In the southern part of the island, the western shore facing the mainland lacks beaches entirely, but in compensation offers some fabulous driving and sightseeing. South of the airport, heading down the SC-405 towards Riberão da Ilha leads to a small windy road that hugs the coastline virtually all the way to the southern tip of the island. Don't miss a visit to this part of the island! It's a region of small villages with colorful Portuguese-style houses, settled by fishermen from the Azores. Their descendants still live in this region and make a living fishing or raising oysters. Note that although Riberão da Ilha looks like it's just a short drive away, the road is windy and there are viewpoints and picturesque villages to distract you along the way. Plan to spend at least half a day, or more with lunch or dinner at a seafood restaurant in Riberão da Ilha.
Getting Around in Florianópolis: Rent a Car -- To make the most of your visit to Floripa you really need a car. This will allow you to explore the more remote beaches and towns at your own pace. The good news is that the roads are in great shape, the island is easy to navigate and traffic is calm, and you can safely stop and park almost anywhere without any extra safety precautions. Of course, you want to remove all valuables from the vehicle when parking.
