Where to stay in Florianópolis: A guide to the best Areas based on your travel style

What Is the Best Area to Stay in Florianópolis?

Florianópolis is generally divided into three main regions.

The north of the island is the most developed and tourist-oriented area. It is the most convenient region for families and travelers looking for comfort, infrastructure, and beaches with calmer waters.

The east combines beaches, surfing, restaurants, activities, and nightlife. This part of the island attracts many first-time visitors to Florianópolis, as well as a strong community of digital nomads and remote workers.

The south offers a more natural and authentic atmosphere. The landscapes are wilder, the beaches are often less urbanized, and the overall vibe is quieter.

Each region offers a very different experience of Florianópolis.

The North of Florianópolis

The north of Florianópolis is the most touristy and developed part of the island. It has a high concentration of hotels, vacation rentals, restaurants, and shops. The beaches are generally calmer, making this area ideal for families and travelers looking for an easy and comfortable stay with everything nearby.

During the high season, especially between December and February, this part of the island can become very crowded. Travel times increase quickly, and some roads are often heavily congested at the end of the day. Despite this, the north remains one of the easiest areas for a first stay in Florianópolis.

Jurerê Internacional is probably the most famous neighborhood on the island. The area is known for its beach clubs, upscale restaurants, and modern accommodations. Despite its more premium positioning, it is also very popular with families. During summer, the atmosphere becomes much livelier with a strong Brazilian and international crowd.

Right next to it, Jurerê has a more residential atmosphere while still offering an excellent location. The beach is pleasant and calm, with a generally more family-friendly and relaxed atmosphere than Jurerê Internacional.

Canasvieiras and Ingleses mainly attract travelers looking for a lively atmosphere and more affordable accommodations. These neighborhoods become especially vibrant during summer and are popular with families thanks to their large beaches, shops, and many restaurants. Ingleses also welcomes many Argentine tourists during the high season, giving the neighborhood a very dynamic atmosphere.

The East of Florianópolis

The east of Florianópolis is often considered the most balanced region of the island. It offers beautiful beaches, good nightlife, restaurants, cafés, and a strong surf culture. This region also attracts many digital nomads and remote workers.

Lagoa da Conceição is probably the liveliest and most central neighborhood on the island. The area combines restaurants, cafés, coworking spaces, bars, and water activities around the lagoon. Its location also makes it easy to reach several beaches on the east coast. The atmosphere remains lively throughout the year, and the neighborhood is one of the most popular places among expats and international remote workers.

During the high season, Lagoa can become quite crowded, especially in the evenings and around the restaurants along the lagoon.

Barra da Lagoa has a more relaxed and surf-oriented atmosphere. The neighborhood keeps the feel of a small beach village with easy access to the ocean and a more laid-back vibe. The canal and small fishing boats also add a lot of charm to the area. Many travelers appreciate Barra da Lagoa for its simpler and more local atmosphere.

Praia Mole and Joaquina mainly attract surfers, groups of friends, and travelers looking for a younger and livelier atmosphere. Joaquina is known for its dunes, surf spot, and wide open landscapes. It is also one of the most famous places in Florianópolis for sandboarding.

The South of Florianópolis

The south of Florianópolis offers a more preserved and authentic atmosphere. The landscapes are beautiful, and the beaches are less urbanized than those in the north of the island.

On the other hand, travel times can sometimes be longer, and some infrastructures remain more limited. This part of Florianópolis mainly attracts travelers looking for tranquility, nature, and surfing.

Campeche has become one of the most sought-after neighborhoods in Florianópolis in recent years. The area combines beach life, cafés, restaurants, coworking spaces, and proximity to the airport. Campeche attracts many digital nomads, long-stay travelers, and young professionals looking for a good balance between modern comfort and quick access to nature.

The neighborhood has evolved significantly in recent years with the arrival of new restaurants, cafés, and coworking spaces while still maintaining a more local atmosphere than some of the northern beach resorts.

Morro das Pedras has a quieter and more residential atmosphere while remaining close to Campeche. The area is appreciated for its beach and more peaceful environment.

Quick Comparison of the Main Areas

What Is the Best Area to Stay in Florianópolis?

There is no single best area in Florianópolis because it all depends on the type of trip you are looking for.

The north remains the most convenient option for families and travelers seeking comfortable vacations with plenty of infrastructure.

The east offers the best balance between beaches, restaurants, activities, and nightlife. Some areas in the east may be slightly less suitable for families with young children.

The south is better suited for travelers looking for a more authentic, quieter, and less touristy atmosphere.

Our Tips

Travelers looking for more comfort and a more premium atmosphere often prefer Jurerê Internacional in the north of the island.

For a very touristy atmosphere with more affordable prices, in a style that can sometimes resemble some seaside resorts in northern Spain such as the Costa Brava, Ingleses and Canasvieiras remain excellent choices.

For long stays, surfing, and a more authentic atmosphere, Campeche and the south of the island offer a more local experience.

One of the best ways to discover Florianópolis is to choose one main area for your stay and then explore the rest of the island by car.

Many travelers underestimate the distances on the island. Florianópolis may seem relatively small on a map, but traffic can significantly slow down travel during summer, especially between the north and south.

This is why some travelers choose to split their stay between different regions of the island in order to experience several sides of Florianópolis while limiting travel times.

Florianópolis has many other neighborhoods and beaches, but in this article we mainly focus on the areas that are best suited for a first stay on the island. Some more residential or isolated areas can be very pleasant to live in but remain less practical for vacations or short stays.

To help organize your trip, you can also read:
What to Do in Florianópolis: The Best Activities by Region