A land of contrasts, where the bustle of modern life coexists with the serenity of communities of the interior. This is Santa Catarina Island, a delicious slice of paradise with 523 Km2 of green hills, lagoons and 42 beaches. The state capital of Florianópolis is on the island, inhabited by 280,000 privileged people. It is one of the principal tourist destinations in Brazil and a residential option for those who seek a good quality of life.

The Azorean spirit, inherited from immigrants who settled the region 250 years ago, marks the island personality. The fishing boats, the lacemakers, the folklore, the cuisine and the colonial architecture distinguish the tourism and attract resources that compensate for the lack of large industry. Villages immersed in tradition and history, such as Santo Antonio de Lisboa and Ribeirão da Ilha resist the advances of modernity.

The beaches of the north have calm waters and good tourist facilities. Jurerê, Canasvieiras and Ingleses are the most sought after, principally by Argentines. On the east, is Conceição Lagoon and the beaches of Joaquina, Mole and Barra da Lagoa, centers for young people and radical sports. The south is more rural, and beaches such as Armação and Pântano do Sul are attractive for their peacefulness, colorful boats and fishing nets.

On the continent there are some neighborhoods of the capital city and the municipalities of Greater Florianópolis: São José and Palhoça to the south, Biguaçu and Governador Celso Ramos to the north. In addition to small industry these locations have enchantments such as Anhatomirim Island, with its imposing fort and the beach of Guarda do Embaú.

Surf and History stimulate tourism in the region south of Florianópolis. The waves of Garopaba and Imbituba and the historical attractions of Laguna attract thousands of visitors to the region, where the beautiful natural scenery also encourages eco-tourism.

Because of the large, well formed waves ideal for surfing, the region between Guarda do Embaú and Laguna is known as "Brazilian Hawaii," and attracts surfers year round. Garopaba is the central pole of surf in the region, and beaches such as Ferrugem and Silveira are famous throughout Brazil. The same is true for the beaches of Rosa and Vila, in the neighboring municipality of Imbituba, and of Mar Grosso and Farol de Santa Marta, in Laguna.

History sets the tone in Laguna. Home to Anita Garibaldi and capital of the brief Juliana Republic in the 18th century, the city has more than 600 buildings declared landmarks. The museums and narrow streets of the historical district recall a past of war and heroism. Nearby, the Santa Marta lighthouse is an attraction in its own right. Built by Frenchmen in 1891 it has the longest visible reach of American lighthouses. Dominating the point of a cape from which it gets its name, the lighthouse is circled by white sand dunes and beautiful beaches.

To the south, the montains are farther from the coast and the beaches become long blades of windswept sand with few inhabitants. All the way to the border with Rio Grande do Sul state the region offers welcome natural surprises.