Travel Ilha de Santa Catarina (Florianópolis), BrazilSanta Catarina has something for everyone; there are beautiful and deserted beaches in the south, a good party scene in the north, and great beaches with great surf in the east. There are also good opportunities for diving at Praia Bombimhas. But Santa Catarina isn’t just all surf, sand, and sun – there is also a protected pine forest in the east where you can find good hiking and horse back riding. 
Here is the general rule to go by: the further south you travel the less developed - and crowded - it will be. You can get everywhere on the island from Florianópolis. For destinations east and south, head to the bus terminal on Rua Antonio Luz. To get to the north, buses depart from Rua Francisco Tolentino. Fares are about R$2. Where to Stay:The North Island is designed for tourism – beaches with calm and clear waters, guesthouses and hostels everywhere. It is nice but I prefer a more low-key scene:Floripa Hostel – Canasvieiras; HI-member/student/regular dm R$20/24/26, d R$46/55/56, two block from the beach, clean, English speaking, everything you’d expect from an HI hostel Lacabana - Canasvieiras; d/q R$80/120, though it isn’t beautiful, it is practical, comfortable, and clean. Located 150m from the beach Villabella Villaggio – Praia da Lagoinha & Praia Brava; d R$150-220, chalet R$250, every room has a great view of either Praia da Lagoinha or Praia Brava (catch rays and waves at this beach) Pousada do Santinho – Praia dos Ingleses & Praia do Santinho; d R$120-140, friendly, family-run, clean, and the beach is on the other side of the dunes. The East Coast boasts crystal clear and clean water, spectacular but challenging surf, and long beautiful beaches. 
Pousada 32 – Barra da Lagoa; s/d/q with kitchen R$60/90/120, colorful rooms with fans and balconies. Pretty much on the beach.Bungalos da Mole – Praia Mole; across from the beach, has bi-level bungalows. Higher priced ones have kitchens and ocean views. Great spot for surfers. The South Island has pristine white sand beaches and mountains sloping into the sea. Many of the beaches can be found deserted, but some outstanding surf spots can be crowded. Pau de Canela Pousada – Campeche; d with/without air-con R$120/150, 1km from the beach, simple and luxurious Pousada Natur Campeche – Campeche; s/d R$160/240, ste R$270-370; exotic rooms decorated by the owner who brings back treasure from around the globe. Only 100m from Praia do Campeche Pousada Alemdomar – Armacao; d R$180; a little slice of paradise. Pousada do Pescador – Pantano do Sul; s/d/t R$80/100/120, simple and sweet chalets with one or two rooms. Albergue do Pirata – Costa de Dentro; dm/d per person R$28/35, free internet, English-speaking, lively outdoor restaurant and bar Santa Catalina bus Routes:Florianópolis to:-Rio de Janeiro; US$42, 18 hours -São PauloSão Paulo, US$28, 12 hours |
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