Introduction
Florianópolis is a bustling coastal city that straddles the mainland and the picturesque Ilha de Santa Catarina. It's emerged as one of Brazil's most popular tourist destinations, with the island-side district of Florianópolis a mix of old colonial architecture, chic new bars and luxury hotels. From here, it's easy to explore the rest of the beautiful island of Ilha de Santa Catarina.
Among Florianópolis's many attractions are the colourful stalls at the vibrant central Market Público - the perfect place to pick up provisions for a picnic on one of the island's 42 beaches. These stunning beaches stretch across flat sections of coastline or are hidden in small coves and sheltered bays. The golden sands attract sunbathers, swimmers and surfers from across the globe. One of the best beaches is Praia Mole, where surfers carve the icy face of Atlantic rollers and hang-gliders drift down to the beach from the island's hilly interior.
