Dunes covered in vegetation mean that development is thankfully difficult. The sand is hemmed in by The Dragon and the Indian (the rocks at each end of the beach) and it drops quite steeply into the Atlantic Ocean.
The beautiful clear water soon becomes deep, and with a strong undertow beneath the powerful waves, swimming is possible but not very enjoyable. Perhaps for this reason, Praia Mole isn´t very popular with families, but it does attract many surfers and the beautiful people of Florianópolis (and that really is saying something...).
The only buildings are the lifeguard post, 2 houses, a couple of surf schools, and 4 or 5 bars for food and drink. One of these has a beach volleyball court in front, while the one at the Galheta end of the beach is a straight-friendly gay bar.
These bars are only allowed to open until 8pm, making them perfect for a post-beach caipirinha as the sky over the ocean turns pink, then purple, and the moon rises from behind the rocky Ilha do Xavier. All these natural splendours, plus groups of locals who care for the beach and prevent any council-led development plans, and the fact that dogs are prohibited mean that Praia Mole is a very beautiful and very clean beach for one so popular.
Even if you don´t want to join in any activities, Mole is perfect for relaxing and watching the world and its bikinis go by. You can also enjoy the surf, the surfers and the parasailing that begins on the back of the dragon and ends on the sand beside you. All this scenery and entertainment means that Go Floripa´s favourite Florianópolis beach is probably Praia Mole.