Things to do in Santa Catarina
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Ilha do Campeche
The Ilha do Campeche is like the Ilha de Santa Catarina in miniature - tangled dark green Atlantic forest, secluded coves and great hiking and snorkelling opportunities. Hiring the Vento Sul (South Wind) is the way to get there in style.
Located off the south-eastern coast of the main island is this lush emerald-green islet, a protected ecological reserve. Forests of native logwood (the resource that first brought Europeans here) cover much of the island, while stunning beaches of fine-grained sand, clear, gentle waters and the remains of indigenous civilisation complete the picture. The presence of petroglyphs (carved stones) left by the island's original inhabitants…
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Museu Victor Meirelles
Victor Meirelles is not only an important figure in the history of Brazil's art, but in the development of its historical consciousness. His renderings of key moments in Brazilian history, many on display in this small museum, have been highly influential.
Victor Meirelles, acclaimed by some as the leading Brazilian artist of the 19th century, was raised in this modest colonial house on the street that now bears his name. Born into a Florianópolis merchant family in 1832, he studied art in Paris, returning to 'document' Brazilian history in paintings that celebrated the emergence of the nation and seminal moments in its history. In the 1920s and 30s, Brazilian…
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Praia do Moçambique
Praia do Moçambique's pristine charms have much to do with the littoral strip of ecological reserve that protects it from development. It's also famous for its surf.
Just north of the attractive town of Barra da Lagoa is the 14km stretch of Praia do Moçambique (Mozambique Beach). Actually two beaches (it blends blends seamlessly into Praia Barra da Lagoa) this undeveloped swatch of beach faces the Atlantic Ocean, and is a favourite haunt of Catarina's surfistas (surfers). When the wind is a light westerly or north-easterly, there's usually a good easterly or south-easterly swell; waves break in both directions and can be quite strong.
The beach is buffered from the road…
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Museu Nacional da Imigração e Colonização
In an elegant palace dating from 1870, the Museu Nacional da Imigração e Colonização documents the history of immigration to Santa Catarina. The impressive stand of palms along Alameda das Palmeiras will lead you there.
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Piazza Italia
For a sampling of architecture and gastronomy from the motherland, visit this Italian Renaissance palazzo. A children’s play space makes it ideal for families, but everyone will enjoy the massive menu of ‘nonna’s’ specialties.
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Ostradamus
Given the village’s location overlooking the tidal flats, it is no surprise that the local specialty is oysters – as plump, juicy and fresh as you’ll find anywhere. Sit on the dock at Ostradamus and slurp a dozen or two.
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Delicatesse Viktoria
The lovely, light-filled porch has lace tablecloths and wicker furniture. Come in the morning for coffee and freshly baked sweets, or wait for the afternoon café colonial, replete with sweets and savories.
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Expresso
This place is more of a bar than a restaurant, but its menu of Brazilian-style pub grub will sate you when you get the munchies. Plus, it has a pleasant, shady terrace and two-for-one happy-hour specials.
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Nexus Surf Experience
To take full advantage of the surf, sign up with Nexus Surf Experience, which also leads ‘après-surf’ nightlife tours to introduce newcomers to Brazil’s steamiest party scene.
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Nutri Lanches
‘An overdose of health’ is how Nutri Lanches lauds its all-organic sandwiches, salads and pastries. The lunchtime buffet is an incredible array of healthy, homemade goodness.
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Barco Príncipe III
A daylong cruise around the Baía da Babitonga, ending at the old port city of São Francisco do Sul. The cruise ship departs from the Espinheiros neighborhood, 10km from the center.
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Arante
The rustic seafood shack Arante has become an island institution, its walls covered with poetry and artwork that patrons have doodled on over the years.
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Confraria das Artes
It’s hard to get hipper than this – if you can get in. Internationally famous DJs spin beats in a lavishly remodeled colonial-style house.
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Barracuda
This place has a huge, airy dining room, often packed with patrons feasting on fresh seafood. It’s known for its bacalhau (cod).
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Museu de Arte de Joinville
Art-lovers will enjoy the Museu de Arte de Joinville, which offers rotating exhibits by local and national artists.
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Fatirella
Set in a cute little colonial house, this is a lively, relaxed place for a rodízio (smorgasbord) of pizza and pasta.
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Casa Açoriana
Stop by the delightful Casa Açoriana to peruse island arts and enjoy some sweets in the courtyard café.
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Mirante
The 250m-high Mirante is a tall tower with a circular staircase and a 360-degree panorama.
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John Bull Pub
Live music and lovely views over the lagoon make this English pub a popular spot for a drink.
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Floripa Surf Camp
Floripa Surf Camp offers equipment rental, classes and multiday camps.
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Swell
Stop in at the surf shop Swell for information and lots of gear.
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Passeio de Escuna
Boats depart from the dock at the north end of Rua das Rendeiras.
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Instituto Kat Schürmann
The Schürmann family are local celebrities, known for their worldwide travels and their research on marine biology. The visitors center in Bombinhas has a 400m ecological trail, exhibits and films about the family’s expeditions.
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