This is the Southernmost beach of the island, the name translating to "Shipwrecked beach", with scholars debating from which shipwreck exactly.
Only reachable from the sea or by foot on a 4km long hiking trail, this isolated beach remains less crowded, even during season. The trail starts where the long and winding road along Ribeirao da Ilha ends. You can get to the trail by bus or with your own vehicle, parking at the entrance. Although the road to here is long, it is also one of the most beautiful in Florianopolis.
The trail itself is easy walking and takes about 45 minutes through the woods, without any views since it isn't elevated. Take note that the trail gets muddy and slippery when it rains. There is a small community of families living by the beach, supporting themselves by fishing. You'll pass by their houses just before reaching the beach.
Naufragados beach is beautiful, with a bit colder waters as all beaches in the south of the island. The sea can be rough if the wind hits from the south. Waves here can also be great for surfing.
There are local boat operators transporting passengers for a fee between Naufragados and a small beach in Caieira, by the parking and trail entrance.
There is no commercial accommodation here, so if you want to stay the night you have to bring your own camping gear. There are many good spots to put up tents within the dunes and forest between the beach and the river connecting with the sea.
There are a couple simple restaurants by the beach, serving traditional food and cold drinks. They also have bathrooms and water taps.
There is a lighthouse or beacon, on a coastal trail from the beach, which most people choose to visit. The first lighthouse at the point was put into commission in 1883. The coastal trail offers beautiful views of the Atlantic, with the small Aracatuba islet with the ruins of an old fort in the foreground, and the continental town Ponta do Papagaio in the background.
There is a small detour to the Marechal Moura hill fort ruins, with some old artillery cannons from the beginning of the 20th century. The guns were put here to defend the island from naval assault, from an ideal spot. The cannons are impressive and the view is excellent, making this place well worth a visit.
After the lighthouse, the trail continues for a short bit through the woods to the other side of the coast, where you can get some of the best views of the beach Praia do Sonho, on the other side of the bay. If you spend the night camping in Naufragados, you might want to go up the lighthouse trail in the morning to watch the sunrise.
There is a coastal trail connecting Naufragados beach to Solidao beach, taking some 2-3 hours to walk. The trail is not well marked as well as sparsely used during low-season, meaning it is easy to get lost unless you're walking with somebody who knows the way. If you want to get into the wild and walk where few people walk - this is your trail.
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