The Most Awe-Inspiring Places to Watch the Sunset in Florianopolis

Perch on the edge of the ocean to listen to the water lap up against the bricks, and enjoy not only the colours of the sun setting behind the city across the inlet, but the taste of your dinner as you do so. This small town has a few terrific fine dining restaurants right with outdoor patios on the water’s edge, which provides the best dining ambience on the island.

Santo Antônio de Lisboa, Santa Catarina, Brazil

As the sun ducks behind the horizon here, you’ll understand why this is the only name they could have given to this hostel. The high up location gives a clear view from one of the pools looking west across the lake, as the sun disappears, and the sky is left with a pink, orange glow. Might as well make a reservation here, as you won’t want to leave.

Sunset Backpackers, Praia Mole, Santa Catarina, Brazil

Around the corner from Santo Antonio are the ruins of the fortress of Sao José de Ponto Grosso, and just south is the beach, Praia Forte. As the sun begins to set, the fortress will be closing, but you can move south to the beach and get a glimpse of a sunset that the Portuguese settlers centuries ago while protecting this point, surely would have enjoyed as well.

Praia do Forte, Ilha Santa Catarina, Brazil

Make sure to have good footwear and at least one flashlight if you plan to enjoy the sunset here, as you’ll need to walk the trail back. The natural pools are frequented by people in the day to splish and splash in the ocean that sidles up against the rocks and heats up – as everyone retreats, you can remain to watch the sun set over Barra da Lagoa.

Piscinas Naturais, Barra da Lagoa, Santa Catarina, Brazil

Most days the sun will be gone and the moon will be out before the clock hits 7pm, which is perfect as you can take in another historic site, and another incredible sunset at the same time. The museum of Forte Santana do Estreito sits under the blue bridge which spans the gap between Ilha Santa Catarina and the mainland, and is a great place to get a peaceful, unique view of the glowing end of the day.

Forte Santana do Estreito, Florianopolis, Brazil

Before you make all the twists and bends and end up in Santo Antônio do Lisboa, you’ll pass through a tiny town on the coast that you’ll miss if you glance down at your phone or map, but will have your eyes glued to the window if you pass through in the evening. The water, similar to Santo Antonio, rocks up right to the edge of the town, and you can join the locals as you dangle your feet off the edge, chat, and say ciao to the sun, at least for today.

Praia do Cacupé, Ilha Santa Catarina, Brazil