Florianopolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil – Brazil’s “Hawaii” or so they think

Florianopolis, or “Floripa,” as it is locally known, is a true gem in Brazil. We made two trips to the island last year, initially staying for four days out of curiosity and then, without debate, returning the following October for a solid month. Relatively unknown outside of South America, it’s become a summer favorite for Brazilians, Argentinians, and Chileans. Local advice was to always stay away between December and March or risk congestion and chaos. Several Brazilians described the island (accessible by the bridge just a few hundred yards off the mainland of Santa Catarina State) as Brazil’s own “Hawaii”.

While Floripa is a big island, somewhat tropical, and has beautiful beaches, unlike Hawaii, it’s delightful. It hasn’t yet been turned into the expensive tourist trap that I believe Waikiki/Oahu has become. My brother-in-law and his wife joined us from Belo Horizonte, and we had an excellent time in the restaurants and bars prevalent throughout the island. Beautiful vistas, a nice Centro Historical area, and hospitable folk. Time is abundant in Floripa, and it was also here that I finally embraced the idea that retirement is good.