Brazil · 2026 itinerary
Florianopolis 3-Day Itinerary
A day-by-day plan for Florianopolis: the best attractions in order, where to eat, how to get around — with free hotel briefings for your stay.
Arrive & Explore the Highlights
A covered market from 1898 in the city centre. Stalls sell fresh seafood, spices, and local crafts. The upstairs has cheap lunch counters serving pastel and beer. The building itself is a good example
🕐 Monday to Saturday 7:00–19:00; Sunday 07:00–13:00
Free entry💡 Try the oyster bar at Box 42. Six oysters cost about R$15. Avoid the souvenir stalls outside—they mark up prices for tourists.
Hotels near Mercado Público de Florianópolis →A large saltwater lagoon surrounded by hills and dotted with fishing boats. You can walk the 6km perimeter trail or just sit on the grassy banks. The village has cheap eateries and craft stalls.
🕐 24 hours
Free entry💡 For the best free view, hike the short trail up Morro da Lagoa at sunset. The path starts behind the church in the village centre.
Hotels near Lagoa da Conceição →Ana Maria · ££
Flamenguinho · ££
Deeper Into Florianopolis
A wide, wild Atlantic beach with dunes and strong waves. Popular with surfers and young locals. The walk from the main car park to the far end is quieter and gives you views of the rocky headlands.
🕐 24 hours
💡 Arrive before 10am on weekends to get a parking spot near the dunes. Bring sunscreen and water; there are few shade options.
An 18th-century Portuguese fortress on the northern tip of the island. Well-preserved ramparts and cannons overlook the sea. Free entry on Wednesdays. The small museum inside has maps and military art
🕐 Tuesday to Sunday 09:00–18:00. Free on Wednesdays.
💡 Combine this with a walk along the nearby Praia do Forte beach. On clear days you can see the mainland mountains. Bring a picnic; there are benches on the fortress walls.
Restaurante do Alécio
Restaurante Adriana
Final Favourites & Departure
A protected dune system between the lagoon and the ocean. There are marked walking trails through sand dunes shaped by the wind. The park has an information cen
💡 Entry costs R$10 (about £1.50). Go early morning or late afternoon when the light is golden and the sand is cool. The trail to the ocean lookout is 1.5km and takes about 30 minutes.
Restaurante O Nutri
Sabor & Mar
Getting Around Florianopolis
Airport Uber has a separate pick-up zone to the right of the main exit. 99Pop is usually 15–20% cheaper but drivers are less likely to accept the long route. On peak summer weekends, double the estimated time.
Buy a fixed-price voucher at the airport booth right after baggage claim to avoid surge or meter games. The trip north is about 45km—longer if traffic hits the bridges.
This air-conditioned line runs via the north coast and drops you right at the beach. Buy a rechargeable bus card at TICEN—cash is not accepted onboard. Don't take the cheaper 331; it's slower and stops further inland.
These vans run from the airport exit and serve the north beaches. Look for the 'Praia Brava' sign. They're cheaper than a taxi and almost as fast, but don't accept credit cards inside the van—carry small notes in reais.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 3 days enough for Florianopolis?
Three days covers the main highlights well. You can see the key attractions like Mercado Público de Florianópolis and get a genuine feel for the city. For a more leisurely pace or to explore neighbourhoods in depth, a 5-day trip is better.
What is the best time to visit Florianopolis?
See our full best time to visit Florianopolis guide — it covers weather month by month, peak vs. shoulder seasons and how to avoid the crowds.
Where should I stay for this itinerary?
A central location saves transit time between sites. Top options include Pousada Drops de Aniz, Natur Campeche, Residencial Ilha Campeche. See the full ranked list with free briefings for each.