Florianopolis is southern Brazil’s gem, and is more commonly known by its abbreviated form ‘Floripa’. The city of Florianopolis that shares the name straddles the mainland and the rest of the island, which boasts a string of idyllic beaches such as the fashionable Beira Mar, and some popular surf spots such as Joaquina and Praia Mole. Praia da Rosa is also a good place to watch southern right whales which are seen between July to October. The beaches here are idyllic and there are inland lagoons, sand dunes and wilderness beaches, as well as trails in the rugged south of the island.
The Green Coast to the south of Rio offers some of Brazil’s most accessible beaches and islands. Paraty has a historic, colonial centre filled with well preserved buildings with vibrantly coloured borders, all surrounded by secluded beaches, backed by jungle-clad rainforest. Boat trips from here will take you out to the islands and beaches that surround it. Trindade is a tucked away place close to Paraty with a string of long and stunning beaches in an authentic, less developed village. Further north and just 3 hours from Rio is Ilha Grande, Brazil’s paradise island of pristine white sand beaches, turquoise water and nature trails through the rainforest hills inland.
Those visiting the Bahia state will be almost spoilt for choice with tropical beaches. Head south 3.5 hours from Salvador and you will reach Itacare, a popular surf destination with a cluster of coves and picture postcard beaches with a distinct village-like feel. With the rainforest having protected status, the area has been unaffected by overdevelopment. The sleepy village of Trancoso further south still is even quieter and has a quadrant of boutiques and restaurants atop a cliff, which looks out over a stretch of beautiful powder white beaches that can be explored by foot for miles in either direction.
Perhaps the most remote of our suggestions is Jericoacoara, or ‘Jeri’ as it is affectionately known, whose nearest international city airport is Fortaleza. This spellbinding area, back by gigantic sand dunes can only be accessed by four wheel drive. The centre of the village and its sandy lanes is atmospheric, and the surrounding freshwater lagoons and coconut groves can be explored, in addition to the unquestionably beautiful beach. Jeri is also one of the world’s best kitesurfing spots.
