Is This Brazil’s Best Island City? A Slow Morning in Florianópolis’ Hidden Beach
Florianópolis doesn’t try too hard to impress you. The ocean does most of the work.
On my first morning, I landed with a light plan, my expandable backpack already packed for a hike-swim kind of day. The city sits on a southern island off Brazil’s coast—sun-baked, Atlantic-washed, and somehow still relaxed.
🌊 The Spot Locals Don’t Brag About Enough
I went straight to Barra da Lagoa, a narrow curve of land where the Atlantic and a quiet inland river both meet. That contrast stuck with me: the crash of waves, the stillness of lagoon water just steps away. You can wade in either. Or both.
🏞️ A Day That Didn’t Go to Plan
My phone “drowned” before noon. At first, I panicked. Then I shrugged and swam upriver instead. With no GPS and no camera, it became the kind of travel day you only get when you’re not trying to document it.
I crossed forested hills barefoot, stumbled into a small beach cove, ate something forgettable, and laid on my towel like it was the only task left.
🎒 What I Carried (and Didn’t Regret)
My 20L expandable backpack came through. Not just for my towel, wet clothes, and camera pouch—but because it stayed light through it all. I forgot about it until I needed something. And that’s sort of the goal, isn’t it?
Florianópolis earns its title as “Brazil’s best beach town” quietly. It doesn’t shout. It just hands you a trail, a river, and maybe a small disaster—and lets you walk it out under the sun.
