Praia Brava in Florianópolis is one of the reasons why the destination is known as the Island of Magic. The strip of sand is less than 2 km long and is an invitation to practice sports. Furthermore, the sea attracts many surfers and the trails leave anyone enchanted. End the day paragliding to increase your adrenaline. Come and discover more about this upscale neighborhood of Florianópolis!
Where is Praia Brava
Praia Brava is located in the north of Florianópolis, 36 km from the center and 50 km from the city’s airport. Other nearby beaches are Jurerê (20 km), Cachoeira do Bom Jesus (8 km), Canasvieiras (9 km) and Lagoinha do Norte (3 km).
How to get to Praia Brava
The streets of Florianópolis are easy to drive. Access is via SC-401 and SC-405, state highways within the capital. You can even opt for an app driver. In fact, 99 is widely used in Florianópolis and, sometimes, it is the cheapest option among the apps.
Buses are also an economical alternative – there is a Praia Brava line that leaves from the Canasvieiras Terminal. Another bus that takes you to the site is the executive line to Praia Brava. The popularly called “amarelinhos” are comfortable, have air conditioning and leave from the center of Florianópolis.
If you are driving, a tip is to prepare for traffic in high season, which is a bit chaotic. However, once you arrive at your destination, you will be able to enjoy your stay with peace of mind.
Best tips for a complete tour of Praia Brava
Access to Praia Brava is via a hill. When you see it from above, you will notice that the neighborhood is planned, very organized, clean and safe. But even so, you need to know some essential tips before going there. Check out!
- Residential district: Praia Brava does not have a commercial and service structure, as it is more residential. However, it is the perfect place for those looking for peace.
- What the sea is like at Praia Brava: From the name of the beach, you can already have at least an idea. The sea is quite rough, with lots of waves. Be careful when diving there – there are red flags warning of risk areas.
- Parking: There are free places on site, but there are not enough of them, especially in the summer. Therefore, it is common for visitors to leave their cars on the streets parallel to the beach.
- Security: The Praia Brava neighborhood is monitored 24 hours a day and is located in an area far from the center. For this reason, it is a very safe place in Florianópolis.
- Who is the audience at Praia Brava: the big waves attract many surfers. Therefore, young people tend to be the public that most frequents the place in the summer season. However, it is still diverse, as there are many retirees living in the neighborhood.
- Do not confuse it with Praia Brava in Itajaí: in the city of Itajaí, there is also a Praia Brava. Keep this in mind when searching for information so you don’t make mistakes. In fact, include this other destination in your itinerary when you’re on the coast of Santa Catarina.
Now you are ready to enjoy your trip to the fullest. In the next topic, see which are the best attractions in the area to outline your itinerary!
What to do at Praia Brava (Florianópolis) to disconnect from routine
The sea, the sand, the trails, a special beach club and paragliding flights are just some of the activities to do there. One thing is certain: you will relax a lot and leave feeling refreshed.
1. Viewpoint at Praia Brava
This will definitely be your first stop, as it is on the access to the neighborhood. The view from the viewpoint is panoramic, with the high-end condominiums and the sea in the background. There are some benches to rest and a small snack bar. The best time to visit is at sunset.
2. Paragliding flight
It is right there, from the Praia Brava viewpoint, that visitors can take an incredible paragliding flight. Brava Parapente, a company with more than 20 years of experience, usually carries out jumps in the region. The price is R$400 and times are scheduled depending on weather conditions.
3. Beach
The beach is the main attraction of the destination. There are days when the sea turns a dark blue, making the landscape even more beautiful. The beach is around 1.5 km long, and the strip of sand is what draws attention. It has space for lots of chairs and, even in summer, it doesn’t feel crowded. There are sports courts on the sand.
4. Surfing
Praia Brava got its name because of the high waves that surfers can catch there. A paradise for lovers of the sport! There are even schools and professionals that teach classes for those who want to take their first steps. However, it is possible to find a “crowd” there, that is, there are more surfers at the peak than there are waves.
5. Morro do Rapa Trail
The trails in Florianópolis have magnificent landscapes. The Morro do Rapa trail connects Lagoinha do Norte to Praia Brava and is around 4 km round trip, which takes around 2.5 hours of walking through dense forest and some open areas. The strong point is the view of Morro do Rapa. In fact, a lot of people go hang gliding or paragliding there! Look for a specialized company and schedule this experience.
6. Trail of Sorceresses or Path of Sorceresses
On the other side, there is the trail that connects Praia dos Ingleses to Praia Brava, approximately 3 km long. There are some climbs and you have to climb over rocks. When it rains, it becomes very slippery. The name is surrounded by a legend: they say that this path was taken by witches in the past. Another curiosity is that the route is also part of the Brazilian Way to Santiago de Compostela, known for routes that serve as training for those who want to take the real tour in Spain.
7. Le Barbaron
Le Barbaron is a beach club in Florianópolis that usually opens in the summer and is also a restaurant. Opening is usually in the morning, with beach service; continues for lunch and only ends at dinner. At sunset and at night, there are parties with national or international artists, which entertain the public. It’s not very cheap, but the experience is worth it.
8. Lagoinha do Norte
Less than 3 km from Praia Brava is Lagoinha do Norte, a paradise little explored by tourists. The length of the beach is short, but the landscape is breathtaking; the dark blue sea and the surrounding hills create a unique sensation. There are private parking lots and a few spaces on the street. To get to the beach, you need to access a condominium of houses.
Visit other best beaches in Florianópolis to complete your itinerary on Ilha da Magia! It’s difficult to choose your destination, as there are many enchanting settings.
Hotels and guesthouses at Praia Brava (Florianópolis)
The neighborhood is residential, so there are few accommodations in Praia Brava. However, it is common for tourists to rent an Airbnb or even stay in Ponta das Canas and nearby neighborhoods. See some options.
- Praia Brava Hotel – $$: The accommodation is like an apart-hotel, with breakfast included and simple but very comfortable rooms. The location is in front of the beach, just a few meters away. There is a swimming pool for leisure.
- Entremares Residence – $$: It is also an apart-hotel style, facing the sea and with breakfast included. The apartments can accommodate up to 6 people. There is a mini kitchen and living room for greater comfort.
- Brava Apart-Hotel – $$$: the atmosphere is a little more rustic and is located in one of the corners of the beach, but with a great structure. It is possible to choose apartments with 1 or 2 bedrooms and the penthouse, which comfortably accommodates up to 5 people.
- North Coast Ponta das Canas – $$$: If you are really looking for accommodation with all the infrastructure of a hotel, you should stay in Ponta das Canas, a more private place, ideal for families with children. Costa Norte has a swimming pool, deck with sea views, gym, games room, playground and recreation. The Canto do Mar restaurant offers breakfast, lunch and dinner.
In addition to the options mentioned, it is common for tourists to stay in nearby neighborhoods, such as Cachoeira do Bom Jesus, Praia dos Ingleses and even Jurerê Internacional.
Restaurants near Praia Brava (Florianópolis)
Praia Brava in Florianópolis has many quick snack options, such as food trucks, excellent for those who want to spend the day by the sea. However, there are still great restaurant options for those who want more hearty meals. Follow:
- Costão da Brava Food Park – $: Street gastronomy is found in this space with chairs and surrounded by food trucks serving everything from hamburgers, shrimp, pasta, pizzas and great drinks. The Food Park only opens in the summer.
- Marinheiros Restaurant – $$: restaurant located at the Praia Brava viewpoint, right at the access entrance. The option only opens in summer and the view is the strong point. The food and service also leave something to be desired. Here you will find typical beach dishes – seafood and other snacks, such as crab torpedo with house seasoning, are the highlights of the menu.
- Confiance Restaurant – $$: restaurant per kilo that serves a buffet of homemade food at an affordable price. The space is located in Cachoeira do Bom Jesus, very close to Praia Brava. Confiance’s feijoada is highly praised, as are the vegan options.
- Antonio’s Restaurant – $$$: Cachoeira do Bom Jesus is also home to one of the best restaurants in Florianópolis, à la carte. The restaurant offers seafood and meats, such as English-style filet mignon and salmon with Romeo and Juliet sauce.
The final tip is that some of the restaurants or gastronomic options tend to only open in summer, during high season. If this happens, you can find great restaurants on nearby beaches.
10 photos of Praia Brava (Florianópolis) to enchant you with the destination
The following images reveal all the beauty of Praia Brava and its attractions. Get inspired by them to make your own records! Whether on the boardwalk, at the top of the viewpoint or on the sand itself, your photos will be beautiful with this view:
1. The Praia Brava viewpoint welcomes visitors
2. The landscape seen from the top of the hills guarantees the best photos
3. You will arrive and notice that the neighborhood is residential
4. It’s impossible not to fall in love with the beach
5. And also for the sunset
6. The sea is a little rough
7. But there are lifeguards nearby
8. Find sand courts to practice sports
9. And also a boardwalk for walking
10. You will be surprised by destiny
You discovered this, which is one of the main beaches in Florianópolis. Praia Brava is a piece of paradise that is still little visited by tourists.
The south of the island is also full of beautiful beaches, such as Campeche beach. Enjoy and visit when you pass by Magic Island! If you prefer to visit more distant destinations, you can also go to Balneário Camboriú.
