Florianópolis (also known by its nickname Floripa) is the capital of Santa Catarina, a state located in the south of Brazil. The city area is made up of one main island called “Ilha de Santa Catarina”, a continental part, plus the surrounding smaller islands.

The city has a population of approx. 400,000 and an estimated 950,000 in the metropolitan area. It is well known for its white-sand beaches, lush vegetation and beautiful lagoons, as well as for its quality of life (one of the highest in Brazil).

The climate is subtropical, so the four seasons are clearly distinguishable. Summer temperatures are commonly around 30º C, whereas low winter temperatures can fall to around 10º C. It is not always cold in the winter however, as in between cold fronts the temperature rises and at times gets hot enough to go to the beach and even get a sun tan.

Florianópolis attracts many domestic, as well as foreign tourists, especially during the summer months (December to March). In recent years it has become one of the main tourist destinations in Brazil. The main attractions, of course, are its beautiful beaches, like Praia Mole, Joaquina, Campeche, Armação and Moçambique, located to the east, which are very popular with surfers, because of the waves, or beaches like Jurerê, Ingleses, Cachoeira, Ponta das Canas and Canasvieiras to the north of the island, which are more appropriate for swimming.

There are many good hotels and pousadas (inns) throughout the island, as well as excellent hostels like the Barra Beach Club  located in Barra da Lagoa right in front of Prainha Beach, a true paradise.

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