Florianopolis, Brazil

Famous throughout Brazil for its legendary fresh oysters harvested directly from the cool, clean waters of Ribeirão da Ilha, this is a pilgrimage-worthy dining destination. The open-air deck stretches over the water, creating a magical atmosphere especially as the sun dips below the mangroves at dusk. Pair a dozen oysters with chilled local white wine and grilled catch-of-the-day for the ultimate Florianópolis feast.

Chef Marina Souza transforms traditional Azorean-influenced Florianopolitan ingredients into bold, inventive plates that feel both nostalgic and thrillingly modern. The intimate dining room glows warmly with candlelight, and the tasting menu changes weekly to reflect whatever is freshest at the local market that morning. Every bite tells a story of the island's rich cultural heritage blended with contemporary Brazilian gastronomy.

This beloved roadside gem beside Lagoa da Conceição serves the most generously stuffed tapioca crepes you will find anywhere on the island, made fresh to order every time. Sweet options loaded with banana and condensed milk sit alongside savory versions bursting with sun-dried beef, local cheese, and fresh herbs. Grab a stool, order a fresh coconut water, and watch the lagoon shimmer while you eat.

One of Florianópolis's most iconic institutions, this rustic beachside eatery in Pântano do Sul has been serving grilled fish and cold beers since 1958. The wooden walls are plastered floor-to-ceiling with notes, business cards, and mementos left by generations of grateful visitors, creating a living museum of memories. The grilled robalo with farofa and vinaigrette is a dish that will linger in your thoughts long after you leave the island.

Nestled in the hills of Lagoa da Conceição, this charming boutique inn offers breathtaking lagoon views from every suite. Hand-painted tiles and locally sourced wood give each room a deeply personal, artisanal feel. Wake up to birdsong and a homemade tapioca breakfast served on your private terrace each morning.

Just steps from the legendary waves of Praia Mole, this surf-inspired lodge attracts adventurers and beach lovers from around the world. Rooms are breezy and bright, decorated with local photography and colorful hammocks on every balcony. The on-site board rental and daily surf lessons make it the perfect base for riding the Atlantic.

Perched above the pristine dunes of the north island, this design hotel blends Nordic minimalism with Brazilian warmth in stunning fashion. Floor-to-ceiling glass walls frame uninterrupted ocean panoramas that glow gold at sunset every single evening. A rooftop pool, curated cocktail bar, and attentive personal service complete this unforgettable coastal retreat.

Centrally located in the heart of the historic city center, this vibrant hostel is a social hub buzzing with travelers from every corner of the globe. Colorful common areas, a lively rooftop bar, and daily free walking tours make it easy to connect and explore from day one. Private rooms and well-kept dorms ensure a comfortable stay without breaking the budget.

This stunning saltwater lagoon at the heart of the island is the social and spiritual soul of Florianópolis, drawing kitesurfers, kayakers, and sunset gazers in equal measure. The surrounding hillside village is lined with colorful bars, craft shops, and excellent restaurants that buzz with life from noon until well past midnight. A stroll along the canal bridge at golden hour, watching the reflections ripple across the water, is simply unforgettable.

Built by the Portuguese in the 18th century to defend the island from naval invasion, this beautifully restored coastal fortress offers a fascinating window into Florianópolis's colonial past. Cannon batteries still line the sea-facing walls, and the surrounding Atlantic rainforest has reclaimed much of the grounds in gorgeous green splendor. The coastal walk leading to the fortress through dense native mata atlântica is itself a highlight well worth the journey.

Wide, wild, and dramatically framed by towering sand dunes, Joaquina is the beach that made Florianópolis famous among surfers and adventurers worldwide. Sandboard rentals at the base of the dunes draw daredevils of all ages, while the powerful Atlantic swells consistently attract competitive surfing events throughout the year. Arrive at sunrise when the light turns the sand golden and the crowd is thin for a truly transcendent experience.

Built in 1898, this magnificent neoclassical market at the city's waterfront edge is a living, breathing cathedral of food, culture, and community all at once. Wander through stalls overflowing with tropical fruits, dried shrimp, local cachaça, and handmade lace crafted by descendants of the original Azorean settlers. Pull up a stool at one of the tiny bars tucked inside, order a cold chopp beer and a pastel, and let the vibrant daily rhythm of Florianópolis wash over you completely.