Brava

Praia Brava is at the far north of Santa Catarina Island, about 32 to 38 km from downtown Florianópolis, between Lagoinha and Ingleses, surrounded by upscale condominiums and very popular in summer. The bottom is sand and the waves break strong and hollow at both ends of the beach, reaching about 2.5 meters, at a spot recommended for intermediate to advanced surfers, although consistency is average over the year.

It is one of the few places on the island protected from strong south wind at the right end, though the shape in those conditions is usually not the best. The crowd gets intense in summer, since Brava is the most consistent spot in the area and has warmer water than the island average, but those who arrive early can still surf with few people. If you go in summer, it's worth leaving before 2 p.m., since the beach has only one exit and traffic can keep your car there until night.