, I had never even heard of this place before. But if you’re traveling through Latin America, Florianópolis is one of those hidden gems you don’t want to miss. At first, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but the moment I arrived, I loved it. This place has everything you’d want for the perfect mix of travel, lifestyle, and fitness.
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Getting to Florianópolis: A Long Ride to Paradise
After a few letdowns in Buenos Aires and navigating the overwhelming crowds at Iguazu, I was more than ready for a change of pace—somewhere to escape the chaos, unwind, and actually enjoy my surroundings. And while getting there wasn’t exactly quick, it was definitely worth it.
The journey? A long 15-hour bus ride, but surprisingly cheap and reasonably comfortable. (Pro tip: ALWAYS choose semi-cama when traveling in Latin America—it’ll save you a lot of back pain). If you’re short on time or don’t mind spending a bit more, flying is hands down the better option.
And before we go any further—let’s address the elephant in the room. Pronouncing Florianópolis correctly on the first try? Almost impossible. Luckily, locals just call it Floripa, which is shorter, easier, and, let’s be real, sexier.
Floripa, More Than Just a Pretty Name
Floripa is one of those places that just has it all—stunning beaches, the best food I’ve ever eaten (fresh, balanced, flavorful, and incredibly healthy), and a crazy affordable cost of living. It honestly felt as cheap as eating Western food in Asia, which is insane. On top of that, the people are ridiculously fit. Everyone seems to work out daily, rock a six-pack, and live that effortless beach lifestyle. It was inspiring and at the same time a little intimidating.
But aside from the food, the people, and the beaches, what really makes this place unique is its active outdoor culture—surfing, hiking, CrossFit, MMA gyms, and, of course, hanging out on the beach with an açaí bowl in hand, it’s all here. And while you’re there, don’t be surprised if a football rolls past your feet—because in Brazil, the love for the game is everywhere. Whether it’s beach soccer, locals juggling a ball between surf sessions, or kids practicing tricks in the sand, soccer is a major part of their lifestyle here.
This place gave me major Bali vibes—laid-back, bohemian, but with fewer tourists, influencers and a way more relaxed energy. During my entire stay, I barely saw other foreigners, which made it feel like an authentic local experience. And the best part? The people here were incredibly welcoming!
With all of this combined, it’s no surprise that Florianópolis quickly became one of my favorite places. To give you the full picture, here are my top recommendations—where to stay, how to get around, and the must-visit spots.
Getting Around & Where to Stay
As you know, I only recommend places I’ve actually been to, because I want to give you my honest opinion—no sugarcoating. We stayed in Florianópolis for 10 days, which wasn’t enough to explore everything, but we still managed to visit some incredible places
But first…
Renting a car is a Must → Florianópolis is an island, and the distances between places are there. If you want to explore properly, renting a car is 100% worth it. Sure, Uber is available, but trust me—we did the math, and renting a car was the cheaper option in the long run. We went with FOCO (not affiliated, but hey, I wouldn’t mind 😉). They were great—fast responses, good English, well-maintained cars, and fair pricing.
Where to Stay?
Campeche → This is where we stayed, I found it to be a great base for exploring the island.. It’s close to everything, has a laid-back vibe, and offers easy access to both nature and city life. If you want a relaxed but well-connected location, this is a great choice.
Lagoa da Conceição → If you’re looking for a more buzzing and social atmosphere, Lagoa is the place to be. This area has more bars, restaurants, and nightlife than Campeche, making it perfect for those who want a mix of fun and adventure.
Jurere (North of the island) → If you’re after exploring the northern part of Florianópolis and love a touch of luxury, Jurere is your go-to. This area has high-end resorts, trendy beach clubs, and crystal-clear waters, making it a more exclusive spot in Florianópolis.
The beaches you can’t skip in Florianópolis
Praia da Joaquina – My go-to beach! Here there is plenty of space for beach games like soccer or beach tennis, and the massive sand dunes make for an incredible view. If you’re up for it, you can even try sandboarding down them. And of course, no beach day is complete without a drink—yes, they serve great cocktails here, and it can’t be anything other than Brazil’s #1 drink: the Caipirinha, made the right way—with Cachaça.
Praia da Lagoinha do Leste – This beach is a bit more calm because you have to hike to get there. We thought it’d be an easy trail— be aware: it wasn’t. It took two hours to reach the beach, and it was steep and slippery (don’t be like us—wear proper shoes, not flip-flops). But the reward? Stunning views and even some adorable monkeys along the way. Totally worth it.
Praia dos Ingleses – This is a more developed beach with a mix of locals and tourists. It has a few beachside restaurants where you can enjoy fresh seafood while watching the waves. Perfect for a chill afternoon.
Praia da Barra da Lagoa – A good beginner surf spot with surf schools everywhere. The water is usually calm, making it an ideal place to learn if you’ve always wanted to try surfing.
Praia Mole – If you ever feel like embracing your inner child and jumping waves for hours, this is the perfect place to do it. This beach is famous for its strong waves and has a mix of young travelers and locals. If you love an energetic beach vibe, this is the spot to be.
The best foodspots in Florianópolis
I know I’ve said this before, but the food in Floripa is insane. It’s fresh, affordable, and way better than what I had in Buenos Aires (which, if you’ve read my BA blog, you know isn’t hard to beat). My travel buddy and I love eating healthy, nutritious, and delicious food while staying on a budget, so here are my top picks in Florianópolis:
Tekapo – Art of Brunch – Our absolute favorite brunch spot. They make everything from scratch, and you can taste it. A proper sourdough bread with smashed avocado and eggs benedict? Only €6. Bonus: It’s right next to our favorite gym, which I’ll mention later.
Mana’o Bowls – A vegan café (I know, not my usual vibe), but worth trying! Their breakfast bowls are amazing, and their specialty coffee is next-level. Even if you’re not vegan, you won’t be disappointed.
Cronópio Parrilla – After all that swimming and working out, you need your protein fix. Argentina might be more famous for its meat, but Brazilian parrillas are seriously way better. This small, cozy restaurant has great outdoor seating, perfect after a beach day. Just one downside—parking here sucks.
Casa Entre Mares – If you think you’ve had good sushi, think again. We ate here 5 times in 10 days, and it was spot-on every single time. Fresh sushi, a comfortable but chic atmosphere, and amazing cocktails (and I’m picky about cocktails, so that says something). Best part? The prices are laughably cheap compared to Amsterdam or any major city—where you’d easily be paying three times as much for the same quality.
Koen Sushi – If you’re looking for a modern sushi spot with high-quality food, this place won’t disappoint. It’s located in a small food court with just a handful of other spots, which, combined with the already stiff atmosphere, makes it feel a bit too structured for our taste. However the food is amazing, the presentation is on point, and the owner? Let’s just say lack of confidence isn’t his issue—adds to the experience, I guess. That said, if you’re after top-notch sushi in a more formal and reserved setting, this place delivers.
My Gym Recommendation
Crosstainer – No, that’s not a spelling error! When you first walk in, people might give you a few curious looks—they’re not exactly used to foreign Westerners training there. But the more you show up, the more respect you earn. This place is filled with absolute diehards—think 30/40-year-olds rocking six-packs, and men and women so insanely fit it almost makes you question your own life choices. (Yep, prepare to feel a little embarrassed about your own fitness level!).
That being said, this gym has everything you need. They offer CrossFit classes, personal training sessions, or you can just drop in for an open gym session. Not everyone here speaks English fluently, so either bring your translator app or cross your fingers and hope someone does.
As for the price? It’s solid for what you get. They only have high-quality machines, and I believe we paid around €8 per session. The more you go, the cheaper it gets—so if you’re staying a while, it’s definitely worth it! So whether you’re looking to lift, do CrossFit, or just stay active in between beach days—Crosstainer has got you covered.
Nightlife in Florianópolis
Normally, we check out the nightlife more often in a city, but in Floripa, we honestly didn’t feel the need. We got completely soaked up in the healthy, active atmosphere the island gives off. However, we did check out Santa Club Lagoa once—it was decent but pretty quiet on a Sunday. Downstairs is a big techno area for electronic music lovers, while upstairs, you’ll find more Brazilian beats. I imagine it’s a great spot when it’s busy, but I can’t say for sure.
I heard that if you’re looking for a night out, Lagoa da Conceição is the best area for bars and clubs, offering a mix of chill hangouts and proper party spots. P12 Parador Internacional is supposedly the place for wild beach parties, while Terraza Music Park is known as the go-to for proper electronic music events. Now, full disclosure—I haven’t checked these spots out myself, so don’t come at me if they aren’t that good!. But if you have, let me know if they’re actually worth it—who knows, maybe I’ll give them a shot next time
Final Thoughts
Florianópolis is hands down one of the best destinations I’ve ever been to. It’s got everything—stunning nature, an active lifestyle (which I love), and an unbeatable food scene. Plus, a huge bonus: you can pay by card everywhere, even on the beach! So, when you’re sipping on your Caipirinhas, no need to worry about carrying cash.
Would I go back? 100%. If you’re looking for a destination that blends adventure, fitness, and laid-back island vibes, Floripa is the place to be.
Have you been to Florianópolis? Did it steal your heart too, or did you have a different experience? Let me know in the comments — and if you’re into chill island life, check out my post on Koh Mak (Thailand) for another hidden gem worth visiting!