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Where to Stay in Florianopolis

Where to Stay in Florianopolis

Florianopolis Santa Catarina, Brazil Travel Guide

Accommodation Types in Florianópolis

Full Spectrum of Lodging

  • Hostels (Albergues)

    Budget-friendly options with a social atmosphere, offering shared rooms and private rooms. Popular in Lagoa da Conceição, Barra da Lagoa, and Campeche.

  • Pousadas (Guesthouses)

    Family-run establishments with a local feel, ranging from economical to boutique luxury properties. Popular near beaches and old-fashioned villages.

  • Hotels (Hotéis)

    International and local chains having a range of budgets. Concentrations are in the city center, northern island (Canasvieiras, Jurerê), and developed seaside areas. Find deals on Booking.com or Agoda.

  • Resorts

    Large properties with extensive, often beachfront facilities, providing a comprehensive vacation experience. Found in upscale areas like Jurerê Internacional. Explore IHG Hotels for luxury stays.

Unique Local Stays

  • Casas de Praia (Beach Houses)

    Popular for longer stays, ideal for families or groups seeking space and privacy. Look for these on Vrbo.

  • Cabanas

    Rustic cabins, some with self-catering facilities, in more organic or secluded areas.

  • Vacation Rentals & Apartments

    Platforms like Airbnb and local sites are popular for apartments and houses, ideal for self-catering and longer stays. Consider Airbnb for diverse options.

  • Camping & Outdoor

    Designated campgrounds exist in less developed beach areas (Campeche, Barra da Lagoa, Armação). A few glamping options combine outdoor experience with amenities.

Neighborhood Guide

Florianópolis's diverse neighborhoods each offer a distinct character, making your selection of where to stay important.

Centro Downtown

Pros
  • Historical sites, museums
  • Main bus terminal access
  • Urban feel, value outside high season
  • Excellent public transport
Considerations
  • Not beachfront
  • Busy, less charming than beach areas
  • Caution needed at night in some parts
  • Urban environment

Lagoa da Conceição

Pros
  • Lively nightlife, diverse dining
  • Central to many beaches
  • Excellent for aquatic activities (windsurfing, SUP)
  • Generally safe
Considerations
  • Can be noisy, traffic congestion
  • Not directly on the ocean
  • Awareness in crowded areas at night
  • Busy during peak times

Jurerê & Jurerê Internacional

Pros
  • Upscale, luxurious, exclusive
  • Beautiful, clean beaches
  • Excellent infrastructure, very safe
  • Trendy nightlife (Jurerê Internacional)
Considerations
  • Expensive
  • Can feel exclusive, less "Brazilian"
  • Quieter outside peak season
  • High-end focus

More Neighborhoods & Their Vibe

Canasvieiras & Ingleses

Family-friendly beaches, popular with tourists. Developed with many apartments and hotels. Calm waters, good infrastructure. Can be very crowded and touristy in high season. Generally safe, but petty crime is common in crowded areas. North of the island, good access to other northern beaches.

Campeche & Rio Tavares

Southern beaches, more laid-back, popular with surfers, eco-tourists, and locals. Access to Ilha do Campeche. Beautiful, less crowded beaches, good surfing, natural feel, close to the airport. Less nightlife than Lagoa. Generally safe, but some areas can be isolated.

Booking Strategies

Smart booking helps secure your preferred accommodation and potentially save money.

When to Book

  • High Season (Dec-Feb): Book 3-6 months in advance. Prices are highest.
  • Shoulder Season (Mar-May, Sep-Nov): Book 1-2 months ahead. Prices are more reasonable.
  • Low Season (Jun-Aug): Find deals a few weeks or days ahead. Offers more flexibility.

Booking Methods & Policies

  • Platforms: Use Booking.com, Airbnb, Expedia, Agoda, and Decolar. Booking straight with pousadas is an option.
  • Negotiation: Possible for walk-in rates or long stays in low season at smaller pousadas. Not common for large hotels or high season.
  • Deposits & Cancellations: Policies vary. Check specifics carefully. High season bookings often have stricter policies.
  • Price Fluctuations: Expect prices to double or triple between low and high seasons, especially for beachfront properties.

Booking Tips

Utilizing Platforms
  • Compare prices across major sites for the best deals.
  • Read reviews carefully, specifically for peak season bookings.
  • Consider direct booking for local pousadas, sometimes they offer unique rates.
Planning Ahead
  • Flexibility with dates helps find better prices.
  • Be aware of local holidays and events impacting availability and cost.
  • For specific, popular properties, book as early as possible.

Homestay & House Sitting

TrustedHousesitters

Exchange pet or house sitting for free accommodation globally. Explore opportunities on TrustedHousesitters.

Community Stays

While less formal, homestays are possible via platforms like Airbnb for cultural immersion.

Glamping

Combines outdoor camping with more luxurious amenities, check local listings for options.

Accommodation Recommendations

Here are some top picks across different categories, offering a starting point for your search.

Budget-Friendly & Mid-Range Stays

Selina Florianópolis Lagoa

Offers a sociable environment, good value, and a community. Ideal for those looking to connect with other travelers.

Pousada Don Marco Lagoa da Conceição

A charming pousada offering comfort and a local experience, centrally located for exploring the lagoon area.

  • Comfortable rooms
  • Personalized service
  • Good access to dining

Luxury & Unique Properties

Hotel Boutique Quinta das Videiras Lagoa

An elegant retreat offering sophisticated charm and an intimate experience, known for its beautiful design and amenities.

  • Exclusive ambiance
  • Fine dining
  • Boutique style
Costão do Santinho Resort Praia do Santinho

A luxury resort with extensive facilities, ideal for families plus those seeking a comprehensive vacation experience.

  • More than one pool
  • Dining options
  • Activities for all ages
  • Explore IHG Hotels for similar resorts

Traveler Specific Recommendations

  • Family-Friendly Options

    Resorts in Jurerê Internacional or Costão do Santinho. Vacation rentals also cater well to families. Use Vrbo for house rentals.

  • Solo Traveler

    Hostels in Lagoa da Conceição or Barra da Lagoa for a communal atmosphere. Centrally located hotels offer convenience for exploring.

  • Long-Stay Accommodations

    Consider renting an apartment or house through Airbnb or local platforms. Negotiate rates with pousadas for extended periods.

Culturally Rich Stays

  • Santo Antônio de Lisboa

    Boutique pousadas here offer a glimpse into Azorean architecture and history, providing an unique cultural experience.

  • Ribeirão da Ilha

    Stay in this charming Azorean village, renowned for its oyster farms and traditional seafood restaurants, for an authentic local feel.

  • Campeche Natural Stays

    Options in Campeche appeal to those seeking a closer a link with nature and a more relaxed, bohemian atmosphere.

Booking & Finding More

Vacation Rentals & Apartments

Platforms like Airbnb are popular for a large variety of apartments, houses, and studios, ideal for self-catering and longer stays.

  • Great for families or groups
  • Kitchen facilities for self-catering
  • More space and privacy
  • Check Airbnb or local sites for options.
Homestay & Community Tourism

While less formally structured, homestays are possible through platforms or by connecting with locals, offering cultural immersion.

  • Direct cultural immersion
  • Unique local perspectives
  • Authentic living experience
  • Consider TrustedHousesitters for a different kind of stay.

Specialty Lodging

Camping & Glamping

Designated campgrounds or luxurious glamping options are located in more natural settings like Campeche.

Casas de Praia Beach Houses

Perfect for groups seeking space and a relaxed beach vacation, often rented for longer periods.

Historic Pousadas

Discover properties in Azorean towns such as Santo Antônio de Lisboa for a historical and cultural stay.