Praia do Santinho is one of the most beautiful beaches in Florianópolis, located in the north of the island, between the Praia dos Ingleses and Praia do Moçambique.

Praia do Santinho is known for its fine white sands and clear waters, and is even considered one of the cleanest beaches in Brazil.

However, the beach has a long stretch of dunes and a trail that leads to Praia dos Ingleses.

In addition to its natural beauty, Praia do Santinho is known for its cultural and religious activities.

Every year in January, the Feast of Our Lady of the Navigators takes place,

However, the beach is also famous for its archaeological site, where traces of an ancient prehistoric occupation have been found.

The sea at Santinho beach

The sea at Santinho is clean and has big waves, depending on the tide, which attracts surfers and water sports enthusiasts.

In addition, as it is considered an open sea beach, its waters are usually colder and have strong waves, not to mention a strip of sand about 2 km long.

The surf is intense and makes the sea very dangerous at times.

Origin and History of Santinho Beach

The origin of the name “Santinho” comes from the presence of a small chapel dedicated to Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament, which was built by the first Azorean settlers in the region.

The history of Praia do Santinho dates back to the first years of Azorean colonization in Florianópolis, in the 18th century.

At the time, the region was inhabited by Carijós Indians and was a difficult area to access, covered by dense forests.

The first Azorean colonizers arrived in the region in 1750 and settled on the island of Santa Catarina.

Today, only the southern tip of the beach is known as Morro das Aranhas.

Occupation of Santinho

Praia do Santinho only began to be occupied at the end of the 19th century, when the area was cleared and the first houses were built.

The beach remained practically untouched until the 1970s, when it was discovered by surfers.

In the following years, Praia do Santinho developed rapidly, with the construction of hotels, pousadas and luxury condominiums.

Today, the beach is one of Florianópolis' main tourist destinations, attracting thousands of visitors every year.

Paradise Trails

Between Ingleses and Santinho, there is Morro dos Ingleses, where there are hiking trails.

To the south, between Ingleses and Moçambique, is the famous Aranhas trail, which after an hour and a half's walk you can reach another beach.

Open-air archaeological museum

Santinho beach has one of the largest collections of rock art in Florianópolis.

The works date back more than 5,000 years.

The name Praia do Santinho appeared on maps printed in the 1970s,

All this because of a mysterious image carved into a stone that resembled a saint.

Some said it was witchcraft, but others prayed in front of the image, asking for protection on the high seas.

They were later identified as rock inscriptions that form one of the largest archaeological sites on the island.

Approximately 3m² of a black diabase wall.

By the beach, they are covered in signs carved deep into the rocks.

Modernity came with the establishment of a modern hotel complex.

The Costão do Santinho Resort

The resort is one of the largest hotel developments in southern Brazil and is known for offering a wide range of activities and services.

In fact, it was inaugurated in 1991 and built in the middle of a privileged natural landscape, which includes the beach, the dunes, the Atlantic forest and rock formations.

The resort currently has almost 700 apartments, as well as restaurants, bars, swimming pools, courts, a spa, a gym, a theater and an exclusive area for children.

The resort has received awards over the years, such as the Viagem e Turismo Award, the Top de Marketing Award and the Caio Award.

How to get to Santinho Beach

To get to Santinho beach, which is 35 kilometers from the center, access is via Avenida Beira-Mar Norte.

Keep going and go up the CIC elevated road, following Avenida da Saudade until you reach the SC-401 highway.

Then, at the 4th viaduct, follow the SC-403 highway until it ends.

Follow the signs, the route is usually well signposted as it is a single road (Estrada Dom João Becker) that leads to Santinho beach.

By car
Santinho beach is in the northeast of the island of Florianópolis, 35 km from the bridge and the center.

Once over the bridge, stay in one of the two right-hand lanes, heading towards Avenida Beira Mar and Norte da Ilha.

Just follow the signs to the north of the island and access the SC-401.

Further on there will be a fork to the right, along the SC-403 to Ingleses beach.

Then take the Dom João Becker road and follow it until you reach the general Santinho road, the Vereador Onildo Lemos road.

Buses
For those arriving by bus in Florianópolis, you should go to the Terminal Integrado do Centro (Ticen), which is 400m from the bus station.

Go to platform C, where the urban buses leave for the Canasvieiras Integrated Terminal (Tican).

When you arrive at the Tican, you have to take another bus to the Santinho stop. You don't have to pay a fare again.

Uber, 99 or Taxi
Uber or a similar service to Santinho beach can cost around R$ 150 from the airport and R$ 90 from the bus station.

The price depends on the day, time and service offered.