Florianopolis Hiking Guide: Top Trails and Coastal Routes
Experience the best coastal trekking in Southern Brazil. This guide covers essential trail logistics, safety requirements, and the top-rated routes across the island.
Strong southerly winds (Vento Sul) make cliffside trails like Matadeiro dangerous and cause temperatures to drop 5-10 degrees. Postpone coastal hikes if gusts exceed 40km/h.
Download offline topographic maps
Mobile signal disappears in the valleys of Lagoinha do Leste and the Peri Lagoon interior. Use a GPS-based app to track your live position against the trail line to avoid wrong turns in dense brush.
Pack 2 liters of water per person
Most coastal trails have no potable water sources and the 80%+ humidity accelerates dehydration. Add 500ml extra if hiking between 11:00 and 14:00.
Wear closed-toe hiking shoes
Loose scree on Morro da Coroa and slippery roots in the North Island forests cause frequent ankle rolls. Avoid flip-flops even on shorter beach access trails.
South Island Highlights
Hike to Lagoinha do Leste
This is the island's most famous beach with no road access. Start at Pântano do Sul for a 1-hour steep climb or Matadeiro for a 2.5-hour scenic coastal trek.
Enter via Pântano do Sul (Fast/Steep)
Enter via Matadeiro (Long/Scenic)
Scramble up Morro da Coroa
The trail starts at the southern end of Lagoinha beach and takes 30 minutes of vertical climbing. The summit provides the iconic 'surfboard' rock photo overlooking the entire bay.
Trek to Naufragados Lighthouse
This 3km trail is mostly flat and shaded, ending at the island's southernmost point. Visit on weekdays to avoid the crowds that arrive by boat from Caieiras da Barra do Sul.
Walk the Saquinho coastal path
Follow the concrete path from Solidão beach for 20 minutes to reach this secluded community. The trail offers unobstructed views of the Atlantic and leads to a quiet beach with a single small restaurant.
East and Central Routes
Complete the Costa da Lagoa trek
This 7km path passes through 18th-century ruins and fishing villages. Stop at 'Ponto 16' for a seafood lunch then take the public boat back to Lagoa da Conceição.
Start at Canto dos Araçás
Pay boat fare in cash (R$ 20-30)
Find the Gravatá natural pools
The trail starts near the paragliding ramp on the road to Joaquina. Go at low tide to ensure the rock pools are exposed and safe for swimming.
Visit the Trilha do Poção waterfall
This 1.2km family-friendly trail in Córrego Grande ends at a swimmable waterfall. Avoid the pool for 24 hours after heavy rain due to increased current and debris.
Safety and Local Knowledge
Carry R$ 150 in small cash bills
Boat taxis at Lagoinha and restaurants in Costa da Lagoa often lose card machine connectivity. Small bills are required for the public boat transport system (Barcos de Cooperativa).
Apply Icaridin-based repellent every 2 hours
Borrachudo flies near Peri Lagoon and forest streams are aggressive. Apply repellent to ankles and behind ears specifically, as these are their primary targets.
Identify yellow and red trail markers
Official trails use painted markers on rocks or trees. If you haven't seen a marker for 10 minutes, backtrack to the last known point rather than pushing through dense vegetation.
Notify a contact of your return time
Share your intended route and expected finish time with someone not on the hike. If you are 3 hours overdue, they should contact the local Fire Department (Corpo de Bombeiros - 193).
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there dangerous animals on the trails in Florianopolis?
Yes, the Jararaca (pit viper) is common in the Atlantic Forest areas. They are camouflaged and often rest on trails; stay on the cleared path and never step into tall grass where you cannot see your feet. If bitten, seek immediate medical attention at the HU (Hospital Universitário) which carries the necessary antivenom.
When is the best time of year for hiking in Florianopolis?
March to May offers the best conditions with lower rainfall and temperatures between 20°C and 26°C. Summer (December to February) is often too humid and prone to sudden, heavy afternoon thunderstorms that make trails slippery and dangerous.
Can I hike to Lagoinha do Leste alone?
While the trail is well-traveled on weekends, solo hiking is discouraged on weekdays when the path is isolated. If hiking alone, use the Pântano do Sul route as it is shorter and has more frequent traffic than the Matadeiro cliff route.
Is there an entrance fee for the island's trails?
No, almost all trails in Florianopolis are located within public conservation units like the Parque Municipal da Lagoa do Peri or the Monumento Natural Municipal da Galheta and are free to enter. Some private parking lots at trailheads may charge R$ 20-40.