Florianópolis guide · East Coast beaches
East Coast beaches guide: Joaquina, Mole, Galheta, Barra and Moçambique.
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Santa Catarina Island's east coast has beaches that are very different from one another: dunes and surf at Joaquina, a strip of sand between hills at Mole, a trail to Galheta, the fishing village of Barra da Lagoa and the long Moçambique beach, inside a state park. It lies just north of Campeche, and this guide shows what each one offers.
The east at a glance.
Five beaches in the same direction, from Campeche northward. Each has its own feel.
| Beach | Best for | Facilities |
|---|---|---|
| Joaquina | Dunes, surf and sandboarding | Bars, restaurants, showers and lifeguards |
| Praia Mole | Surf, sun and a young crowd | Simple: stalls and a few kiosks |
| Galheta | A short trail and an unspoiled beach | Practically none |
| Barra da Lagoa | Village, canal, jetty and restaurants | Full, village style |
| Moçambique | Long beach inside a state park | Few; nature area |
One by one.
What the sources say about each beach, without generalizing.
Joaquina
A beach of about 3 km, open ocean, famous for surf and for hosting championships in summer. Waves are big and the bottom drops off quickly, so for swimming stay near the lifeguards. It has bars, restaurants, showers and sand for volleyball, football and sandboarding. Because it is a protected area, there is no village on the beachfront. A young, sporty crowd.
Praia Mole
Next to Joaquina, with fine light sand between green hills and little construction. The sea has strong waves, popular with surfers, and the water is often cold. Facilities are simple: stalls and a few kiosks, with little food, so bring a snack. Entry is by a small trail. A young atmosphere.
Galheta
It sits inside Galheta Municipal Park and can only be reached on foot, by a short trail from the end of Praia Mole (about 400 m, under 15 minutes, according to guides). There are no facilities: bring water, food and sunscreen. The beach rules, including nudity, are set by city hall and can change: before you go, check the official conservation-unit page (in Portuguese).
Barra da Lagoa
A fishing village where the canal links Lagoa da Conceição to the sea. The two jetties make a scenic walk, and the jetty has benches and a small lighthouse, good for sunset. Near the canal the sea is calmer; farther left it gains strength and the waves suit beginner surfers. Waterfront restaurants and bars rent chairs and umbrellas.
Moçambique
The island's largest beach, partly inside Rio Vermelho State Park. Sources differ on its length: from about 7.5 km to more than 12 km. It is a nature beach, with restinga vegetation and dunes behind it and far fewer facilities than its neighbors. Ideal for walking and for those who want quiet.
Nature and trails.
The east has dunes, restinga and short trails to get you beyond the sand.
Joaquina dunes
Part of the Lagoa da Conceição Dunes Municipal Natural Park, between Avenida das Rendeiras and Joaquina. The entrance is signposted and needs a short walk. The lower dunes suit families.
Rio Vermelho State Park
Created in 2007, with about 1,500 hectares of restinga, Atlantic forest and reforestation areas, between Barra da Lagoa, Lagoa da Conceição and Moçambique beach. There are trails for visitors. Hours and visiting rules are set by IMA: confirm before you go.
Prainha and natural pools
From Barra da Lagoa, a footbridge over the canal leads to Prainha, about 100 m long, after roughly a 5-minute walk. From there a trail of about 600 m continues to the natural pools, which form among the rocks on calm-sea days. They are deep and rocky, not recommended for children.
Praia Mole - Galheta trail
Short and easy, worth it for arriving at an unspoiled beach. Bring everything you will use: there are no facilities.
The sun is strong on the dunes; go early or on a cloudy day. At the natural pools and open-ocean beaches, check the sea conditions before going in.
Sports and activities.
The east is the home of surfing and sandboarding in Florianópolis.
- Surf: Joaquina and Praia Mole are island landmarks, with strong waves and championships. At Barra da Lagoa, the stretch left of the canal suits beginners.
- Sandboarding: at the Joaquina dunes you can rent a board on site and slide standing or sitting. Wet sand slows the glide.
- Walks: the trail to Galheta, Prainha and the natural pools at Barra, and the Rio Vermelho Park trails.
- Boat trips: boats to Campeche Island leave from Barra da Lagoa; the island requires a city hall permit.
For Campeche and the island, see our article on Campeche Island (in Portuguese).
Eating and exploring.
Facilities change a lot from one beach to the next.
Barra da Lagoa
This is where the most options are: waterfront restaurants and bars, small shops and inns, with a village feel. Parking is limited and the streets are narrow.
Joaquina
Bars and restaurants on the sand strip, plus showers. On the right side, near Pico do Lau, there are no tourist facilities.
Mole, Galheta and Moçambique
Little food. Bring a snack, water and sunscreen, and plan lunch elsewhere.
We do not name venues because hours and menus change. The Campeche lofts have a full kitchen, which helps you pack a picnic for the day.
Getting there from Campeche.
The east coast beaches are north of Campeche, along the same coast.
- Order on the map: from Campeche going north come Joaquina, Praia Mole and Galheta, then Barra da Lagoa and Moçambique. Joaquina is the nearest neighbor.
- By car or app: Uber and 99 serve the area. From Campeche, Joaquina, Mole and Galheta are about 20 to 25 minutes without traffic; Barra da Lagoa about 25 to 30; Moçambique about 30 to 35. From December to February traffic changes everything.
- Parking: at Joaquina it is paid and hard to find in summer. At Barra and Moçambique, follow the signs; IMA has rules for park access.
- By bus: lines to Joaquina and Barra da Lagoa leave from the Lagoa da Conceição terminal (TILAG).
Routes on Google Maps, from the inn: Joaquina · Praia Mole · Barra da Lagoa · Moçambique
Keep exploring the island.
Combine the east with the guides to neighboring regions.
- Campeche guide: the calm beach in front of the inn, the island and the lagoons.
- Lagoa da Conceição guide: direct neighbor of Barra and Moçambique.
- South of the Island guide: Armação and Pântano do Sul.
- North of the Island guide: Jurerê, Canasvieiras and Ingleses.
Frequently asked questions
Can you swim at the east coast beaches?
Yes, with care. Joaquina and Mole have strong waves and drop off quickly; stay near the lifeguards and check the sea conditions. Near the Barra da Lagoa canal the sea is usually calmer.
What is sandboarding at Joaquina like?
At the dunes you can rent a board on site and slide standing or sitting. The lower dunes suit families. Go early or on a cloudy day, since the sun is strong, and avoid wet sand.
How do I get to Galheta beach?
Only on foot, by a short trail from Praia Mole: about 400 m, under 15 minutes, according to guides. There are no facilities on the beach, so bring water and food.
What is there to do in Barra da Lagoa?
Walk the jetty and watch the sunset, have lunch on the waterfront, watch the fishing boats in the canal and follow the Prainha trail to the natural pools on a calm-sea day. Boats to Campeche Island also leave from there.
Which is the island's largest beach?
Moçambique, inside Rio Vermelho State Park. Sources differ on the length, from about 7.5 km to more than 12 km.
Sources
- Cover photo: Flickr (conta oficial do Flickr no Pexels) / Pexels
- Florianópolis city hall — Galheta conservation unit (REPLAN) · accessed October 12, 2026
- Viagens e Caminhos — Praia da Joaquina · accessed October 12, 2026
- Viagens e Caminhos — Praia Barra da Lagoa · accessed October 12, 2026
- NSC Total — Praia da Galheta · accessed October 12, 2026
- NSC Total — Praia do Moçambique · accessed October 12, 2026
- Wikipedia — Rio Vermelho State Park · accessed October 12, 2026
- Grupo Dicas — Melhores praias de Florianópolis · accessed October 12, 2026
- Catraca Livre — Praias e atrações de água doce em Florianópolis · accessed October 12, 2026
- Campeche Lofts blog — Ilha do Campeche: como visitar (Portuguese) · reviewed October 4, 2026
Hours, access rules, parking and fees change. Confirm recent information and sea conditions before you go.
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