11 Best Sights in Florianopolis, The South

The picturesque Mercado Público is in a Portuguese colonial structure with a large central patio. Even though the interior of the market was destroyed in a fire in 2005, the renovated space—filled with stalls selling fish, fruit, and vegetables—preserves its lively bazaar atmosphere.

Named for a British sailboat that sank here in 1700, this narrow beach has an unparalleled lineup of hotels and restaurants for all budgets, making it one of the most popular beaches on the island. In summer Spanish with an Argentine accent is the local language. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking; showers; toilets; water sports. Best for: swimming.

This museum is in the 18th-century baroque-and-neoclassical Palácio Cruz e Souza; its stairways are lined with Carrara marble. The sidewalks around the building are still paved with the original stones brought from Portugal. Exhibits revolve around state history: documents, personal items, and artwork that belonged to former governors (this used to be the governor's home).

Surfers have staked claims to this beach, the site of several surfing events, including one round of the world professional circuit. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking; water sports. Best for: surfing.

This secluded mile-long beach is surrounded by hills covered with lush tropical vegetation (now mostly protected by a municipal park) and offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic. It can only be reached by boat or by a steep, 5-km (3-mile) path that starts at the entrance of the Pântano do Sul village. Amenities: none. Best for: solitude.

This sophisticated beach has calm, warm waters, and great services and facilities. Amenities: food and drink; parking; water sports. Best for: swimming.

This small beach community is surrounded by hills and has good restaurants and fishing-boat rides to other beaches and smaller islands nearby. Amenities: food and drink; water sports. Best for: walking.

Located about 24 km (15 miles) north of Florianópolis city center and home to an upscale resort and condominiums, Jurerê normally has bigger waves than its neighbors. The increased development of beachfront hotels, restaurants, and shops has attracted many out-of-state visitors. Amenities: food and drink; parking; toilets. Best for: walking.

This white-sand beach mostly attracts surfers and foreign tourists. You can paraglide here, and there are a number of beachfront bars. Walk left along the beach and over the point to reach the smaller Praia da Galheta, where nudism is tolerated. Amenities: food and drink; water sports. Best for: nudists; surfing.

This company operates several schooner tours that visit some of the historic forts and various islands. They also traverse the Baía dos Golfinhos (Dolphin Bay), home to dozens of gray dolphins. Tours depart from the downtown harbor (near Hercílio Luz Bridge) or Canasvieiras Pier and last about five hours. English-speaking staff is sometimes on hand to take reservations; otherwise, make arrangements through your hotel.