Florianópolis, or Floripa as the city is popularly known, is the capital of the Santa Catarina state in South Brazil. It's natural beauty—stunning 172 kilometres of coastline, over 40 beaches, vast green hills, sand dunes, cliffs, waterfalls, two splendid lakes—is only one reason why Floripa is so popular the world over. And thanks to severe preservation laws, 42% of the island's territory is permanently protected, so those wonders are here to stay. And with the highest standard of living in Brazil, life is pretty good.

Floripa is a compelling destination for much of the year, but the first part of the year and carnival periods are the busiest. Brazilians and the international jet set alike flock to Floripa seeking an incredible, non-stop party…day and night. Cafe de la Musique, where the elite (both natives and internationals) go for the best day and early evening scene, is known for its legendary sunset parties during high season. The place to see and be seen is Reveillon Boutique, where international top models, celebrities and VIPs from all over the world meet and mingle with the most beautiful women of Florianopolis.

Sleep

It's not all party though. Sometimes you just need a place to rest your head. In Floripa, the best place to stay is near the beach. And with 40 beaches to choose from, it won't be an easy decision. Some beaches, like Jurere Internacional and Praia Mole, attract the young and beautiful and offer excellent hotels and services. Il Campanario Villagio Resort, located in the heart of Jurere Internacional, offers sea views from all suites and is within walking distance of the main restaurants, stores and sophisticated beach lounges. Surrounded by green hills, Praia Mole Eco Village is located in the spectacular region between Conceiçao Lake and the soft white sands of Praia Mole. The accommodations are rustic, but the hotel is the ideal spot for nature lovers and sports fans.

During the high season, contact Floripa Inbound, a high end rental agency that specializes in providing access to excellent private villas and concierge services. In downtown Florianópolis, the best option for business travellers and city lovers is the world-class Majestic Hotel, which strategically located near the city's business centre, shopping malls and next door to one of the main gastronomic regions of the island.

Beaches

In addition to Jurere and Praia Mole, there's Riozinho at Campeche beach which is a playground for kitesurfers. Campeche's island is right in front of it and littered with the young and the beautiful—talk about stunning scenery. Further south, Armaçao, with its colourful wooden boats, is a typical fishing community. On the other side of the creek, breathtaking Matadeiro is just a short walk from Armaçao. If you're heading north, Barra da Lagoa is the best spot to learn how to surf and Moçambique, with 31 kilometres, is the surf experts' wild paradise.

Lagoa da Conceição is the island playground for several water sports, including windsurfing, kitesurfing, wakeboarding, sailing, swimming, kayaking and canoeing. The three hills around the lake also have ramps for hang-gliders and para-gliders. It is a well-known fact that the some of the most stunning views of the lake, dunes and the beaches can only be accessed from the air. The beaches on the east and south coasts are excellent surfing spots (for beginners or the experienced surfer). Many of the best surfers in Brazil and in the world come to Florianópolis to surf…and some have just decided to stay permanently. But really, who could blame them?

Shop

It's worth paying a visit to historic Mercado Publico not just for the shopping (mainly crafts) but also for the architecture. Mercado Public is located in the heart of the 19th-century Florianópolis. For the big name brands, check out Iguatemi Shopping Mall and Beiramar Shopping Mall, where the best Brazilian and international quality items are displayed. Osklen is the brand that best represents the unique beach lifestyle of the Brazilian people.

Eat

Seafood is the main cuisine in Floripa. In the historic neighbourhood of Ribeirao da Ilha, Ostradamus harvests its own oysters from floating farms that can be seen just a few metres from the restaurant. Another good choice is the traditional Bar do Arantes, which is on the shore of Pantano do Sul beach. Its walls and ceilings are covered with paper messages left from years of visitors.

A requirement for all Floripa tourists is a day out on a traditional baleeira (wooden boat) with lunch at Costa da Lagoa, a hidden fishermen's community on Lake Conceiçao only reachable by boat or foot. Sabor da Costa and its charismatic owner, Ja Ja, stands out. Its specials? Fried shrimp pastel, crab meat on its shell, crispy squid and the famous shrimp platter.

If seafood isn't on the menu, there are a variety of restaurants to suit any palette. Thai, on Joaquina's Road, is considered one of the best Thai restaurants in Brazil. For pizza, try Pizzaria Basilico. The Argentinian meat specialist Patagonia, sells the best beef cuts. In Lagoa's town, stop at Fatto a Mano for excellent Italian and Sushi Roots for Japanese. In downtown Floripa, Cafe Riso makes an amazing risotto. On the north of the island, Bistro D'Campora serves top contemporary Brazilian dishes. And at Cachoeira do Bom Jesus, Il Caravaggio is one of the best Italian restaurants on the island.

Play

During high season (the end of December to the end of February), two of the best nightclubs are Posh and Pacha. They are both located at Jurere Internacional, which is the "Brazilian Hamptons" and the vacation destination of the rich and famous from all over the world. Confraria das Artes at Lagoa da Conceiçao is another top spot; it's a unique mix of an antique store and art gallery plus it's a busy and sophisticated nightclub.

From March to December, the best nightlife is concentrated between downtown Floripa and Lagoa da Conceiçao, two of the noblest neighbourhoods of Florianópolis. El Divino Lounge, a renovated ancient shipyard, is the main nightclub in downtown and its open nearly every night of the week. If the club scene isn't your scene, take a stroll in the internal garden or pop into one of the restaurants for cocktails and people watching while the club crowd gathers.

In Lagoa, Confraria da Artes gets even better during the low season. Another excellent option is the live music at Vecchio Giorgio Bar, complete with wood oven baked pizza for the dancing famished. There are also special events and parties happening frequently at different beaches, private villas, hotels and unexpected locations. These events are no doubt the best and most exclusive events to attend, so it's important to mix with and talk to the locals about what is going on while you are here.

Address Book

Il Campanário Villagio Resort Avenida dos Búzios, 1760, Jurerê Internacional
Phone: +55 48 3261 6000
www.ilcampanario.com.br

Praia Mole Eco Village Rodovia Jornalista Manoel de Menezes, 2001, Praia Mole
Phone: +55 48 3239 7500
www.praiamole.com.br

Majestic Palace Avenida Beira Mar Norte, 2746, Centro
Phone: +55 48 3231 8000
www.majesticpalace.com.br

Floripa Inbound Rodovia Jornalista Manoel de Menezes, 2001
Phone: +55 48 9609 0000
www.floripainbound.com.br

Ostradamus Ribeirão da Ilha, 7640
Phone: +55 48 3337 5711
www.ostradamus.com.br

Bar do Arante Rua Abelardo Otacílio Gomes, 254
Phone: +55 48 3237-7022
www.arantebar.com.br

Sabor da Costa
Boat leaves from Lagoa da Conceiçao at Cooperbarcos
Must inform that the destination is "Sabor da Costa"
Phone: +55 48 3335 3070 / +55 48 9973 7778

Cooperbarcos (Lagoa da Conceição to Costa da Lagoa)
Rua Senador Ivo D'Aquino, 145 - Lagoa da Conceição
Phone: +55 48 3232 8266

Thai Restaurant Estrada Geral da Joaquina, 555, Lagoa da Conceição
Phone: +55 48 3232 4181 / +55 48 8406 3991
www.thairestaurante.com.br

Pizzaria Basilico Rua Laurindo Januário da Silveira, 647, Canto da Lagoa
Phone: +55 48 3232 1129
www.pizzariabasilico.com.br

Restaurante Patagônia Rua Laurindo Januário da Silveira, 1233, Canto da Lagoa
Phone: +55 48 3232 5679 / +55 48 9983 8038
www.restaurantepatagonia.com.br

Fatto a Mano Avenida Afonso Delambert Neto, 103, Lagoa da Conceição
Phone +55 48 3232 3272
www.merceariafattoamano.com.br

Sushi Roots
Phone: +55 48 3232 8458
www.sushiroots.com.br

Café Riso Rua Bocaiúva, 2090, Centro
Phone: +55 48 3223 8753
www.caferisoetc.com.br

Bistro D'Campora Rodovia SC 401, 10300, Santo Antônio de Lisboa
Phone: +55 48 3235 1073
www.dacampora.com.br

Il Caravaggio Av. Luiz Boiteux Piazza, 3180, Cachoeira do Bom Jesus
Phone +55 48 3284 8210
www.ilcaravaggio.com.br

Pacha Rodovia Maurício Sirotsky Sobrinho
Phone: +55 48 3282 2054
www.pachafloripa.com.br

Posh
Phone: +55 48 3282 2533
www.poshclub.com.br

Confraria das Artes Rua João Pacheco da Costa, 31, Lagoa da Conceição
Phone: +55 48 3232 2298
www.confrariadasartes.com.br

El Divino Lounge Avenida Beira Mar Norte, Centro
Phone: +55 48 2335 1266
www.eldivinobrasil.com.br

Yaah! Temakeria Rua Bocaiúva, 2297, Centro
Phone: +55 48 3879 9693
www.yaahtemakeria.com.br

Taiko Lounge Rua Madre Benvenuta, 687 (ground floor Iguatemi Shopping Mall)
Phone: +55 48 3029 1099
www.taikofloripa.com.br

Vecchio Giorgio Avenida Afonso Delambert Neto, 103, Lagoa da Conceição
Phone: +55 48 3232 0600
www.vecchiogiorgio.com.br

Cafe de la Musique Avenida dos Merlins
Phone: +55 48 3282 1325
www.praiacafedelamusique.com.br

Reveillon Boutique and Carnaval Boutique Alameda Cesar Nascimento, 500, Jurere
Phone: +55 48 3222 4009
www.reveillonboutique.com.br
www.carnavalboutique.com.br