Visiting Florianopolis, Brazil

Vacationing in Florianopolis is an experience unlike any other. Florianopolis, or Floripa as it is affectionately known by locals, is an enchantingly beautiful city located in the South of Brazil. As the capital of Santa Catarina, one of the richest per capita states in Brazil, it has long been known to well-to-do South Americans as a wonderful vacation destination thanks to its unique combination of incredible beaches, great weather, amazing nightlife and friendly inhabitants, all in a setting of unparalleled natural beauty. Florianopolis is also blessed with an organized and extremely safe urban environment, which helps to explain why for several years in a row now it has been named as the city with the best quality of life in Brazil by the local media.

Of course Florianopolis has also long been well known to die hard surfers from around the globe as a premier destination for a vacation in Brazil, blessed with some of the best and most consistent breaks you’ll find anywhere. Florianopolis currently hosts WCT and WQS (the qualifying event for the WCT) pro surf tour events, and therefore is on the radar of pros and scouts from around the world as well.

No longer is this gem of a surf and lifestyle paradise just for jet set South Americans and pro surfers – Floripa, is now beginning to be discovered for the first time by the rest of the world.

Florianopolis has so much to offer, with the beaches, nightlife, dining, cultural and sporting activities available all year round, it's no wonder why visitors rave about the island and can't wait to come back again and again. Here at Nexus we hope to provide you with an overview of the best that Floripa has to offer to make your visit to the island as seamless as possible. After reading through our site, you'll just need to show up (preferably with lots of energy and a healthy dose of curiosity!), relax and enjoy the vacation of a lifetime!

Florianopolis Highlights

While Florianopolis as a whole is a very special place, we recommend Praia Mole beach as the ideal home base during your Florianopolis travels. From your accommodations in Praia Mole, the rest of the island is easily accessible (both the northern and southern most tips, and all the great attractions along the way, can be reached in less than an hour's drive) and the crown jewel of the island (the Lagoa da Conceição lagoon and towncenter) as well as the most beautiful beaches are right here at your doorstep. The Lagoa towncenter is a vibrant community consisting of shops, restaurants, bars, trendy cafes and boutiques that blends irresistible Brazilian charm with a healthy dose of foreign sophistication. In addition to great local restaurants, you will find Thai, Sushi, Mediterranean, French, and Italian cuisine, as well as some of the best nightlife in all of South America. In the high season, late December through early March, Florianopolis swells with people and incredible energy that must be experienced to be believed. For more information about Florianopolis seasonal variations, please see our FAQ's section.

To learn more about Florianopolis feel free to visit the following links:

Map of Florianopolis

Florianopolis Vacation Rentals

Guardian Article about Florianopolis

While we hope this information will be helpful as background prior to your visit, you should know there is no substitute the experience of spending time here on the island, getting to know the native culture and people and immersing yourself in the stunning natural surroundings that Floripa has to offer.