Things to Do in Florianopolis

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 of Portuguese colonial architecture.

🕐 Monday to Saturday 7:00–19:00; Sunday 07:00–13:00

💡 Try the oyster bar at Box 42. Six oysters cost about R$15. Avoid the souvenir stalls outside—they mark up prices for tourists.

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 artefacts.

🕐 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.

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

💡 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.

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.

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 centre with maps and a small exhibition about the local ecosystem.

🕐 Tuesday to Sunday 08:00–17:00

💡 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.