Joaquina Beach, Florianópolis Travel Guide

Joaquina Beach, located on the eastern coast of Santa Catarina Island, is one of Brazil's most famous beaches. Known locally as "Joaca," it's a 3.5-kilometer stretch of shoreline that attracts surfers with its strong waves and sandboarders with its impressive dunes.The beach's history is intertwined with surfing culture, gaining prominence in the 1970s when its waves were discovered by surfers. Since then, it has hosted numerous national and international surfing championships, solidifying its reputation as a surfing mecca. The name "Joaquina" is said to come from a lacemaker who tragically drowned at sea.Beyond surfing, Joaquina's dunes are a major attraction, considered some of the best in southern Brazil. Visitors can rent sandboards and surf down the dunes, enjoying panoramic ocean views from the top. The beach also offers a vibrant atmosphere with restaurants, bars, and shops. Floodlights allow for nighttime sports like volleyball and soccer. While the strong currents make swimming challenging, the beach is perfect for long walks and enjoying the scenery.