Florianópolis, Capital city in Santa Catarina, Brazil
Florianópolis is the capital of Santa Catarina state, spreading across Santa Catarina Island and adjacent mainland areas linked by several bridges. The city extends over coastal stretches with sandy beaches, hills, residential neighborhoods and a busy commercial center on the mainland, while the island holds villages, coves and forest-lined waterfront.
Portuguese settlers founded the site in 1675 and named it Nossa Senhora do Desterro, later receiving its present name in 1893. During the 20th century the city grew into an administrative and commercial hub with bridges connecting the island and the mainland.
Residents keep Azorean traditions alive through festivals, lace making and handwoven crafts, while the local kitchen serves fresh seafood and dishes with Portuguese roots. On weekends, families gather at beaches, public squares, and cafés overlooking the water.
Buses connect the island and the mainland, while Hercílio Luz international airport provides links to Brazilian cities and some destinations abroad. Most beaches are accessible by public transport or taxi, with many lodgings and restaurants within walking distance of the water.
The city spreads across more than 40 beaches with different shapes and exposures, from calm bays to wind-exposed sections favored by surfers. The nickname Silicon Island arose from the concentration of technology and software firms operating here since the nineties.
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