Solo Travel in Florianópolis: Island Boutique Hotels, Oyster Lunches and 40-Plus Beaches

Jet Set LatAM · Solo Travel

Florianópolis, or Floripa to everyone who’s been, is an island in southern Brazil with more than 40 beaches, a lagoon at its heart and a relaxed, outdoorsy crowd. It’s one of Brazil’s safer and easiest destinations, which makes solo travel in Florianópolis a lovely mix of beach days, trail walks and long seafood lunches.

The island is bigger than it looks, so the secret is picking the right base for the trip you want.

Choosing your base

Lagoa da Conceição is the island’s social heart, with restaurants, bars and easy access to the eastern beaches. Jurerê Internacional in the north is polished and glamorous, with beach clubs and calm water. The south, around Campeche and Ribeirão da Ilha, is wilder and quieter, with trails and fishing villages.

Boutique hotels for one

Small pousadas around the lagoon and in the north make lovely solo bases: look for a boutique stay with a view of the water and a good breakfast. For a splurge, Ponta dos Ganchos, an intimate resort on its own peninsula about an hour north of the island, is one of Brazil’s most romantic hideaways, and just as restful alone.

Oysters and seafood, solo

Florianópolis is Brazil’s oyster capital. Head to Ribeirão da Ilha in the south, where Ostradamus serves oysters every way imaginable on the waterfront, or to Santo Antônio de Lisboa for sunset seafood on a deck. The Mercado Público downtown is great for a casual lunch.

Azorean heritage and artisan finds

Settled by Azorean immigrants, the island keeps their traditions alive. In Santo Antônio de Lisboa and Ribeirão da Ilha, look for handmade bobbin lace (renda de bilro) and ceramics. Our Florianópolis edit picks the artisan pieces worth bringing home.

Solo-friendly experiences

Hike to Lagoinha do Leste, one of the island’s most beautiful beaches, with a guide; take a boat to Ilha do Campeche for clear water; or book a surf lesson at Joaquina or Barra da Lagoa.

Solo safety, the practical version

• Getting around. Distances are long; use ride apps or rent a car if you’re comfortable driving.
• Ocean safety. Swim where lifeguards are posted; currents can be strong on the eastern beaches.
• Season. December to March is peak summer and busy; shoulder months are calmer and cheaper.
• Trails. Hike popular routes with a guide or in company, and start early.

What to pack

• Cashmere travel wrap: a blanket on the plane, a shawl at the chef’s counter
• Leather loafers: polished enough for dinner, sane on cobblestones
• Packing cubes: because you’re carrying your own bags, all of them
• Our full travel collection on ShopMy ↗

Where to stay

Lagoa da Conceição for restaurants and nightlife, Jurerê for polished beaches, or the south for a quieter, nature-first trip. The flight search and live accommodation map below help you plan the rest of the trip.

Frequently asked questions

Is Florianópolis safe for solo female travelers?

It’s considered one of Brazil’s safer destinations; use normal precautions and ride apps at night.

Where should I stay in Florianópolis alone?

Lagoa da Conceição for a social base, or Jurerê Internacional for polished beaches.

Do I need a car in Florianópolis?

Not necessarily; ride apps work well, but a car helps if you want to explore the whole island.

When is the best time to visit Florianópolis?

November to April for beach weather; March and April are warm with fewer crowds.

Keep reading

• Shop the Edit Florianópolis: artisan style
• Solo travel in South America: all 20 boutique-luxury destinations

Some links on this page are affiliate links: if you book or buy through them, Jet Set LatAM may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This is a researched editorial guide; details, hours and prices change, so confirm before you go.