So, I just got back from Florianópolis, and wow, there's just so much to unpack. Honestly, I went in with this mix of excitement and uncertainty. You know that feeling when you kinda overhype a destination in your head, and then you worry it won't live up to your own expectations? Yeah, that was me on the flight. But let me tell you, some of the best things to do in Florianópolis turned out to be moments I couldn't have planned better myself.
This spot? Total surprise.
On my first day, I found myself wandering around the Lagoa da Conceição area, which I'd heard was this hip place to be. I was really just trying to find some lunch—nothing fancy, just a local place. And then, out of nowhere, I stumbled into this tiny café that looked unassuming enough but smelled like pure magic—coffee roasting and sweetness in the air.
At first, I hesitated. I almost walked into a bigger, fancier café right across the street, but something about the little spot pulled me in. I sat down and ordered the most random pastry I could find on the menu—it was called a “cuca.” Turns out, it's a type of cake that's a bit crumbly and sweet, topped with fruit. I don't know why, but it reminded me of the summers my grandmother used to bake. Just sitting there, enjoying my cuca with this rich, dark coffee, I couldn't shake off the feeling that I had already hit a sweet spot in my trip.
The afternoon that changed my whole mood
Then there was this one afternoon I had planned to chill on the beach—sounds like the deal, right? I headed to Praia Mole, thinking it'd be all sun, sand, and maybe a beachside caipirinha or two. But here's where it all went sideways: the clouds rolled in faster than I could say “Paraguassu,” and it started to drizzle.
I remember standing there, shivering a bit, umbrella-less, considering just heading back. But then, I noticed people huddled under a shady kiosk, and honestly, I escalated on a whim to join them. They were all locals, chatting and laughing, sipping on something warm. Turns out, they were enjoying delicious seafood empanadas and sharing stories about the hidden gems around the island. You can guess I immediately had to get in on that.
It felt so real, you know? Like, here I was, getting the inside scoop from locals, rather than being just some tourist. They recommended a hike to this almost secret beach called Praia do Lagoinha do Leste. I wasn't convinced I'd have the energy, but after hearing how stunning it was, I had to do it.
I almost missed this, no thanks to my bad sense of direction
Okay, let's talk about that hike. Wow, did I underestimate my navigation skills! I miss the turnabout a few times and ended up on some overgrown path where I honestly thought I might be stuck in the forest forever. I mean, it's easy to panic when you're lost in nature, right? But you know what? That detour led me to a breathtaking viewpoint.
I climbed up this rocky ledge, and suddenly, there it was—an expansive view of the ocean meeting the lush greens of the hills, with the waves crashing rhythmically. I felt like I stumbled into a postcard, and it just clicked how every misstep along the way was kind of a blessing.
When I finally made it to Praia do Lagoinha do Leste, nestled and beautiful, I laid down my towel and just soaked it all in. I didn't even need to play catch-up with my beach day; I was already miles ahead in an adventure.
A meal that left a strong impression
Speaking of food, I have to rave about this little seafood joint I found accidentally on the way back to my place. It was called “Oysters & Friends” or something like that—I don't even remember the exact name because I was still lost in the beauty of that beach. I ordered the grilled octopus, thinking it'd be just another ordinary dish. But when it arrived, each bite tasted like the ocean itself, perfectly salt-kissed and tender. I think I closed my eyes for a second just to relish it.
While I devoured my meal, locals started one of those spontaneous music sessions, strumming guitars and singing. I felt like I was part of something bigger than just a meal; it was community vibes at their finest. Strangers laughing, connecting over something as simple as a shared love for food and music—it was unexpectedly magical.
Reflections on a whirlwind trip
As I sit here sipping my coffee while trying to wrap my head around all these moments, the memories just blend into this beautiful chaos. I realized that it's not always about ticking boxes and doing “the best things to do in Florianópolis.” Sure, there are beaches and sights everyone recommends, but the real experiences are often hidden in the detours we didn't plan for.
Florianópolis taught me to embrace the unexpected. Detours like missing a hike or stumbling into that unexpected café turned out to be the highlights of the trip. It reminded me that sometimes, when you stop chasing the itinerary, life throws some of the most delightful surprises your way. And honestly, isn't that what makes travel worthwhile? Those moments that break the mold?
So, yeah, next time you find yourself in Florianópolis or any place for that matter, just trust the journey—it might lead you to a little café, some amazing company, or a breathtaking view you never saw coming. Here's to the unpredictability of travel!
