Brazil Travel: Florianópolis

Florianópolis is a contradiction. Divided into two parts, the mainland and the island, the mainland is an industrial center, and across the bay is the historic and elegant neighborhood in Beira-Mar Norte. Beach known for extravagant parties, the island is where many workers come Brazilian city’s central district, known as Brazil’s Silicon Valley. The economy of Florianópolis is based primarily on technology and tourism. Night clubs, lounges and pubs explosion and caipirinhas late into the night, which could explain why the New York Times called Florianópolis “Match Destination of the Year in 2009.”

Most of the population lives in central and northern half of the island, leaving the less populated southern half. The island has experienced significant growth in recent years and has a population of over 400,000 within 168 miles square mass. However, still has managed to maintain a relaxed, soft which is typical of other islands of the Brazilian.

The 42 beaches along the beach, each has its own style, elegant partygoers hit up the International Jurerê breaking waves for surfers at Praia Mole. Barra da Lagoa is the famous “bunny slope” of the surfing world champion Jacqueline Silva calls home. The island is connected to the mainland by two picturesque bridges. An older suspension bridge, Puente Hercilio Luz, is no longer open to traffic, but still defines the horizon of the night when illuminated. All 42 of the island’s beaches are within an hour’s drive.

In the city center, travelers can enjoy the colonial cobblestone streets that fan out from the newly renovated Praça XV de Novembro. If absorbed in the colonial history of the area, consider a boat trip around the bay with some impressive stops in 18 century Portuguese forts. Florianópolis is less known for its colonial history, nightlife, beaches and surf, but what matters is that you will not be disappointed.