Florianópolis &
Balneário
Talking a little about
Florianópolis, the capital of the state of Santa Catarina in southern Brazil, is predominantly composed of the Santa Catarina Island, stretching 54 km in length. It’s famous for its beaches, including popular tourist resorts like Praia dos Ingleses at the northern end of the island. Its Lagoa da Conceição, a saltwater lagoon, is a popular spot for windsurfing and boat tours. The Ponte Pedro Ivo Campos connects the island to the commercial mainland area.
Talking a little about
Balneário Camboriú is a tourist city located in the state of Santa Catarina, in southern Brazil. It is renowned for its tall buildings and beaches, with Praia Central being one of the most famous. Bars, restaurants, and shops line Avenida Atlântica, a bustling avenue right by the beach. The Unipraias Park is situated at the mouth of the Camboriú River and offers views from ziplines and cable cars. The Cristo Luz monument, a towering statue of Christ, overlooks the city.
Region
Sul
State
Santa Catarina - BR
Climate
Humid subtropical, temperate.
Main attractions
Beaches, tourist attractions and museums.
Some
Curiosities (Florianópolis)
The origin of the nickname “Island of Magic” might surprise you. Despite its truly “magical” landscapes that attract tourists from all over the world, especially from Argentina, the reason for the nickname isn’t that. The Island of Magic is called so due to the numerous legends about ghosts, witches, werewolves, and other mystical creatures.
If you’re interested in learning more about these legends, the book “O Fantástico na Ilha de Santa Catarina” might be a good choice! Published in 1979, it gathers 24 tales written based on various oral accounts heard by the author, Franklin Cascaes, between 1946 and 1976.
Between the months of July and November, the coastline of Santa Catarina becomes a nursery for the Southern Right Whale. This is because the water temperature is ideal for giving birth to and nourishing their calves. For those in Florianópolis, the months of August and October are perfect for spotting these Southern Right Whales.
The Mirante do Morro das Pedras (Hill of Rocks Overlook) is the most recommended spot for observation. Located high on a hill, the area provides a direct view of the beaches of Armação and Matadeiro, in the southern part of the island.
You might have wondered why the people of Florianópolis are referred to as “manezinhos.” The origin of this expression comes from the name “Manuel.” During the time when many Portuguese immigrants moved to Brazil, often from the Azores archipelago, the most common name among them was precisely Manuel.
As a result, they started referring to the island’s inhabitants as “manuelzinhos,” a term that gradually transformed over time into “manezinhos,” as we know it today.
Besides being one of the favorite holiday destinations, Florianópolis is also one of the favored regions for those working in the technology field. In recent years, the city has established itself as one of Brazil’s technological hubs. According to the Santa Catarina Technology Association (Acate), the Greater Florianópolis area currently hosts over four thousand technology companies.
Florianópolis currently boasts four innovation centers where new technologies are developed, and startups are created. For those looking to enter the job market or make a career transition in Florianópolis, the path might be in the technology sector. Have you ever considered this?
Inaugurated on May 13, 1926, after four years of construction, the Hercílio Luz Bridge has become one of the most beautiful postcards of the country. Built to connect the mainland to Santa Catarina Island, solidify the city as the capital of Santa Catarina state, and stimulate the economic market, the Hercílio Luz Bridge was recognized as a Historic, Artistic, and Architectural Heritage of Brazil in 1997 by the Ministry of Culture.
In 2005, the state government initiated a restoration project that lasted for 14 years, with the bridge being reopened for use in 2019. After such a long period, the reinauguration was a celebration. During the seven days of programming, it’s estimated that more than one million people passed through it.
Some
Curiosities (Balneário Camboriú)
The first of the curiosities about Balneário Camboriú is related to the Parque Unipraias. It’s the only cable car in the world that connects two beaches: Praia Central to Praia de Laranjeiras.
Furthermore, it surprises with a station nestled in the Atlantic Rainforest at a height of 240 meters. The park offers attractions such as kiosks, trails, viewpoints, ziplines, and even a mountain sled ride, all in one stop atop the hill at 240 meters.
The Pirate Ship tour is a tradition in the city that pleases people of all ages. The lively boat is a curiosity for tourists, as it’s the only themed sightseeing boat in the region that departs from Barra Sul towards Praia de Laranjeiras, featuring entertaining theater performances with dances and music.
This attraction is popular not only among tourists but also among locals, as it provides a way to take the cable car journey to Praia de Laranjeiras and then return to Barra Sul on the ship after a relaxing afternoon.
Another curiosity about Balneário Camboriú is that it houses the largest aquarium in southern Brazil. The Oceanic Aquarium features 25 tanks and covers an area of 2,200 square meters. Spanning 3 floors, it showcases the fascinating world of marine species, with 250 species from 6 continents.
With 2 levels and tanks containing both saltwater and freshwater, visiting the aquarium is a great leisure option for both tourists and residents of the city, offering a unique experience.
Among the curiosities about Balneário Camboriú, the paragliding experience at Morro do Careca is one that allows residents to enjoy the beauty while embarking on an adrenaline-filled adventure.
Located in Praia dos Amores, to the north of Balneário Camboriú, the Tourist Complex of Morro do Careca offers a panoramic view of Praia Central and also Praia Brava, on the border with the municipality of Itajaí. Rising 104 meters above sea level and featuring a completely flat summit (hence the name), it’s the preferred spot for extreme sports enthusiasts, including hang gliding, paragliding, climbing, and rappelling. Take-offs are carried out by certified pilots affiliated with the Morro do Careca Free Flight Association, which provides training courses and tandem flights as well.
For water sports enthusiasts and those who love high-sea adventures, Balneário Camboriú offers one of the best marinas in Brazil. With numerous beaches and suitable structures that allow for unforgettable experiences, the city boasts over 10 marinas and yacht clubs.
This means that boat, speedboat, and jet ski enthusiasts can enjoy a variety of leisure options, selecting the best vessels to spend weekends and stylishly enjoy their days of relaxation.
One of the interesting aspects that can be enjoyed during maritime excursions is the Ilha das Cabras (Goats Island). It’s an island located 600 meters from Praia Central in Balneário Camboriú and is considered one of the main landmarks of the municipality.
It’s named so because in the 1970s, the island was inhabited by Mr. Marciano Cavalheiro, who planted various species of plants and trees on the island to prevent erosion. Mr. Marciano also brought his dog and other animals to the island that aided in his family’s maintenance, such as chickens, ducks, and of course, goats. It’s said that the island was actually named Ilha das Cobras (Snakes Island), but because the goats were visible from the beach, it gradually became known as Ilha das Cabras.