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Day Treks on Santa Catarina Island

Enjoy the great outdoors in Florianopolis with our day treks around Santa Catarina Island

Costa da Lagoa - Azorean architecture heritage

Price Includes:

Transfers to/from your hotel or guesthouse
English-speaking guide
Snack lunch: sandwich, fruit or cereal bars
Boat journey in Costa da Lagoa trip

Price does not include: insurance and restaurant meals

Additional Info

Wear walking boots or good trainers, hat, sun screen and mosquito repellent
Swimming is possible in many of the trails - do not forget your costume
Bring enough water - at least one to two liters per person

Other Services

The Island of Santa Catarina, part of the city of Florianopolis, has 45% of its area covered in Atlantic Rainforest, making it an ideal place for walks. Around the coast, paths with dramatic scenery lead to deserted beaches. Inland, some trails opened by the original Azorean settlers still are the only link to isolated communities. Other trails cross nature reserves with lagoons and waterfalls, allowing for wildlife spotting, specially bird life.

Suggestions of trails

Unspoiled beaches:

Matadeiro to Lagoinha do Leste
This trail starts in the beautiful Matadeiro beach in the South of the Island. Through a steep coastal path (approximately 3 hours walk) you will reach what is for many locals the most beautiful beach in Florianopolis, Lagoinha do Leste. Spend some time enjoying the beach and its lagoon, then return via Pântano do Sul for the best panoramic views (about 1 ½ hours of steep walk).

Duration: 6-7 hours
Level of Difficulty: Intermediate

Naufragados
The most southern beach on the island is accessible by this 4km trail. The walk has some steep climb but it is easy and mostly shaded, as it crosses a nature reserve, which is part of the Serra do Tabuleiro Estate Park. On the way there are small rivers, Atlantic Rainforest and a few reminders of the old sugar cane mills. At the beach you will find a small resident community, including a bar, and pre-historical oficinas líticas - rocks used for sharpening tools by the ancient inhabitants of the Island. On the right side you will find Naufragados lighthouse and some canons that were installed in the beginning of the 20th Century. From here you will have great views of the mountains of Serra do Tabuleiro and of one of the many forts that were built in the 18th Century to protect Florianopolis from invaders.

Duration: 5-6 hours
Level of Difficulty: Beginners

East Coast: Barra da Lagoa to Galheta beach
This East Coast trail links two beautiful beaches. Starting at Barra da Lagoa, one of the strongest fishing communities in the Island, the trails climbs to a high ridge allowing for amazing views from both north and south of the Island. The reward at the end of the trail is Galheta, an unspoiled naturist beach inside a nature reserve. Clothing removal is optional. The beach is an attraction in itself: backed by lush green hills, Galheta is one of our favourite beaches on the Island. From Galheta, a short trail leads to Praia Mole, the most popular on the island with the trendy young and gay crowds.

Duration: 4 - 5 hours
Level of Difficulty: Intermediate

Lagoons:

Costa da Lagoa
This 7 km long trail leading to the isolated Costa da Lagoa fishing community is one of the most traditional on the island. The attractions are many: Atlantic Rainforest, beautiful views of the Lagoa da Conceiçao and remains of old Azorean building and mills. For the more active, an extension to the top of the Ratones hill for panoramic views of the lagoon can be added. At the end you can have lunch (optional) at one of the quaint and very affordable seafood restaurants in the village. Return by boat.

Duration: 5 – 6 hours, including time for lunch
Level of Difficulty: Intermediate

Coast to Coast: Lagoa do Peri to Ribeirão da Ilha
A longer and more demanding walk passing through a nature reserve with a fresh-water lagoon, small rivers and waterfalls, remains of sugar cane mill, and an isolated rural community. The views are amazing in both sides: panoramic views of the Peri Lake and East Coast in the beginning and the south bay and the Serra do Tabuleiro Mountains at the end. Finish at the old Azorean Village of Ribeirão da Ilha, tasting fresh oysters with sunset views!

Duration: 7 – 8 hours, including time in Ribeirão da Ilha
Level of Difficulty: Intermediate