Praia da Joaquina, Praia Mole, Galheta and Barra da Lagoa Guide

Facing the open South Atlantic along the central-eastern shore of Santa Catarina Island, the four contiguous beaches of Praia da Joaquina, Praia Mole, Praia da Galheta, and Barra da Lagoa form the surfing and beach-culture capital of Florianópolis. Linked along the coast by highway SC-406 just minutes east of Lagoa da Conceição, these beaches move progressively from powerful tournament surf breaks in the south to gentle beginner waves and sheltered granite swimming pools at the northern channel mouth.

1. Praia da Joaquina ("Joaca"): Granite Boulders and Championship Surf

Backed by the towering white wall of the Joaquina Dunes, 3-kilometre-long Praia da Joaquina (affectionately called "Joaca") put Brazilian surfing on the international map when it hosted the classic pro surf championships of the 1970s and 1980s and continues to stage World Surf League (WSL) qualifying events.

• The Left-Point Granite Headland: Even if you do not surf, walk out across the monumental pink-and-grey granite boulders at the southern corner of the beach, where ocean spray crashes against the rocks and a natural trail climbs for panoramic photos over the entire beach arc and the offshore islet of Ilha das Campanhas. Beachfront seafood restaurants line the boardwalk right behind the rocks.

2. Praia Mole and the Trail to Unspoilt Praia da Galheta

Two kilometres north of Joaquina along SC-406 lies 960-metre-long Praia Mole, named after its famously soft, coarse-grained golden sand (areia mole) that sinks underfoot as you walk. Framed by steep emerald headlands from which tandem paragliders launch on northeast wind days, Praia Mole is the liveliest young beach on the island, lined with rustic wooden beach bars serving cold açaí bowls and caipirinhas.

• Praia da Galheta and Pedra do Dragão: At the northern end of Praia Mole, a 15-minute coastal footpath (or a scenic 45-minute ridge hike over Morro da Galheta past the dragon-shaped rock formation of Pedra do Dragão) leads into the protected Parque Municipal da Galheta. Backed by untouched restinga scrub and devoid of buildings or roads, 950-metre-long Praia da Galheta is a peaceful, clothing-optional conservation beach with clear water and a gentle right-hand wave.

3. Barra da Lagoa, Prainha, and the Natural Rock Pools (Piscinas Naturais)

North of the Galheta headland, the coastline curves into Barra da Lagoa, an authentic Azorean fishing community built where the Canal da Barra drains Lagoa da Conceição into the Atlantic. Because the southern headland blocks heavy ocean swells, the waves next to the stone jetty (where sea turtles often surface to feed on algae) are the gentlest on the east coast, making Barra da Lagoa the premier spot in Florianópolis for a first surf lesson.

Cross the blue pedestrian suspension bridge over the turquoise canal to pass the whitewashed miniature cove of Prainha da Barra, then follow the easy 20-minute coastal footpath along the cliffs to the Piscinas Naturais da Barra da Lagoa: a shelf of smooth granite basins filled with crystal-clear, emerald ocean water ideal for snorkelling on calm morning tides.