11 July, 2016
Known simply as 'Floripa' to locals, this city on the tropical island of Santa Catarina is the go-to for surfers and partygoers alike. A South American Ibiza, Florianópolis is a heady mix of paradisiacal surroundings and caipirinha-fuelled dance parties. Throngs of gorgeous, bronzed bodies worship the sun on pristine white beaches by day and pour out of sweaty samba parties onto moonlit streets by night. Refuel with a refreshing bowl of açai before taking a stroll in one of the 300-year-old fishing villages. If you're lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of a giant sea turtle during your downtime.
Florianópolis is warm year round, but peak summer months are between December and March. January is the warmest month, but stays comfortable with temperatures ranging between 22 and 30 degrees. Avoid September, which has the most rainfall.
The girl gang. Oysters and champagne at Kokoon Beach Lounge while pretending you're too mature to check out all those ripped surfers? Sure.
Victoria's Secret angel Alessandra Ambrosio floating between various lagoons on an uber-luxe yacht.
Surfing at one of the island's 42 beaches. Barra da Lagoa is best for beginner waves while Praya Mole is ideal if you're looking for something a little more challenging. If your surfing prowess isn't quite up to scratch, there are plenty of instructors on hand to help out.
Your tiniest Brazilian-cut bikini bottoms - believe us when we say you'll be more covered up than most.
Fly into Hercílio Luz International Airport in Floripa. Bear in mind that most external flights go via Rio or Sao Paulo.
