Florianópolis has 42 beaches — but anyone who really knows the island will tell you that hiking in Florianópolis is every bit as epic as the surf. We’re talking trails through Atlantic Forest, rocky headlands, 360° lookouts, hidden lagoons and beaches you can only reach on foot. And here’s the good news: winter, from May to August, is the best time to hit the trails — the ground is drier, the skies are clearer and the paths are far quieter than in the summer crush.
In this guide, the crew at Sea Wolf Hostels has rounded up the island’s best trails, with difficulty level, distance and practical tips so you can get the most out of every step.
Why Go Hiking in Florianópolis in Winter?
Plenty of people still picture Floripa as a summer-only spot, but the seasoned wolves know winter has a charm all its own. Between June and August, temperatures sit between 13°C and 21°C (55–70°F) — perfect for walking for hours without melting in the heat. On dry days the ground is firmer underfoot, the lookouts are sharper thanks to better visibility, and the famous trails are far less crowded, which completely transforms the experience.
On top of that, some Florianópolis trails cut through stretches of Atlantic Forest that turn greener and more lush in autumn and winter, once the summer rains have passed and the vegetation is still thriving.
Hiking in Florianópolis: The Best Trails by Difficulty Level
Costa da Lagoa Trail — Easy | ~6 km | South of Lagoa da Conceição
One of the most charming trails on the entire island, the Costa da Lagoa Trail is shaded almost the whole way, mellow and perfect for anyone who wants to walk at an easy pace. It starts at Servidão Boa Vista in Lagoa da Conceição and runs 6 km along the edge of the lagoon to a waterfall, weaving through native forest with the sound of water and birdsong the entire time.
A popular option is to hike out and ride a boat back — a small ferry makes the return trip across the lagoon and stops at the Costa da Lagoa community, where waterfront restaurants serve up fresh seafood. Prefer to walk both ways? Then the whole adventure costs you next to nothing.
Dome da Oração — Easy to Moderate | ~2 km | Center of the Island
The Dome da Oração serves up one of the most jaw-dropping views in Florianópolis: a 360-degree lookout that frames the whole island in a single shot — ocean, hills and forest all at once. Entry costs R$20, and at the gate you’ll get a wristband and a map marking the points of interest along the way.
The trail is a loop, roughly 2 km, well marked and built up with steps, bridges and ropes on the steeper stretches. The initial climb gives your legs a bit of a workout, but the generous shade and well-organized path keep it accessible for most people. The whole thing takes under two hours.
Costão do Santinho Trail — Easy to Moderate | up to 2.5 km | North of the Island
This trail comes with a fascinating historical twist: it begins at Santinho Beach and passes ancient rock carvings etched into the stone — traces of human settlements dating back centuries, with information panels at the entrance. The trail offers three options: an easy route along the headland, the 2.5 km stretch to Moçambique Beach (with waves crashing against the rocks the whole way), and the challenge of Morro das Aranhas, steeper and crowned with a knockout view.
Along much of the route, especially during fruiting season, you’ll spot pitanga trees by the path — a tasty little detail that says a lot about how generous nature can be in Floripa.
Praia do Gravatá Trail — Moderate | Barra da Lagoa
A classic among Florianópolis trails, the Praia do Gravatá hike kicks off with a steep climb — if it’s rained recently, brace yourself for muddy ground — before opening onto a flatter stretch with the first lookout. Much of the route is exposed with little shade, so pack water and sunscreen.
The final lookout, overlooking Gravatá Beach, is downright breathtaking, especially in the late afternoon. The trail starts in the Barra da Lagoa area — there’s paid parking nearby (R$20 per car) or a free option on Avenida Binário da Lagoa. Tip: wear boots, because the terrain is rough with loose rocks and tricky descents.
Morro do Rapa Trail — Moderate to Hard | Praia Brava
For anyone craving a bit more adrenaline, Morro do Rapa connects Praia Brava to Lagoinha de Ponta das Canas and is part of the Brazilian Camino de Santiago. Leave the car at the Praia Brava lookout and pick up the trail on the other side of the road. The forest here is denser, with patchy shade — bring repellent.
The first highlight is the paragliding ramp lookout, with views over Praia Brava and the north of the island. Further along you’ll reach the Mirante da Janela, a huge rock formation that opens straight out to the sea — the perfect spot to grab a snack and watch the waves roll in. You can carry on to Lagoinha Beach and loop back via the road to close the circuit.
Lagoinha do Leste Trail — Hard | South of the Island
The Lagoinha do Leste Trail is widely considered the most iconic in Florianópolis — and one of the most demanding. The reward is one of the island’s most isolated and pristine beaches: a freshwater lagoon right beside the ocean, framed by dunes and native vegetation. It calls for solid fitness, plenty of water and sturdy boots. The payoff, as everyone who’s done it swears, is worth every single step.
Practical Tips for Hiking in Florianópolis
Best time of year: May to August. The weather is drier, the trails are quieter and the visibility from the lookouts is excellent. Avoid the days right after heavy rain, when the ground turns to mud.
What to bring: hiking boots or trainers with good grip, plenty of water (at least 1.5L per person), sunscreen, insect repellent, a light snack and a rain jacket. For longer hikes like Lagoinha do Leste, throw in some rehydration salts.
Go in the morning: you’ll reach the lookouts before the midday heat, your photos will be better in the natural light, and you’ll snag the parking spots closest to the trailheads.
Use AllTrails: the AllTrails app has maps and reviews for pretty much every trail in Florianópolis — well worth downloading and saving the routes offline before you head out.
The Perfect Base for Hiking in Florianópolis
Planning your hikes is so much easier when you’ve got a solid base on the island. Sea Wolf Hostels has three units in the best spots in Floripa for anyone keen to explore the great outdoors:
The Sea Wolf Surf Hostel Barra da Lagoa (R. Amaro Coelho, 47) sits just minutes from the Praia do Gravatá Trail and the Costa da Lagoa Trail — wake up early, grab a coffee, and you’re ready to hit the trail.
The Sea Wolf Social Hostel Lagoa da Conceição (Av. Afonso Delambert Neto, 12) is the ideal launch point for the Costa da Lagoa Trail, whose trailhead is just minutes away. Lagoa is also Floripa’s strategic hub for reaching any trail on the island.
And the Sea Wolf Surf Hostel Campeche (Av. Campeche, 99), in the south of the island, is the perfect base for tackling the Lagoinha do Leste Trail and exploring the trails around Campeche.
At Sea Wolf you’ll meet other Lobitos who share the same spirit of adventure — the kind of crew that wakes up early to surf or hike, swaps route tips and is always up for exploring the island together. After all, the best trail is always better in good company. Come be a Lobito!
