Florianópolis guide · South of the Island
South of the Island guide: beaches, trails and a lagoon from Campeche.
Photo: Campeche Lofts
Home / Guides & Trails / South of the Island
Past Campeche, Santa Catarina Island gets greener and quieter: fishing villages, Atlantic Forest trails, small beaches and a freshwater lagoon. This guide gathers what is worth seeing in the south, written by people who host in Campeche, right at the gateway to the area.
The south in a few lines.
It is the part of Florianópolis with the most nature and the least bustle, and almost everything is close to Campeche.
- Armação and Matadeiro: Armação is a fishing village with a beach of about 3 km; Matadeiro is a small beach right next to it, on foot.
- Pântano do Sul, Açores and Solidão: the Pântano do Sul village is a starting point for trails and boats; further on are the Açores and Solidão beaches.
- Lagoinha do Leste: a beach with no facilities, reached on foot or by boat.
- Naufragados: at the far south, with a trail, a lighthouse and views.
- Lagoa do Peri: the largest freshwater lagoon on the Santa Catarina coast, surrounded by Atlantic Forest.
Beaches and villages.
Each beach has its own style. Here is what the sources say about each one.
Armação
A beach of about 3 km. Sources describe stretches with gentler waves, favored by families, and stretches with more waves, where surfers gather. Fishing boats are anchored there, and some boats to Campeche Island leave from here. In summer the small center has bars and restaurants.
Matadeiro
A small, pretty beach linked to Armação by a walkway and a short trail. It has waves and is a surfers' meeting point; ask the lifeguards or locals about the sea that day. It is also one of the starting points for the trail to Lagoinha do Leste.
Pântano do Sul
A fishing village whose beach is more about boats and photos than sea swimming, according to the sources. It is the start of the short trail and of boats to Lagoinha do Leste.
Açores and Solidão
Açores beach sits between Pântano do Sul and Solidão, with cold water and views of the Três Irmãs and Moleques do Sul islands. Solidão is popular with surfers and has a short trail to a waterfall with a natural pool.
Morro das Pedras has a long beach, good for walking and photos, and a viewpoint by the highway. Between July and November you can spot whales from there. See our article (in Portuguese) right whales in Floripa: where and how to watch from the sand.
Trails in the south.
Two classic walks, for days of settled weather and with water in the backpack.
Lagoinha do Leste
A deserted beach with no bars or equipment rental. By the short trail from Pântano do Sul it is about 2.2 km and 1 hour of walking, with a long climb and rocks. Via Matadeiro it is longer, 2 to 3 hours according to the sources. There are also fishermen's boats from Pântano do Sul, depending on the tide and season.
Naufragados
At the far south. The trail starts at Caieira da Barra do Sul and runs 2.5 to 4 km, 40 minutes to 1 hour each way, with uneven stretches. Along the way there are ruins, and you can reach the Naufragados Lighthouse. If you like, walk one way and return by boat.
Start early and bring water, a snack, repellent, a hat and sunscreen. Wear shoes with grip, as there are smooth rocks, and avoid doing the full trail alone. There is almost no cell signal. After rain the ground is slippery.
At Naufragados, the parking lot at Caieira da Barra do Sul tends to fill up on weekends and in high season: arrive early.
Lagoa do Peri.
A freshwater and forest outing, close to Campeche and Morro das Pedras.
- The place: a municipal natural monument in Atlantic Forest, with the largest freshwater lagoon on the Santa Catarina coast.
- Trails: sources mention three paths, including the Caminho da Restinga, which links the lagoon to Armação Beach. Some sources suggest going with registered guides; confirm on site.
- Facilities: an administration office, parking, a snack bar and restrooms, plus non-motorized water activities.
- Swimming: water conditions change. Check the IMA/SC bathing-water bulletin before you go.
Eating and exploring.
The south is made of small villages: the plan is usually to sit by the sea after your walk.
Fish and seafood
Armação and Pântano do Sul are fishing villages, and the seafront restaurants work with fresh fish. Choose by the view and the day's crowd; we do not list names or prices because they change.
Boat trips
Boats to Campeche Island leave from Armação, and boats to Lagoinha do Leste from Pântano do Sul. Confirm operator, price and return time before booking.
Every loft has a full kitchen, handy for packing a trail snack. About the island, see (in Portuguese) Ilha do Campeche: como visitar.
Getting there from Campeche.
The south is next door: Armação, Morro das Pedras and Lagoa do Peri are short rides by car or Uber.
| Destination | Reference | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Armação and Matadeiro | about 10 to 15 min | From Matadeiro, a short trail on foot |
| Morro das Pedras | a few minutes | Viewpoint by the highway |
| Lagoa do Peri | about 10 to 15 min | Entrance on Rodovia Francisco Thomaz dos Santos |
| Pântano do Sul, Açores and Solidão | about 20 min to Pântano do Sul | Check your maps app |
| Naufragados (Caieira da Barra do Sul) | far south | Park early; little public transport |
Routes on Google Maps, from the inn: Armação · Matadeiro · Pântano do Sul · Lagoa do Peri · Naufragados
Keep exploring.
The south pairs well with Campeche and the east-coast beaches.
- Campeche guide: the beach, the island, trails and neighborhood life.
- East-coast beaches guide: Joaquina, Mole, Barra da Lagoa and more.
Frequently asked questions
Can I hike to Lagoinha do Leste in a day?
Yes. From Pântano do Sul it is about 2.2 km and 1 hour each way, with a long climb. Via Matadeiro it is longer, 2 to 3 hours according to the sources. Start early and bring water, as the beach has no facilities.
Can I take a boat to Lagoinha do Leste?
There are fishermen's boats from Pântano do Sul, depending on the tide and season. Arrange operator, price and return time beforehand.
What is the Naufragados trail like?
It starts at Caieira da Barra do Sul, runs 2.5 to 4 km and takes 40 minutes to 1 hour each way, with uneven stretches. You can reach the Naufragados Lighthouse.
Is Lagoa do Peri good for swimming?
Water conditions vary. Check the IMA/SC bathing-water bulletin before you go and confirm the rules on site.
When can I see whales in the south of the island?
Sources give July to November, with the Morro das Pedras viewpoint as one spot. September and October are the months most often mentioned.
Sources
- Cover photo: Campeche Lofts
- Accor Limitless — Praias do sul de Florianópolis · accessed October 12, 2026
- Viciada em Viajar — Praias do sul de Florianópolis · accessed October 12, 2026
- Viagens e Caminhos — Trilha da Lagoinha do Leste · accessed October 12, 2026
- Komoot — Praia dos Naufragados · accessed October 12, 2026
- Buser — Parque Municipal da Lagoa do Peri · accessed October 12, 2026
- NSC Total — Cinco lagoas em Florianópolis · accessed October 12, 2026
- Campeche Lofts blog — Right whales in Floripa (Portuguese) · accessed October 12, 2026
- Campeche Lofts blog — Ilha do Campeche: como visitar (Portuguese) · reviewed October 4, 2026
Hours, rules, trail conditions and fees change. Confirm recent information before you go.
Exploring the south of the island?
Stay in Campeche and message us about your dates.
Tell us your dates and how many of you, and we will reply on WhatsApp.