Florianópolis is the capital city of Santa Catarina State in southern Brazil. It is composed of one main island, the Island of Santa Catarina, one continental part and the surrounding small isles. It is surrounded by smaller islands with forts, which protected ships in the 17th century. Most of the population lives on the island's northern half. The southern half is more isolated and less developed. Florianópolis is a popular destination for South American tourists, because of its location and white sand beaches.

Beaches

There are about 42 well known beaches on Santa Catarina island, but more than 100 in all. The most well-known beaches, from North to South, are:

• Jurerê
• Brava
• Cachoeira do Bom Jesus
• Canasvieiras
• Ingleses
• Santinho
• Moçambique
• Mole
• Joaquina
• Armação
• Matadeiro