Ingleses Beach
North Florianópolis's golden bay built for families
About
Praia dos Ingleses stretches along a generous calm bay on the northern tip of Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, where white-to-golden sand meets blue Atlantic water in a setting designed for easy, relaxed days. The bay's sheltered shape keeps the water shallow and gentle, making it one of the safest swimming beaches on the island. Full infrastructure lines the shore — kiosks, restaurants, and rental chairs are never far away. It's a high-density tourism zone, which means convenience is everywhere, but solitude is not. Come for the calm water and family ease; don't come expecting a quiet escape.
How to get there
From Florianópolis city centre, the drive takes around 28 minutes by car daily, or roughly 70 minutes by frequent bus service. Hercílio Luz International Airport (FLN) sits about 30.5 km away. Parking is available in a mix of paid lots and street spaces near the beach, but arrive early — every spot fills completely during peak summer. There is no entry fee to access the beach itself.
Who it's for
For couples
Couples who want a low-effort beach day with good food nearby will find Ingleses comfortable, especially in November or March when the pace slows and the golden sand isn't wall-to-wall with visitors.
For families
Shallow, calm water and full on-beach infrastructure make this one of the most practical family beaches in Florianópolis — young children can wade safely while parents stay close to kiosks, restaurants, and accessible ramps.
Our take
Feet in the sand, eyes on the screen
Praia dos Ingleses is safe to swim, easy to reach, and genuinely well set up for families — those are real strengths, not marketing spin. The calm sheltered bay and shallow water deliver exactly what they promise. But be honest with yourself about timing: December through February brings extreme numbers of visitors and real water-quality risks after heavy rain, so those months are best avoided unless you have no choice. November and March hit the sweet spot — warm, swimmable, and far more comfortable. It's not a wild or remote beach, and it doesn't pretend to be. Think of it as Florianópolis's most functional north-coast option: reliable, accessible, and backed by solid accommodation and food within walking distance.
What to do
A short 4 km trip north brings you to Praia do Santinho, where pre-Columbian petroglyphs carved into sandstone cliffs make for a genuinely striking detour. About 6 km along the north coast, Praia de Canasvieiras offers another calm family beach if you want a change of scenery. For history, the 18th-century Portuguese colonial fort Fortaleza de São José da Ponta Grossa sits around 12 km away on the northwest coast and is open to visitors. Closer to the beach, Parque Ambiental Adolfinha is 3.1 km away for a green break from the sand.
The sweeping arc of white-to-golden sand photographed from the southern access point captures the full scale of the bay against blue Atlantic water.
The petroglyphs at nearby Praia do Santinho, just 4 km north, add a dramatic natural-history dimension worth the short trip for a more unique shot.
Where to eat
Right on the doorstep, Restaurante Petisqueira and Restaurante O Pescador are both within 0.2 km and ideal for fresh seafood after a swim. Bauru da Ilha, also 0.2 km away, covers Brazilian comfort food if you want something heartier. Toscana at 0.2 km and Doca's at 0.4 km round out a solid lineup so you'll never have to walk far for a meal.
Where to stay
Ingleses Praia Hotel, just 0.1 km from the sand, carries over 3,400 reviews at 4.4/5 — a reliable and well-tested base. Ingleses Park Hotel at 0.2 km scores 4.6/5 across nearly 2,500 reviews, making it one of the strongest-rated options in the area. Hotel & Pousada Favareto at 0.3 km offers a more intimate pousada feel with a 4.7/5 rating from nearly 2,000 guests.
Photography
Shoot from the southern end of the bay at golden hour for the longest perspective of white-to-golden sand curving into blue water with the north island backdrop. Early morning before the daytrippers arrive gives you clean, uncluttered frames — the calm water reflects the sky beautifully in flat light.
Good to know
Always swim between the flags — lifeguards position them to mark the safest zones, and the rule is enforced. Dogs are prohibited on the beach from December through March, so plan pet visits for the shoulder season. The beach becomes severely packed from December through February, and water quality can deteriorate after heavy rainfall during those months — check local advisories before entering the water. If you can, visit in November or March to enjoy the warm weather with far fewer visitors.
Map
Nearby places
Restaurante Petisqueira
Toscana
Bauru da Ilha
Restaurante O pescador
Doca's
Praia dos Ingleses
Ingleses Praia Hotel
Ingleses Park Hotel
Hotel & Pousada Favareto
Ingleses Palace Hotel
Praia do Santinho
Fortaleza de São José da Ponta Grossa
Praia de Canasvieiras
Things to see around Florianópolis
Praia do Santinho
Adjacent north beach with pre-Columbian petroglyphs on sandstone cliffs.
Fortaleza de São José da Ponta Grossa
18th-century Portuguese colonial fort on the northwest coast, open to visitors.
Praia de Canasvieiras
Another calm north-coast family beach popular with Argentine tourists.
Frequently asked
The information on this page is provided for guidance only and may evolve. Access conditions, safety and infrastructure can change without notice. Always check official sources before traveling.
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Photo credits
Sources and licenses for the photos shown above.
- Photo 1 — Matheus-Uberaba · source · CC BY-SA 3.0
- Photo 2 — atramos · source · CC BY 2.0
- Photo 3 — atramos · source · CC BY 2.0
- Photo 4 — No machine-readable author provided · source · CC BY-SA 3.0
- Photo 5 — atramos · source · CC BY 2.0