It is a well known fact that Florianopolis’ beaches are the chief attraction in the area. Nevertheless, this island has a rich and colourful history, including great battles and skirmishes.

Since this island was for a long time subject to constant harassment by Belgian and Dutch privateers or by Spanish navigators, the Portuguese Crown made an order for a number of forts and fortresses to be built.

Nowadays, these forts became a major attraction in the area and the best part of them have been tumbled and restored.

Tourist facilities such as the XV de Novembro Square, which is said to be city’s point of reference, the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Cruz e Sousa Palace and, of course, the Public Market are a must for tourist visiting the area.

The Casa da Alfândega (Old Customs House) was built between 1875 and 1876 after the original house was destroyed in a fire ten years before.

This building has a typical neo classical style. Nowadays, it houses the Association of Fine Artists from Santa Catarina (ACAP) and arts and crafts stores.

A gallery of local artists can be found at this house and craft exhibitions are held regularly. Moreover, a bar works here as well, where typical drinks are served.

Florianopolis main church is located in the heart of the city center and has undergone several changes throughout history.

The walls have been lengthened laterally, the old door in the main entrance has been replaced and the building’s facade has now a neo classical style.

The external part of the church is being improved currently in order to show off the beautiful architecture of this building.

The "Lagoa de Conceiçao" is one of the most typical places in Florianopolis, known for its stunning natural beauty and its bustling nightlife.

Artists, writers and more seek refuge in this beautiful place.

This lagoon has almost 20 kilometers of salt waters and well preserved buildings from Colonial times can be found here.

Along Avenida das Rendeiras (Rendeiras Avenue), the avenue surrounding the lake, you will find friendly old ladies that keep the tradition of weaving handmade linen fabrics alive.

The Cruz e Sousa Palace is located next to the Metropolitan Cathedral, facing the XV de Novembro Square.

This palace was built during the XVII century, under the government of Brigadier Jose da Silva Paes. It would work as a home and working place for Santa Catarina’s governors by then.

Some years later, the Government’s Palace became the Cruz e Sousa palace, as it is known nowadays, paying homage to the distinguished Brazilian poet, Cruz e Sousa.

This bridge began to be built in 1922, under orders from American engineers and technical experts. The works were completed four years later, on the 13th May 1926.

The Hercilio Luz is one of the world’s greatest suspension bridges and the only example of this model that still remains well preserved.

It is 819 meters long and has two towers with a height of 75 meters above sea level. Nowadays, the bridge no longer works; it is closed to all traffic including pedestrian traffic.

It was in this beautiful place where Santa Catarina’s first political parties were established. This market is the city’s main commercial centre.

Built in 1898, this market consists of about 140 boxes nowadays. Ten thousand people visit this area daily.

Moreover, it is an important meeting point and one of the major attractions in the area.