From dramatic mountain ranges to over 500 kilometers of stunning coastline, deciding where to stay in Santa Catarina, Brazil, can be a delightful challenge. Having recently explored this diverse southern state, I can attest that each region offers a completely different Brazilian experience, from bustling beach resorts to charming European-influenced mountain towns. This guide provides the essential, on-the-ground advice to help you find the perfect hotel in Santa Catarina for your trip.
Best Hotels in Santa Catarina🔥
- 💎 Luxury Hotel: Cris Hotel
- ✨ 5-Star: Sofistic Hotel
- 🏨 4-Star: Pousada Favareto
- 🛏️ 3-Star: Natur Campeche Hotel
- 💸 Cheap: Residencial Castelo da Ilha
- 🏢 Apartment: Natur Campeche Hotel
- 👪 For Families: Pousada Lagoa da Chica
- 🏩 For Couples: Pousada Las Piedras
Quick Guide to the Best Areas 📃
- 🏝️ Island Capital — Florianópolis
- 💎 Lively Resort — Balneário Camboriú
- 🏄 Bohemian Beaches — Praia do Rosa & Blumenau
- ⛰️ Mountain Scenery — Serra Catarinense
- 🎢 Family Fun — Penha
1. Florianópolis: The Dynamic Island Capital
Known as Floripa, the state capital is a vibrant city split between the mainland and the magical Santa Catarina Island. The island half is a paradise of beaches, dunes, and lagoons, including spots like Jurerê Beach, offering everything from chic beach clubs to secluded fishing villages. It’s the best all-around base for a first-time visit, blending city energy with incredible nature and a variety of restaurants and bars.
On-the-ground Feel & Insider Tips:
The island’s heart beats around Lagoa da Conceição, a huge lagoon perfect for watersports and surrounded by lively bars. Key spots include the historic Hercílio Luz Bridge, the bustling Mercado Público for fresh seafood, and the famous surf beach, Praia Mole. For a taste of local history, visit the quiet, Azorean-influenced village of Santo Antônio de Lisboa for incredible sunset views over the bay. To avoid the intense traffic heading to the northern beaches, including Jurere, plan your travel outside of peak hours (before 9 AM and after 7 PM).
Quick Take (Pro & Con):
- Pro: An incredible diversity of beaches and activities, from surfing to fine dining, all on one island.
- Con: Traffic between beaches can be notoriously bad in high season. Solution: Choose a base beach and explore others on foot or by boat when possible.
Best For / Skip If:
Best for travelers who want a mix of beautiful beaches, nightlife, and city amenities. Skip if you’re looking for a quiet, rural escape.
Best Hotels in Florianópolis
💎 Luxury hotels
- Cris Hotel — A beachfront hotel on the popular Canasvieiras beach, featuring an outdoor pool and rooms with balconies, perfect for a classic beach holiday.
- Valentina S.A.Y.S. Hotel — A modern and elegant hotel in the Canasvieiras neighborhood, offering comfortable rooms and high-class service just steps from the beach.
⭐ Best Value Hotels
- Refúgio do Cacupé — A charming guesthouse with stunning sea views and a quiet, secluded atmosphere, ideal for a romantic getaway.
- Hotel Évora by Rede Sagres — A classic hotel in the city center, known for its convenient location providing easy access to main attractions and the market.
💶 Smart Budget Hotels
- Bewiki — A vibrant and social hostel with a pool and bar, located in the Lagoa da Conceição neighborhood, ideal for budget travelers.
2. Balneário Camboriú: The Bustling Beach Resort
Often called a mini Rio, Balneário Camboriú is Santa Catarina’s most famous and bustling resort town. It’s defined by a dramatic skyline of skyscrapers lining a long, crescent-shaped beach with spectacular beach views. The vibe is energetic and upscale, with a huge variety of restaurants, bars, and attractions packed into a compact area, and the town is a great choice for travelers looking for family-friendly hotels or boutique hotel experiences.
The Lay of the Land & Local Advice:
Life revolves around Praia Central and the main commercial street, Avenida Brasil. For incredible views, take the cable car from Barra Sul station up to Parque Unipraias and then down to the more secluded Laranjeiras beach. A local favorite is taking the scenic Estrada da Rainha road to Praia dos Amores for a slightly calmer beach day. The main beach was recently widened, so it’s best to walk towards the northern end near the big wheel, FG Big Wheel, to find more space during peak season and enjoy hundreds of great deals on accommodation from hundreds of great options nearby.
Quick Take (Pro & Con):
- Pro: A massive concentration of restaurants, nightlife, and attractions in a walkable, high-energy city.
- Con: The main beach can be overshadowed by the tall buildings in the afternoon. Solution: Spend your mornings at Praia Central and head to Laranjeiras or Estaleirinho beaches in the afternoon for more sun.
Best For / Skip If:
Best for travelers who love a vibrant, high-energy atmosphere with endless dining and entertainment options. Skip if you prefer wild, undeveloped nature.
Best Hotels in Balneário Camboriú
💎 Luxury hotels
- Rizzu Marina Hotel — A sophisticated hotel offering an outdoor swimming pool, a spa, and wellness center for a relaxing and luxurious stay.
- Pousada Estaleiro Village — A charming guesthouse with direct access to the beautiful Estaleiro beach, featuring a swimming pool and lush tropical gardens.
⭐ Best Value Hotels
- Marambaia Hotel — Features a fantastic location at the quiet northern end of the main beach and offers rooms with stunning ocean views.
- Bella Casa Balneario Camboriu — A cozy and welcoming guesthouse offering a home-like atmosphere and personalized service from its friendly hosts.
💶 Smart Budget Hotels
- Negrini Pousada — A family-friendly guesthouse known for its excellent location, clean rooms, and a lovely outdoor swimming pool.
3. Praia do Rosa & Garopaba: For Bohemian Beach Bliss
South of Florianópolis, the coastline transforms into a series of stunning bays and protected beaches, with Praia do Rosa and the nearby town of Garopaba as its heart. The atmosphere is laid-back, bohemian, and deeply connected to nature, attracting surfers, eco-tourists, and anyone seeking a chic yet rustic escape, with plenty of options to find your ideal accommodation and great deals on Santa Catarina hotels.
Navigating the Neighbourhood & Insider Knowledge:
The main hubs are the charming historic center of Garopaba and the trendy, unpaved main road in Praia do Rosa. This area is a prime spot for whale watching from July to November, especially from the Vigia lookout point. You can hike between stunning beaches like Praia da Ferrugem and Praia da Silveira. A local tip is to visit the tiny Ibiraquera lagoon, a paradise for kitesurfing and stand-up paddleboarding, offering great spa services and facilities and ideal accommodation from hundreds of options for those traveling with pets.
Quick Take (Pro & Con):
- Pro: Stunning natural beauty, a relaxed and stylish atmosphere, and some of the best surfing in Brazil.
- Con: Many roads are unpaved, and getting around can be slow. Solution: Renting a car is essential for exploring the different beaches and lagoons in the area.
Best For / Skip If:
Best for surfers, nature lovers, and travelers seeking a stylish, bohemian vibe. Skip if you require the infrastructure and convenience of a large resort town.
Best Hotels in Praia do Rosa & Garopaba
💎 Luxury hotels
- Pousada Rosa Karioka — A charming guesthouse with a pool and lush gardens, offering a tranquil atmosphere close to the trendy center of Praia do Rosa.
- Pousada Natribus Rosa — Offers stylish bungalows set within nature, featuring a beautiful swimming pool and a relaxing, eco-chic vibe.
⭐ Best Value Hotels
- Pousada Vivenda do Rosa — A comfortable and welcoming guesthouse offering great value, with a lovely pool area and easy access to the beach.
- Pousada Coração da Terra — A peaceful and charming guesthouse known for its excellent homemade breakfast and the warm, personal service from its hosts.
💶 Smart Budget Hotels
- Pousada Refúgio dos Pássaros — A tranquil retreat surrounded by nature, offering cozy chalets and a beautiful garden perfect for birdwatching.
4. Blumenau & the European Valley: For a Taste of Germany in Brazil
Inland from the coast, the Vale Europeu (European Valley) offers a completely different side of the state of Santa Catarina. Settled by German immigrants, the city of Blumenau is its heart, famous for its traditional architecture, beer culture, and the second-largest Oktoberfest in the world. The vibe is charming, clean, and surprisingly European, with plenty of options to find the best hotels and cheap hotels nearby.
Atmosphere & A Pro Tip:
The city’s main attractions are centered around the historic Rua XV de Novembro and the Vila Germânica park, the heart of the Oktoberfest celebrations. Don’t miss the Museu da Cerveja (Beer Museum) and the charming Prefeitura (City Hall). A local favorite is to visit the nearby town of Pomerode, considered the most German town in Brazil, for its immaculate half-timbered houses and authentic bakeries. To best experience the culture, visit during one of the many local festivals, and plan ahead to find great deals and save on accommodation.
Quick Take (Pro & Con):
- Pro: A unique cultural experience with charming architecture, great beer, and a distinct European feel.
- Con: It is located inland, about an hour’s drive from the nearest beach. Solution: Combine a few days in the valley with a few days on the coast for a complete Santa Catarina experience.
Best For / Skip If:
Best for culture lovers, foodies, and those interested in history. Skip if your trip is purely focused on a beach holiday.
Best Hotels in Blumenau & the European Valley
💎 Luxury hotels
- Plaza Blumenau Hotel — A classic hotel with a rooftop pool, known for its excellent central location and extensive breakfast buffet.
⭐ Best Value Hotels
- Slaviero Blumenau — A modern and comfortable hotel located in the city center, offering great convenience for exploring the main attractions on foot.
💶 Smart Budget Hotels
- Hotel Gloria Blumenau — A traditional hotel with a charming, historic feel, located in the heart of the city and praised for its friendly service.
5. Serra Catarinense: For Dramatic Mountain Scenery
The highlands of the Serra Catarinense are a world away from the sunny coast, offering breathtaking canyons, dramatic landscapes, and a cozy mountain atmosphere. This is the coldest region in Brazil, sometimes even seeing snow in winter. It’s the perfect place for a romantic getaway, hiking, and rural tourism, with a range of pousada vila options and small hotels where visitors can feel at home.
On-the-ground Feel & Insider Tips:
The main towns to base yourself in are Urubici and São Joaquim, the latter being famous for its apple orchards and wineries. The most iconic attraction is the winding Serra do Rio do Rastro road, a spectacular drive with stunning viewpoints. For a memorable hike, visit the Morro da Igreja to see the famous Pedra Furada rock formation. Locals love to visit the Dedo de Deus viewpoint near Urubici for incredible, less-crowded vistas. Access to Morro da Igreja is controlled and requires a permit, so be sure to book your visit in advance and enjoy a relaxing spa experience at nearby accommodations.
Quick Take (Pro & Con):
- Pro: Absolutely spectacular mountain landscapes and a unique, cozy atmosphere.
- Con: The weather can be unpredictable, and it gets very cold in the winter (June-August). Solution: Pack layers of clothing regardless of the season and always check road conditions for the Serra do Rio do Rastro before you go.
Best For / Skip If:
Best for nature lovers, hikers, and couples seeking a romantic mountain retreat. Skip if you are looking for hot weather and beach activities.
Best Hotels in the Serra Catarinense
💎 Luxury hotels
- Ibis Serra Talhada — A modern and reliable hotel offering comfortable, air-conditioned rooms and a convenient location for business or leisure travelers in Serra Talhada.
⭐ Best Value Hotels
- Cabana Refúgio da Serra - Bom Retiro — A charming and private cabin offering a hot tub and stunning mountain views, perfect for a romantic and secluded retreat.
💶 Smart Budget Hotels
- Caminho das Nuvens Cabanas de Montanha — Features cozy, rustic mountain cabins with fireplaces, providing an authentic and tranquil experience in the heart of the Serra.
6. Penha: For Family-Friendly Fun
The small coastal town of Penha is dominated by one major attraction: Beto Carrero World, the largest theme park in Latin America. The town’s atmosphere is entirely geared towards family-friendly tourism, with a relaxed and unpretentious beach town vibe. It is the undisputed best base for a theme park-focused family holiday, with a range of 4-star hotel options located in Penha to suit all budgets.
The Lay of the Land & Local Advice:
Beyond Beto Carrero World, the town has a string of pleasant beaches, with Praia da Armação do Itapocorói being the most central. You can explore the scenic coastline with its small fishing villages and viewpoints. A local favorite is Praia Vermelha, a beautiful red-sanded beach perfect for a quiet afternoon away from the park crowds. To maximize your time, purchase theme park tickets online in advance and enjoy a daily buffet breakfast at nearby accommodations.
Quick Take (Pro & Con):
- Pro: Unbeatable proximity to Latin America’s best theme park.
- Con: The town itself has limited attractions beyond the park and its beaches. Solution: Use Penha as a base and take a day trip to the nearby city of Balneário Camboriú for more dining and entertainment options.
Best For / Skip If:
Best for families with children and theme park enthusiasts. Skip if you are looking for a cultural or nature-focused trip.
Best Hotels in Penha
💎 Luxury hotels
- Pousada Recanto dos Dinossauros — A fun, dinosaur-themed guesthouse perfect for families, featuring a swimming pool and a location close to Beto Carrero World.
⭐ Best Value Hotels
- Pousada Duas Ilhas — A welcoming guesthouse located just a short walk from the beach, offering a swimming pool and a relaxed atmosphere for a family holiday.
💶 Smart Budget Hotels
- Pousada Rosalia — A simple and clean guesthouse offering great value for money, with a convenient location for visiting the theme park.
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