Santa Catarina Island (Santa Catarina)
Santa Catarina Island, also called Florianópolis or simply Floripa, is known in the country for its numerous beaches with the purest sand, fine restaurants serving fresh seafood and traditional fishing villages. Tropical climate, wonderful coastline, exotic scenery, beautiful locals and a somewhat old-fashioned way of life – this is what characterizes this hot place, a favorite vacation spot of Brazilians themselves.
General information
The island can be divided into five districts: north, east, center, south and west.
The beaches on the north side of the island are mostly filled with tourists during the peak vacation season, and many Brazilian celebrities’ homes have been built in the exclusive areas.
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The beaches on the eastern side of the island are famous for the waves that beckon surfers like a magnet.
In the center of Santa Catarina is a large lagoon, partially surrounded by large dunes – here vacationers are beckoned by the lights of restaurants, cafes and nightclubs.
.In turn, the southern part of the island is divided into two parts: to the east are the more rocky and secluded beaches on the Atlantic coast; on the west side is the beach of Riberan da Ilha opposite the mainland. At different parts of the island are wonderfully preserved Portuguese fishing villages with colorful architecture and friendly residents. Equally quaint are the harbor towns on the southwestern tip of Florianópolis, with wonderful waterfront cafes and oyster farms, as well as fantastic diving opportunities.
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