Praia da Galheta is one of the most famous beaches in Florianópolis, and this is due to the fact that it is the only official nudist beach in the city.

It is also a beach of great natural beauty, with crystal-clear waters, white sands, legends and lots of native vegetation.

Located on the east coast of the island, next to Praia Mole, Galheta is only accessible by trail or boat, which guarantees its preservation and privacy.

The resort is approximately 25 kilometers from the city center and has a paradisiacal view.

The Galheta Sea

Praia da Galheta is an ocean beach with strong waves and crystal-clear waters.

The sea is great for experienced surfers, but it is not recommended for swimming due to the strong currents and waves.

It's important to be aware of the sea conditions at all times and to respect the lifeguards' warnings.

Naturalist beach infrastructure

As a nudist beach, Galheta has no commercial or tourist facilities, such as bars, restaurants or kiosks.

In fact, it's important to bring everything you need, such as water, food and sunscreen. In addition, the access trail can be steep and a little difficult for people with reduced mobility, due to the excess of stones in some sections.

There are two trails, one leading from the north shore of Praia Mole, which is 600 meters, and the other from Praia da Barra da Lagoa, a more difficult and longer route.

History of Galheta Beach

Galheta Beach has an interesting history, dating back to the first inhabitants of the island

According to some accounts, the beach was used by the Carijós Indians as a fishing and hunting spot, and was known as “Praia do Mato Alto”.

During the colonial period, the beach was used as a hideout for smugglers and pirates.

With totally untouched vegetation, it is semi-deserted. The truth is that Galheta has been frequented by naturists since the 70s.

With real estate speculation in the 1980s, a group of naturists and ecologists joined forces to fight for the creation of a municipal park.

Law 3455/90, regulated by Decree 698/94, established an area of around 149.50 hectares of permanent preservation.

Florianópolis' only naturalist beach

Galheta beach in Florianópolis is mainly known for being a naturist beach, where the practice of nudism is permitted and common among beachgoers.

Although it's not a destination widely publicized by the media, the beach has already been featured in some publications specializing in tourism and travel, such as Viagem e Turismo magazine, which highlighted it as one of the best naturist beaches in Brazil in a 2017 article.

In addition, Galheta was also mentioned in UOL's list of Brazilian naturist beaches in 2018.

Internationally, the beach is not very well known outside the naturist tourism circuit, but it is possible to find mentions on websites specializing in nudist and naturist tourism.

Curiosities of Galheta

This beach was only made official as a nudist beach in 2003, after years of struggle by naturists.

In addition, Galheta is considered an ecological sanctuary, with lots of biodiversity and incredible views of the island's east coast.

Visit and enjoy the natural beauty of Galheta, go surfing or simply enjoy a sunny day,

We stress that it is important to respect its history, the rules of access and its visitors.

How to get to Galheta Beach

To get to Galheta beach, which is 25 kilometers from the center, access is via Avenida Beira-Mar Norte.

The best route is through the Itacorubi and Lagoa da Conceição neighborhoods, but you can also take Avenida Deputado Antônio Edu Vieira.

Follow the signs, the route is usually well signposted.

By car
Galheta beach is in the east of Florianópolis Island, 25 km from the bridge and the center.

When you reach the Pedro Ivo bridge, stay in one of the two right-hand lanes, heading towards Avenida Beira Mar and Avenida da Saudade.

Just follow the signs towards Lagoa and take Rodovia Admar Gonzaga, followed by Av. Afonso Delambert Neto and Av. Rendeiras and Jornalista Manoel de Menezes.

This beach has to be accessed by footpath, via Mole beach or Barra da Lagoa beach.

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 Lagoa Integrated Terminal (Tilag).

When you get to Tilag, you should take another bus to Barra stop and ask for directions to get off near the entrance to the Galheta trail.

You don't have to pay for a ticket again.

Uber, 99 or Taxi
Uber or a similar service to Galheta beach can cost around R$ 120 from the airport and R$ 90 from the bus station.

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

It's important to note that you can't reach this beach by car, so you have to walk part of the way.