Southern Beaches

The beaches of the south-east and south of Florianópolis are the quietest, and surrounded by the most spectacular rugged mountain scenery on the island. Mata Atlantica (Atlantic Rainforest) still covers most of the southern mountains which drop down to small, remote beaches, some only reachable by trails around rugged headlands, through green jungle or over the lowest part of the mountains. Most of the beaches of the east and south disappear completely at high tide and on stormy days. The rocky coastline has sheltered bays with traditional fishing villages, some of which are little changed since the arrival of islanders from the Azores in the 18th Century. The names of some of the southern beaches attest to the maritime activities of these early arrivals and a day or more exploring as many as possible takes you further away from the holiday-makers of the northern beaches than you would believe possible in a couple of hours.