Main Attractions

(*)Florianopolis is a city divided half on the mainland, half on Santa Catarina Island. The two parts are connected by picturesque Hercilio Luz Bridge, perfect to take a stroll across on a clear day.


(*)Hit the town 40 days after Easter for Divine?s Feast, when crowds take to the street with parades, live outdoor music, and kiosks serving up local cuisine.


(*)For a beach that?s crowded but well worth it, check out Praia dos Ingleses. Dunes at one end of the beach are popular for sand boarding, while the soft white sand and sparkling water attract locals and tourists alike.


(*)Surfers looking for a more tranquil area to practice their craft should head to Praia do Santinho, nearly untouched by man, located on the North of Santa Catarina Island.


(*)Visit Ribeirão da Ilha, an old district of Florianopolis and a testament to Azorean immigration. If that peaks your interest, don?t miss the Ethnological Museum, which houses documents and relics from the region?s history.

When to go

Florianopolis has well-defined seasons, though it rarely experiences extreme temperatures. Summer (Dec-Feb) is generally the rainiest season, whereas June-Aug are the driest months. Summer is also high season, and thus more expensive, so budget travelers watch out. If money is an issue, you might be better off visiting in the spring, when the weather is nice but prices are lower and reservations easier to come by.

How to get there

(bus)For die-hard backpackers the Rodoviaria bus company runs inexpensive, convenient buses to Florianopolis from other major cities in Brazil. Other companies may make the trip as well ? check online. By air, the cheapest option is Brazil?s budget airline, Gol (as in Goooooooooooooooooooooooool). They provide service from both Sao Paolo and Rio de Janiero. Other flying alternatives include TAM, which provides service domestically and even through JFK, and Varig.

Visa information

US Citizens require a visa in order to enter Brazil. Citizens of Israel, Great Britain, and most EU countries do not require a visa for a stay of up to 90 days. If you are in doubt about whether you require a visa, check online with your embassy.

Tipping

At restaurants a service charge of approximately 10% is generally added to the bill. It is always identified that this charge is not obligatory, and any more than this is certainly not expected. Taxi drivers do not expect to be tipped, but fares may be rounded up to the nearest Real so no one has to deal with change.