Santa Catarina Island: South

Morro das Pedras

The main road to the South passes along this "Boulder Hill", in a large curve along the coastline with a spectacular view of the South and Ilha do Campeche. Many people park in the curve to enjoy the sea breeze and a pastel with sugarcane juice– and try to spot whales. Southern right wales migrate through the waters along this coast during winter season July to September, and Morro das Pedras is a popular place to spot the whale mothers and their calves. There is also a restaurant before the curve, with a nice view.

Praia do Caldeirão

The large beach to the South of this curve is named Caldeirão - meaning "kettle". Waves are strong here, making it less suitable for swimming and more suitable for surfing. But if you want to get away from the crowds and only enjoy the sand and the sun, this is a good option. Parking is sparse, as well as food and drink for beach goers - best to bring your own.

Lagoa do Peri

This large freshwater lake and the area around it is a municipal park and natural preserve, and a popular weekend day trip for local families. You might have seen this lake in the shape of a heart from your flight when arriving in Florianópolis. Here you can have a picnic and swim in the leisure area by the main entrance, or continue on the trail by the lake to find one of the more secluded spots.

People enjoy kayaking and sailing small dinghies and Lasers on Lake Peri, and there are professional guides offering classes. The water is considered ideal for swimming and the Peri lake provides fresh water for the surrounding communities. Since it is a source of fresh water, motorised boats are not used.

There is a little known access point to Lake Peri in the North tip. From here you can walk on a trail around half the lake with very few visitors, and if you're lucky you might see one of the otters that are a native species of this region.

Inside the park there is also a smaller trail for easy hiking.

Otter Preservation Project

On the South side of Lake Peri there is a visitors centre for Projeto Lontra ("Project Otter") - where you can learn more about these ferocious maritime mammals and the efforts to preserve them. Their opening hours are somewhat odd, so make sure you check them before heading there for a visit.

Armação

This place is without a doubt one of the most beautiful parts of the island. Here a small islet and a canal separates Armaçao beach and Matadeiros beach, the first being easily accessible by bus. A fleet of artisanal fishing boats lie moored outside the beach, protected by the islet, as well as on the beach. There's a few restaurants and cafes here, some with great views of the bay.

The main attraction here is the green islet connected to Armação beach by a wooden pier. From the hill on the islet you'll have a spectacular view of the bay and of the ocean, especially at sunset. On the other side there's a patch of rugged rocks breaking the waves, and on top of the hill there's a shrine. This shrine has been the subject of some religious conflict as some people want it to be dedicated to saints, while others want to dedicate it to pagan sea deity Iemanjá. Since most of the islet is covered by grass, this makes a great spot for a picnic or reading a book.

Matadeiros beach

From Armacao there is a gangway over the river and a short coastal trail to reach Matadeiros beach - with beautiful views. This beach is a favourite for people learning to surf, due to the easy waves. The crowd here is younger and more local, due to the necessity of walking the trail to reach the beach. There are a couple of restaurants on the beach, so that you won't be without food or drink. One good aspect of this beach is that the sand stretch is quite wide before it reaches the ocean, giving plenty of space.

Ilha do Campeche boats

Boats to Ilha do Campeche depart from the Armacao islet during summer season, and huge lines can form during the busiest days. Operators haven't managed to make a functioning system for pre-reservations, so your best option is arriving early to purchase your passage. Those who purchase a "reservation" online ahead of time will have to stand in line with everybody else anyway. The boats take about an hour to reach the beautiful Ilha do Campeche.

Pantano do Sul

If you follow the main road in the island to the end, you'll end up on the beach in Pantano do Sul. This is one of the most protected beaches, with few waves. Fishermen take advantage of the calm waters and use this bay to bring in their catch and for anchorage. Traditional restaurants line the beach front, with the most popular being right where the road ends. This beach is authentic and calm.

Açores Beach

From Pantano do Sul, you can turn right on the main road, towards the community Acores. The beach here is more isolated and without much infrastructure. It is also not so crowded, and a good place for beginner surfers. The beach is actually the same as Pantano do sul beach, so you can also walk between these places. Acores has a couple of restaurants in the centre, as well as a nice cafe by the roundabout.

Solidão beach

You can only reach Solidão through Acores, so they can be considered a pair. From Acores you drive up a steep and winding road to reach Solidão. Now you've reached as far as you can reach by vehicle. There is also an option to walk between the beaches on the newly built wooden walkway along the coast.

Solidão beach is similar to Acores beach, but smaller. There is a very nice hiking trail starting here, going to tiny Saquinho beach. The trail is well kept and easy to hike, giving you a nice view of the whole southern bay. In 30 minutes you reach Saquinho beach. After Saquinho, the trail does continue towards isolated Naufragados beach along the coast, but this stretch is an adventure that takes from 2 to 3 hours one way.

Waterfall

A short walk brings you to this waterfall, that is more of a stream, all depending on rainfall. Lovely and perfect to cool off during a hot day!