| Florianopolis, just off of São José and south of | | | | competitions are held. Joaquina Beach, with its rolling |
| São Paulo, Brazil, is both an island paradise and a | | | | sand dunes, is also popular for surfing as well as for |
| bustling city. Within it's 168 square miles are a plethora | | | | sandboarding. This is an ideal beach for your island |
| of skyscrapers, mostly tech offices, that have given | | | | stay, because there are all the amenities that a |
| the island its nickname of Brazil's Silicon Valley. Next to | | | | beachgoer could want, such as lifeguards, showers, |
| these, are lagoons, sandy white beaches, and | | | | restaurants, and handicraft markets. |
| ecological reserves that are thick with lush vegetation. | | | | One of the most gorgeous hotels is the Costão do |
| This distinctive landscape makes Florianopolis a unique | | | | Santinho Resort Vilas, located in Praia do Santinho. |
| location for travelers who want both the easygoing | | | | This resort, tucked into glistening green hills, has an |
| tropical island feel that is so typical of Brazil, as well as | | | | oceanfront grill, excellent dining, ocean views, and |
| the more upscale, party atmosphere that has | | | | some of the rooms have private jacuzzis. |
| developed on this unique island. For travelers looking to | | | | For those that want peace and quiet, the Torres de |
| spend a week on this island, here are some | | | | Cachoeira hotel is a great choice, as it is hidden on a |
| suggestions for the best hotels. | | | | secluded beach. The rooms are reasonably prices, |
| Because Florianopolis has such a unique and diverse | | | | some have seaside balconies, and the restaurant |
| social scene, it's important to familiarize yourself with | | | | serves regional cuisine. |
| the many options before you make your hotel choice. | | | | Another good location to stay at is the Lagoa da |
| If you want to stay next to the beach, there are over | | | | Conceição, the giant lake located in the middle of |
| 40 beaches, many of them with hotels on or near the | | | | the island. This lake is often used by water sport |
| seaside. Also, each beach has developed its own | | | | enthusiasts, and on most days you can go sailing, |
| personality and caters to a slightly different population. | | | | kayaking, windsurfing, or jetskiing. Along the edge of |
| The Jurerê Internacional beach is a magnet for the | | | | the lagoon is Rendeiras Avenue, which has great |
| crowd that likes to party long into the night. There huge | | | | restaurants, cafes, and markets. There are also lively |
| clubs and lounges play music and offer drinks like the | | | | nighclubs such as Confraria das Artes that are very |
| caipirinha, the national cocktail of Brazil. Surfers prefer | | | | popular. |
| beaches like Praia Mole, where many surfing | | | | |