Sea food is popular in the island and there are plenty of restaurants all over the place but not always you find a restaurant that serves you a dish that deserves a high score. Luckily I heard good things about Ponta das Caranhas and took the chance to have lunch on this place. The day was splendid and so the meal.

Situated in a pleasant area on the way between Mole beach and Barra da Lagoa, the restaurant has a superb view of the lagoon and its beautiful surroundings with green hills, dunes and rock formations. If the day is good, sitting in a table outside it is a very relaxing experience. If you prefer you can also sit in a table inside the house which looks nice and pleasant.

The prices are slightly above the sea food restaurant average. A fish dish costs between R$75 and R$120 and a salad around R$ 25. However the quality is clear and worth the price. The menu isn’t very extensive which I think is good so you don’t get undecided. You find some common entrees like oysters, coquilles, and also shrimp and chicken dishes.

I ordered a salad and for main meal a shallow fried fish prepared with mushrooms, capers and shrimps. The fish was probably a fresh flounder, well prepared and delicious. The serving was said to be for 2, but I could say that it could feed 3 people quite well. The meal arrived on my table in a good timing, although the place wasn’t crowded. The table service wasn’t anything so special but was good enough.

Honestly Ponta das Caranhas was a good surprise for me. Putting all the elements together, it makes an excellent restaurant to enjoy a good sea food meal, especially with a lovely weather.

Address: Rodovia Jornalista de Manoel de Menezes,2377 – Fortaleza da lagoa – SC
Phone: +55 (48) 3232-3076

Photos Credits: Semyle Berardi

Floripa is considered one of the best places in Brazil for people who like eletronic music. Every year some of the best Djs in the world arrive in the island to perform live. In fact Santa Catarina State is known world wide for its fine clubs and parties.
In January 5th David Guetta played here and this weekend we had the Creamfields, a famous festival held in UK and also in many other cities in the world. The Brazilian edition, only in Floripa, was set at the Stage Music Park in Jurerê.
The line up had, among national and international musicians divided in 2 stages, Life is a Loop, Paul Van Dyk, Nervo and the headline FatBoy Slim who made 18000 people to jump and dance.
The organization and infrastructure was good. Without any noticeable problems or delays, the festival went on for 12 hours of great music.
I was right at the front facing the main stage. The place was crowded and the vibe was good. I love eletronic music so I am lucky to be here and be able to experience such a great festival.

Photos Credits: Semyle Berardi

Box 32 is a traditional and famous bar in Floripa. Located inside the public market, it has a special appeal to tourists.
It serves gourmet bar food and most of the dishes are seafood based. Popular drinks are beer and cachaça. It claims to be a meeting place of important and famous people since 1984. It has a simple decoration, tables and stools in front of the counter.

I frequently buy the codfish fried dumpling which is one of the best I have ever had, but rarely I sit in the bar to drink and eat something. This time I had the chance to do it.
Firstly I ordered my favorite, the codfish fried dumplings (R$8). Next I had a portion of fried shrimps on garlic (R$ 53) and also a salad which was nothing outstanding but seemed to be carefully prepared. For drinks just orange juice.
The pricing is more than average so it not a cheap place to eat and drink.

You are likely to hear about box 32 if you visit frequently Floripa. It is worth to stop for a drink and try some local famous recipes like the shrimp pastel, take some photos and tell your friends you visited this gastronomic attraction.

Address: Mercado Público de Florianópolis – SC
Phone: +55 (48) 3224-5588

Photos Credits: Semyle Berardi

The successful public art event Cow Parade has landed in Floripa. Displayed in over 60 cities around the world, this time the beloved cows can be seen in many places around Floripa.
The ones in the pictures were at Jurerê International which I could see for the first time and appreciate the good artwork. The idea is really good: take art to the streets of different cities around the world and consequently make sharing art experience in great scale. It goes on the trend that globalization can influence many of our interests, including appreciation of art.
Cooperation is a synonym for the cow parade as it gets many artists together to create a single artwork concept divided in so many pieces, that is each individual cow.
If you have the opportunity to see it, take the message that will make you think at least for a brief moment about the wonders of art.

Photos Credits: Semyle Berardi

With the beginning of spring and climate getting warmer, swimming competitions start to happen in many places. I went for one at Peri, a fresh water lagoon located in the south of the island, a beautiful place and perfect for swimming due to the sheltered waters.
Peri lagoon is one of the few water bodies in Floripa where pollution hasn’t contaminated the ecosystem. The lagoon lies inside a protected park, surrounded by native forest and it has a fascinating scenery. Practicing Water Sports in Peri is a magic experience.
Swimming is not only good for your mind and body but also an opportunity to set and reach goals, as well as be part of a social event. Swimming in open waters is quite different from swimming in a pool. Water conditions may add an extra challenge to the activity and you feel closer contact with nature.
The current competition had about 500 swimmers with swimming crossings for all categories: 3000 metres, 1500, 750 and 200 for children.
As summer approaches there will be other sea crossings all over Santa Catarina coastline in the following months and I am looking forward to the next one.

Photos Credits: Semyle Berardi

Word of Mouth is an important aspect for restaurants. It can attract customers or, in a negative side, it can take people away. I heard good things about João de Barro therefore I was willing to try it and see if the all the recommendations were true.
Located in Cacupé district, João de Barro is a cozy spot set in the top of a hill having stunning views of the northern bay and the city skyline.
The menu features a great variety of dishes, from seafood to pasta, prepared with special ingredients. The dishes are meant to be for 1 person, however I think a couple can share one, unless both are hungry.
Among the menu recommendations I chose the Rabbit with Porto Wine Sauce and herbs, accompanied by polenta. I also ordered a salad and rice for complement. I was surprised how fast the meal was ready to be served, although the house wasn’t full.
The rabbit meat was tender and the sauce was tasty. Good meal. I ended with a delicious dessert: cake filled with vanilla ice-cream covered with doce de leche topping and merengues.
The pricing is okay, considering the meals served. A couple would to eat well spending something around R$ 160.
The interior is spacious and nicely decorated. The staff is attentive and kind.
My verdict to this restaurant: Good food, reasonable pricing and great view. At night it can provide a fine romantic dinner.

João de Barro is open from Tuesday until Saturday for dinner from 7pm to 0am, Sundays only for lunch. Accepts all major cards. Parking available.

Website: www.joaodebarro.com.br

Address: Rod. Haroldo Soares Glavan, 1166 – Cacupe – SC

Telephone: 48 3335 – 6003

Photos Credits: Semyle Berardi

Floripa is blessed with many places where nature can be seen and felt closely. Parks, mangroves and ecological stations are among some preserved areas that make the island so beautiful and unique. It still resists to man occupation being a refuge for those who wish to escape from city life for a moment.

It is a rewarding experience to see lots of different birds flying together in their natural habitat and breathe the fresh air of the forest. It can take us away from worries and anxiety.

Unfortunately even such places suffer, once pollution is reaching those areas. Occasionally you can find garbage brought by the tide or by people who simply tossed it away. The city is growing at fast pace, ecological practices are not encouraged as it should and local politicians don’t seem to work on effective measures to protect it.

I understand that government alone cannot do the job. We are all guilty in some extent and only by changing our consuming habits there is a chance to save what is left. Save a plastic cup in your coffee at work or avoid to take plastic bags at the supermarket. Print only if necessary and try to use your gadget as much as you can before going for a new model. It is your decision.

Winter enters and we see tranquility on the beaches. We also see the beach in another perspective – without people around , different sun lighting, different weather and different activities.

Some go out for water sports like surfing, paddling or sailing. Some walk along or just sit and observe the scenery. Unfortunately some also bring their dogs which is not allowed.

Winter is good for many birds that live their free lives on the beach. They don’t have to be afraid of the limited space available for them during the hot season and fishing seems easier.

Floripa is a place where the seasons are well defined, and since going out for outdoor activities is an important aspect for all who live here, the constantly changing on weather, landscape and general state of things makes life certainly more interesting.

It is easy to notice the great amount of birds you see in Floripa. Owls, vultures, falcons, southern lapwings, swallows, sea gulls, just to name a few can be seen frequently. During winter even species from far away like penguins can be occasionally spotted swimming near the beach.
City birds are the most common to see but many more different species appear to you during the day.

The native forest still left and some protected areas contribute to provide a safe ground for them. It is also possible to find a bird that you haven’t seen yet.
Having so many birds gives the place a natural feel. The animals need to live in the environment that they belong and their presence means that their habitat is close.

For those who like birdwatching the island will provide a good time and many findings.
I like birds and get amazed at their ability to fly. Observing their flight you can see that they enjoy it and flying is an experience that we also can achieve, using wings, like them.