Santa Catarina Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Mole Beach which includes general coastal views
Quiet beaches, popular surfing spots, breathtaking bike trails and a boisterous annual Oktoberfest are some of the features of this small state in Brazil’s South Region.

Enjoy typical Brazilian tourist attractions, such as beaches, mountain scenery and water sports, in Santa Catarina. Visit colonial towns and be part of time-honored celebrations introduced by the state’s European settlers. Santa Catarina sits in the middle of Brazil’s South Region, sandwiched between Paraná and Río Grande del Sur. The state stretches from the Atlantic Ocean to the country’s border with northeast Argentina.

Join beach-loving visitors that flock to Florianópolis, the state capital split between the mainland and a picturesque Santa Catarina Island. Discover a sophisticated city center with a sprinkling of colonial landmarks and then explore a collection of over 100 beaches. Ride big waves at Joaquina Beach, mingle with a backpacker crowd at Mole Beach and sample the nightlife in the neighborhood of Jureré Internacional. Relax in the Portuguese fishing village of Ribeirão da Ilha and experience the culinary scene at Lagoa da Conceição, a district beside a lagoon.

Idyllic beaches, secluded bays and built-up coastal resorts run up and down the coastline from Florianópolis. Travel north to Bombinhas, home to postcard-perfect coves set around a forest-clad peninsula. Itapema and Balneario Camboriú have long sweeps of golden sand backed by urban centers. Go to Joinville, the gateway to the 13 beaches that grace the island ofIlha de São Francisco do Sul.

A short drive south from Florianópolis is Garopaba, a family-friendly resort with calm water. Further south, Imbituba and Laguna offer the chance to escape crowds.

Away from the coast, Santa Catarina astounds with its mountainous terrain, hilltop villages and spa resorts. Spend a day in colonial Blumenau, established by Germans and the host of a 3-week-long Oktoberfest beer festival. Bike along the zigzagging road that weaves around the Serra do Rio do Rastro hills. Rejuvenate the body in the hot springs at Piratuba and Treze Tilias.

Santa Catarina’s transport hub is Florianópolis where an international airport receives direct flights from major nationwide cities in addition to Buenos Aires and Santiago, Chile's capital. Come and see for yourself why Brazilians and South Americans return year after year to this beautiful state.

Popular cities in Santa Catarina

Barra da Lagoa Beach which includes a bay or harbour and a coastal town
Florianópolis
Known for Beaches, Islands and Surfing
Its reputation may be as a surfing and party capital, but this southern Brazilian city will charm everyone with its passionate culture.

Reasons to visit

  • Joaquina Beach
  • Ingleses Beach
  • Barra da Lagoa Beach
Itajai showing a city and railway items
Itajai
Known for Beaches, Walking and Countryside
Try fresh seafood at the beach, go on a wine tasting in a villa and explore museums where displays focus on anything from beer to colonialism.

Reasons to visit

  • Molhe de Itajaí