The Top Things to See and Do in Florianópolis, Brazil

The Atlantic beaches of Santa Catarina Island aren’t merely beautiful. The long, broad stretches of golden sand framed by rocky capes are known for some of Brazil’s best surfing – and with so many beaches, conditions suit all, from absolute beginner to expert. Praia Mole, a small bay in the center of the island hosts championship tournaments and has two-point breaks and a beach break. Floripa Surf Club, based at the beach, rents boards and has classes.

Squeezed between Galheta mountain, a seemingly endless golden beach and shimmering Santa Catarina lagoon, Barra da Lagoa is a low-key fishing village with some damn fine views over the forested hills behind the beach. Everyone knows it as the go-to for an evening drink or meal – keep your eyes peeled for menus doing freshly caught robalo (bass) or badejo (sea bream) – ideally served with salad and a side order of sunset view. For a failsafe, there’s Rancho de Canoa, where the tapas-like petiscos are delicious and plentiful.

Florianopolis’s wildest shore, this strand of soft sand is framed by imposing mountains coated in a subtropical forest. It’s a trek to get here – literally. The only way in is over the mountains on a steep jungle trail running from Praia do Matadeiro beach, immediately to the north. It’s a sweaty, hour-long walk and as there are no facilities at Lagoinha do Leste, you’ll need to bring your own water. But you’ll be so thrilled you came.

At the heart of Santa Catarina island, the main attraction is a series of salt-water lakes. With almost no waves, they’re the business for wind- and kite-surfing and the surrounding mountains have a series of launch ramps for paragliding. A flight over the beaches and rainforests, dropping low over the lagoons, is spectacular, with a handful of local clubs offering tandem flights suitable for all ages, as well as classes leading to full paraglide certification.

It’s not the arachnids you need to worry about on the trail up Spider Mountain. Despite the name, there are precious few. The challenge is the precipitous path, which rises over this rocky headland in the island’s south, hugging a steep cliff face that falls into a pounding ocean. In places, you need to clamber over boulders and there’s little shade. But the views are magnificent: over the forest and bottle-green ocean to the ragged Spider-Island archipelago just offshore.

To visit now you’d never think it began life as a few tents where local vendors rubbed shoulders with those from beyond, or abroad. European traders loved the spices like cinnamon, vanilla and cocoa, unknown in Europe and very lucrative. Today, the market is an elegant architectural affair, gently reminiscent of London’s Covent Garden with its parades of neoclassical arches and canteen-dense tables where friends gather for lunch. Aromas range from fish to spices – a sensory experience indeed.

In the bay north of Santa Catarina Island is the small outcrop of Ratónes Grande – and the reason you come here is to admire this fortress. Built by the Portuguese in the 18th century to uphold the occupation of southern Brazil, it did time as a quarantine station for maritime voyagers. After centuries left to the forest’s slow embrace, renovation projects have made it fascinating for a day trip today. Come and wander the eerily quiet, gently crumbling structures made of island granite, keeping your eyes peeled for aged cannons.

The city isn’t short on places brimming with treasures – but if you only have time for one, our top tip is the Santa Catarina History Museum (MHSC), in the Palace Cruz e Souza. The building alone is a major event, with its balustrading in homage to Florence and its ice-cream-pink facade. Step in and you’ll be swept up by the contents: a floor displayed to its best advantage, revealing intricate 19th-century marquetry; dreamy paintings of Desterro, the original town; even the first domestic light bulb used in Florianopolis, in 1910. You’ll be wowed.

As the saying goes, great oaks from little acorns grow. Entering this galactic place of worship today, you’d never think its first incarnation was a humble chapel. In 1675 it was raised for the small population of what was then a village, Nossa Senhora do Desterro. Evolving steroidally over the centuries as congregations grew, today it’s a spectacle of stained glass, golden statues – even an organ, from Germany. Most visitors love it for the exterior steps – perfect flopping territory after sightseeing. But many extravagant religious celebrations take place or check the official website to see what’s coming up.