Far more than just a hangout for surfers and backpackers, Florianopolis has plenty to offer the older traveler. Soft sandy beaches, delicious cuisine, a lively cultural scene and plenty of pleasant leafy squares make the city and its surroundings a popular destination for travelers of every age group. Accommodation options range from small, welcoming pousadas (guest houses) to large scale resorts equipped with every modern convenience imaginable, and the dining scene encompasses everything from traditional dishes in simple cafes to contemporary international cuisine.

Beach Resorts in Florianopolis

Florianopolis city sits at the heart of Ilha da Santa Catarina - a paradise island dotted with more than 40 beautiful beaches. Each of these has its own appeal - some are popular with a young, sporty crowd, while others are popular with families. Many of the larger scale hotels are to be found in Praia dos Ingleses, at the northern edge of the island. Hotels such as Costa Norte Ingleses, which is right on the beach, offer air-conditioned rooms, great breakfasts, swimming pools, spas and more, and attract a mixed bag of families, older travelers and romantic couples. For better prices and a more 'authentic' experience, head for Barra da Lagoa, where there are countless small guesthouses offering a warm welcome to travelers of all ages. While it's necessary to book in advance for New Year and over Carnival, for the rest of the year it's usually possible to simply turn up in the neighborhood and find a place to stay.

Eating out in Florianopolis

Fish and seafood lovers will be in seventh heaven during a holiday in Florianopolis. The island is surrounded by marine life of every type, and it's possible to sample delicious fresh crab and lobster, as well as countless types of freshly-caught fish, at the island's restaurants. One of the best spots for seafood is Toca da Garoupa, at Rua Alves de Brito in Florianopolis. Prices are high, but so is the quality, and the service and atmosphere are excellent. Elsewhere, each of the resorts boasts plenty of relaxed spots for simple food by the beach, and Praia dos Ingleses in particular is home to a large number of restaurants offering international dishes such as pasta.

Getting Around

Buses in Florianopolis are safe, cheap, convenient and relatively simple to use. There are buses to virtually all the beaches on the island, and although a change is often required, travelers usually only need to pay once. If arriving at the main coach station laden with luggage, it's worth paying a couple of reais (the local currency) extra to take the more comfortable, air-conditioned buses that depart directly in front of the exit. The state of Santa Catarina is considered one of the safest in Brazil, and bus travel will not normally present any danger as long as valuables are kept out of sight.