Florianópolis: Find Secret Deserted Beaches (Guide)

Ditch the crowds! Our São Paulo to Florianópolis travel guide reveals secret, deserted beaches for the perfect escape. Your paradise awaits. Read our full guide

Golden sun on a wild, deserted Florianópolis beach, a tranquil southern coast escape.
# São Paulo to Florianópolis: A Guide to Finding Deserted Beaches Trading the sprawling metropolis for the 'Magic Island' is a classic Brazilian escape, and this comprehensive São Paulo to Florianópolis travel guide is your key to making that journey unforgettable. We'll show you how to discover the true ‘Floripa,’ a world away from the crowded hotspots of Jurerê or Praia Mole. For those willing to venture a little further, the island holds truly wild, secluded shores and untamed natural beauty waiting to be explored. ## How to Get from São Paulo to Florianópolis Your journey south can be an adventure in itself. You have three main options: * **By Plane**: The quickest way. A direct flight from Congonhas (CGH) or Guarulhos (GRU) to Hercílio Luz International Airport (FLN) takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. It's ideal if you're short on time. * **By Bus**: The budget-friendly choice. Several companies run overnight buses from Terminal Tietê in São Paulo. The journey takes 10-12 hours, but modern 'leito' (sleeper) buses are comfortable. * **By Car**: The most flexible option. The 700km drive takes around 8-10 hours without major traffic via the Régis Bittencourt highway (BR-116). This allows you to explore the coastline at your own pace and is highly recommended for accessing the remote beaches in the south of the island. ## Discovering the "Deserted" Beaches of South Florianópolis The southern part of the island is rugged, less developed, and home to the most pristine beaches. This is where you'll find your 'desert' paradise. ### Lagoinha do Leste This is the crown jewel of Florianópolis's wild beaches. Accessible only by a challenging hike or a boat from Pântano do Sul, its isolation is its charm. The beach is a perfect crescent of white sand bookended by rocky headlands, with a freshwater lagoon behind it. The hike itself is a reward, offering stunning coastal views. * **Trail 1 (Short & Steep)**: From Pântano do Sul. Takes about 1 hour. It's a steep climb but well-marked. * **Trail 2 (Long & Scenic)**: From Praia do Matadeiro. Takes about 2.5-3 hours. This trail follows the coastline and is considered one of the most beautiful hikes in Brazil. ### Praia de Naufragados Located at the southernmost tip of the island, Naufragados (Shipwrecked Beach) combines history with natural beauty. The 45-minute hike to get there is relatively easy and takes you through lush Atlantic Forest. You'll find a historic lighthouse, a couple of simple fishermen restaurants, and a calm beach perfect for relaxing after the walk. ### Praia da Solidão As the name ('Solitude Beach') suggests, this is a quieter spot. Tucked away and accessed by a steep road, it's a small, beautiful cove surrounded by green hills. It's a perfect place to unwind without the crowds, and a nearby waterfall offers a refreshing freshwater dip. ## Beyond the Sand: Hiking and Culture * **Morro da Coroa**: Don't leave Lagoinha do Leste without climbing this hill. The iconic photo of the heart-shaped lagoon with the beach in the background is taken from here. It's a steep 20-minute scramble but worth every step. * **Ribeirão da Ilha**: Step back in time in this historic Azorean village. Famous for its oyster farms, you can enjoy the freshest seafood right on the water. The colorful colonial-era houses and cobblestone streets are incredibly charming.

Highlights

- **Best Time to Go**: March to May offers the best combination of pleasant weather and fewer tourists than the peak summer months. - **Must-Visit "Deserted" Beach**: Lagoinha do Leste is the ultimate prize, accessible only by a challenging hike or by boat from Pântano do Sul. - **Top Hike**: The coastal trail from Praia do Matadeiro to Lagoinha do Leste is long but provides unforgettable ocean vistas. - **Cultural Stop**: Visit Ribeirão da Ilha for a taste of Azorean culture and to sample Brazil's freshest oysters. - **Getting Around**: A rental car is essential for properly exploring the secluded beaches and trailheads in the south of the island, as public transport is limited.

Itinerary

| Travel Method | Average Time | Average Cost (One-Way) | Pros & Cons | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Flight** | 1h 15m | R$300 - R$800 | Fastest option, avoids road traffic, but can be expensive if not booked in advance. | | **Bus** | 10-12 hours | R$150 - R$300 | Very budget-friendly, comfortable overnight options exist, but it's a long journey. | | **Car** | 8-10 hours | R$250 (fuel) + tolls | Maximum flexibility to explore, ideal for visiting remote beaches, but requires a long drive. |

Frequently Asked Questions

**Q: Is Florianópolis safe for tourists?** A: Yes, Florianópolis is generally considered one of the safer state capitals in Brazil. However, like any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings. The secluded southern beaches are very safe, but avoid leaving valuables unattended in your car or on the beach. **Q: Do I need to speak Portuguese?** A: In major tourist areas, you can get by with English, but it is not widely spoken, especially in the more remote southern parts of the island. Learning a few basic Portuguese phrases (like 'obrigado/obrigada', 'por favor', 'quanto custa?') will be greatly appreciated and will make your trip smoother. **Q: What is the best time of year to find these 'deserted' beaches?** A: Avoid the high season from late December to February when the island is packed. The shoulder seasons, from March to May and September to November, are perfect. You'll get pleasant weather, lower prices, and far fewer people on the trails and beaches.