Florianópolis guide · North of the Island
North of the Island guide: calm bays, open-sea beaches and a 1740 fort.
Photo: Campeche Lofts
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The north of Santa Catarina Island brings together beaches of very different character: calm-water bays like Jurerê, Canasvieiras and Daniela, and open-sea beaches like Santinho and Praia Brava. It is the part of the island with the most hotels, shops and nightlife, and where many Argentine visitors spend the summer. Here is what each place offers, written by people who host in the south of the island.
The north in a nutshell.
Two kinds of beach: the calm northern bay, and the open-sea east side of the north.
- Calm water: Jurerê, Canasvieiras, Daniela, Ponta das Canas, Lagoinha do Norte and Praia do Forte, facing Baía Norte, have gentle waves according to the sources we checked.
- Open sea: Ingleses, Santinho and Praia Brava face the ocean, with more waves and, at Santinho and Brava, surf spots.
- Facilities: Canasvieiras and Ingleses are heavily built up, with hotels, rentals, supermarkets and restaurants. Jurerê Internacional is a planned, upscale neighborhood.
- Feel: more bustle in summer, more shops and nightlife. It is a different experience from the neighborhood life of Campeche, neither better nor worse.
The beaches, one by one.
From the calmest sea to the most open, with what makes each one distinct.
Jurerê Tradicional and Internacional
One continuous beach of greenish water and few waves, split into two neighborhoods. Internacional is the planned, upscale area with mansions, beach clubs and restaurants, and the liveliest part in summer. Tradicional is the original area, with a more residential feel and neighborhood shops.
Canasvieiras
Calm, greenish water with few waves, sheltered by the bay. A heavily urbanized neighborhood with hotels, restaurants, shops and supermarkets, and Spanish spoken in most businesses. It is the traditional hub for Argentine visitors. The city widened the sand strip. Check water quality before swimming.
Ingleses
Open sea with blue water and medium swell, calmer on the right side. It has the most buildings and services of the northern beaches, with lodging, food and shops, and is also very popular with Argentines. Nearby dunes are used for sandboarding.
Santinho
Open, rough sea. The left corner is preferred for surfing and the right for swimming. It has the Costão do Santinho resort, trails and dunes, and is less crowded than other northern beaches.
Praia Brava
Open sea with strong waves and currents, popular with surfers. Wading near the shore is possible, with care. The descent to the sand is steep.
Daniela
A quiet beach in a neighborhood of holiday homes. The sea is very calm, good for small children, and there is a kiosk. The sand strip is narrow, with rocks on the right and mangroves on the left.
Ponta das Canas and Lagoinha do Norte
Very gentle waves, calm and warm water. Ponta das Canas still feels like a fishing village and its rocks are a sunset spot. Lagoinha do Norte (officially Lagoinha de Ponta das Canas) has wide sand, low buildings and green hills, and suits families.
Praia do Forte
Right below the Fortaleza de São José da Ponta Grossa. About 1.3 km of very calm, shallow water with no waves, facing Baía Norte. Good for calm water and a historic visit on the same day.
Fortaleza de São José da Ponta Grossa.
The most visited heritage site in the north, between Jurerê and Praia do Forte.
- Origin: construction began in 1740 on the orders of Brigadier José da Silva Paes, first governor of the Captaincy of Santa Catarina. It was part of a triangular defense of Baía Norte together with the Anhatomirim and Ratones forts.
- 1777: the Spanish attacked and held the island until 1778. The fort was later abandoned and fell into ruin in the 19th century.
- Protection: listed by IPHAN (Brazil's heritage institute) in 1938 and restored in the early 1990s.
- Visiting: there is an entrance fee and hours change through the year, so confirm before you go. Follow the signs from Jurerê to the end of the paved road; the last stretch is narrow and steep.
Nature, trails and archaeology.
The north also has walks with views and history.
Santinho rock engravings
On the rocky headlands of Santinho Beach there are rock engravings made by peoples who lived on the island before the Europeans, with an open-air archaeological museum at Costão do Santinho. The route is signposted, has information panels and is free, according to travel guides. Academic studies count over a hundred engravings on the beach.
Dunes and sandboarding
The dunes between Ingleses and Santinho are used for sandboarding. Access is free, but you need to rent equipment.
Lagoinha do Norte trail
Guides describe a walk with natural viewpoints and sea views. The sources give no length or time, so ask locally and bring water.
Trail between Jurerê and Praia do Forte
A short coastal trail links the fort with the Jurerê area, according to one source.
On hot days bring water, a hat and sunscreen; on trails and rocky shores wear closed shoes.
Eating and exploring.
There is a lot on offer and it changes by season, so we describe the style of each area.
Jurerê Internacional
Restaurants, beach clubs and an open-air mall, with seaside events mostly in summer.
Canasvieiras
Restaurants, bars, shops and boat trips, banana boat, kayaking and diving, leaving near the pier.
Ingleses
Full commercial area and many restaurants. Close to Santinho and the dunes.
Lagoinha do Norte
Seaside bars and restaurants, with stand-up paddle and kayaking as activities.
Every loft has a full kitchen, so you can pack a picnic for the beach day. We do not serve meals.
Getting there from Campeche.
Campeche is in the south and the north is at the other end of the island: plan a full day.
| Destination | From Campeche, no traffic | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Jurerê (Tradicional and Internacional) | about 40 to 45 min | Same area as Canasvieiras |
| Canasvieiras | about 40 to 45 min | Calm-water beach |
| Ingleses | about 40 to 45 min | Large town with plenty of services |
| Santinho | about 45 to 50 min | Dunes and rock engravings |
| Praia Brava | about 50 to 55 min | Open sea, popular with surfers |
| Fortaleza de São José da Ponta Grossa | a bit longer than Jurerê | Check the route on Google Maps |
- Traffic: in summer and on sunny weekends the time changes a lot. Leave early and set aside the whole day.
- Car or app: a car is more flexible for combining beaches; Uber and 99 also serve the area.
- Choose by style: calm water for children (Daniela, Praia do Forte, Lagoinha) or open sea and surf (Santinho, Brava).
Routes on Google Maps, from the inn: Jurerê · Canasvieiras · Ingleses · Santinho · Praia Brava · Forte Ponta Grossa
Keep exploring.
The north pairs well with the rest of the island.
Campeche
Where we are: a calm beach out front, Campeche Island and trails. See the Campeche guide.
East beaches
Joaquina, Mole, Galheta and Barra da Lagoa. See the East beaches guide.
Lagoa da Conceição
Lagoon, dunes and nightlife. See the Lagoa da Conceição guide.
Downtown
Historic center, market and Beira-Mar. See the Downtown guide.
For summer planning, see our article (in Spanish) Calendario de verano en Florianópolis.
Frequently asked questions
Which northern beach is best for children?
The calmest ones, according to the sources: Daniela, Praia do Forte, Lagoinha do Norte, Canasvieiras and the Tradicional part of Jurerê. Santinho and Praia Brava have open, rough sea.
Where do Argentines stay in the north of the island?
Canasvieiras is the traditional hub, with Spanish spoken in most businesses. Ingleses is also very popular with Argentines.
Where can I surf in the north?
At Santinho (mainly the left corner) and Praia Brava, which have open sea and waves. Praia Brava has strong currents.
Is the Fortaleza de São José da Ponta Grossa worth visiting?
Yes, if you like history: it was begun in 1740, listed by IPHAN in 1938 and sits next to Praia do Forte, which has very calm water. Entry is paid and hours change: confirm first.
Can I do the north as a day trip from Campeche?
Yes, but it takes a full day: the north is at the other end of the island and summer traffic is heavy. Pick one or two beaches instead of trying to see everything.
Sources
- Cover photo: Campeche Lofts
- Viagens e Caminhos — As 10 melhores praias de Florianópolis · accessed October 12, 2026
- Viagens e Caminhos — Praia Canasvieiras · accessed October 12, 2026
- Melhores Destinos — Praias de Florianópolis · accessed October 12, 2026
- UAI — Fortaleza de São José da Ponta Grossa e Praia do Forte · accessed October 12, 2026
- MySide — Jurerê, guia do bairro · accessed October 12, 2026
- BlaBlaCar — Praia Lagoinha do Norte · accessed October 12, 2026
- Infonegocios — Vacaciones en Santinho · accessed October 12, 2026
- NSC Total — Canasvieiras, o paraíso dos argentinos · accessed October 12, 2026
- Campeche Lofts blog — Calendario de verano en Florianópolis (Spanish) · reviewed September 4, 2026
Hours, rules and fees change from one season to the next. Confirm recent information before you go.
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