São Francisco do Sul: 3 days of things to do

São Francisco do Sul is a place rich in history, culture and natural beauty, represented by its famous beaches. However, the region deserves much more, for exactly these reasons.

So, to discover more about this incredible place, continue reading until the end of this article.

What is São Francisco do Sul

Firstly, São Francisco do Sul is a city located in the state of Santa Catarina, in the south of Brazil. Furthermore, it is the oldest city in Santa Catarina and also one of the oldest in the country, founded in 1504.

São Francisco do Sul is located on an island of the same name, separated from the mainland by the Linguado Channel and Babitonga Bay. 

Therefore, the city has a privileged location, with a natural bay that serves as a seaport and hosts important port activity.

The economy of São Francisco do Sul is driven mainly by port activity and tourism. The Port of São Francisco do Sul is one of the main ports in Brazil and handles various cargo, such as containers, grains and industrialized products.

Furthermore, the city has beautiful beaches and a preserved historic center, attracting tourists seeking leisure and culture.

In terms of culture, the city has a rich historical heritage, with colonial buildings, old churches and museums that tell the history of the region. 

Therefore, tourist attractions such as the National Sea Museum, the Municipal Public Market and the Igreja Matriz de Nossa Senhora da Graça stand out.

The city also holds traditional events throughout the year, such as the Festa do Divino Espírito Santo or the Festa do Marisco. 

São Francisco do Sul is a city with a peaceful and pleasant atmosphere, with natural beauty and a rich historical legacy, attracting both tourists and people interested in living in a place with quality of life.

How to get to São Francisco do Sul

To get to São Francisco do Sul you can rely on land and air routes, like the vast majority of Brazilian regions. Therefore, as examples for this, routes from Brasília and Campo Grande to São Francisco.

However, it is important to explain the air route to the city. São Francisco do Sul does not have its own airport and the closest one is in Joinville, around 52 km away.

This way, once you have arrived in Joinville by plane and your destination is the beautiful São Francisco, you can take a private car, public transport or even a transfer to follow the BR-101 and 280, for approximately 1 hour of travel. .

Starting from Brasilia, to the city following the air route, you will need to take a flight from Brasília International Airport – Presidente Juscelino Kubitschek (BSB), the flight is estimated to last just under 2 hours.

If you opt for the land route, however, your trip will be longer. There are more than 1,500 km of distance separating the two cities. The trip takes around 20 to 21 hours, not counting tolls, occasional detours or stops along the BR-050.

If you leave Large field, capital of Mato Grosso do Sul, you can catch a flight to the city at Campo Grande International Airport (CGR). However, you will need to make a connection, making your journey take around 4 hours.

If your option is to travel by land route, the best option is to take a car, public transport requires changing vehicles, and increases travel time, which is around 15 hours, to more than a full day of travel. . The route is BR-376.

What to do in São Francisco do Sul

If you're looking for ideas to put together your itinerary for your trip to São Francisco do Sul, you'll find three great tips on places to see and experience in the region around the city.

• Historic Center of São Francisco do Sul
• Beaches in São Francisco do Sul
• National Sea Museum

When exploring the city, it is also recommended to get to know the local culture through festivals and events that occur throughout the year, such as the Festa do Marisco, which celebrates the flavors of the sea, and the Carnival of São Francisco do Sul, with its parades and cultural events.

Furthermore, regardless of visitors' interests, São Francisco do Sul offers a range of options that will certainly delight you in your search for history, nature and authentic experiences.

Historic Center of São Francisco do Sul

The Historic Center of São Francisco do Sul is one of the city's main attractions. With more than 400 preserved colonial buildings, it is considered the oldest architectural complex in Brazil. 

Furthermore, the cobblestone streets, colorful mansions and centuries-old churches provide a charming atmosphere. Highlights include the Igreja Matriz de Nossa Senhora da Graça, built in the 18th century, and the São Francisco do Sul Historical Museum.

Walking through the Historic Center is like going back in time and exploring the city's cultural heritage.

Beaches in São Francisco do Sul

São Francisco do Sul offers beautiful beaches that attract tourists looking for rest and leisure. 

Praia da Enseada, one of the best known, has clear sand, calm waters and a beachfront with facilities to welcome visitors, including bars and restaurants. 

However, Praia do Forte, in turn, is famous for the Forte Marechal Luz, built in the 18th century and which offers a stunning panoramic view of the region. 

In addition, there is also Praia Grande, ideal for surfers due to its strong waves, and Praia da Saudade, with its calm waters and family atmosphere. Each beach has unique characteristics, providing options for all tastes.

National Sea Museum

The National Sea Museum is an unmissable attraction in São Francisco do Sul, especially for lovers of maritime culture. 

It houses a vast collection of traditional vessels, nautical utensils, historical objects and exhibits related to the sea.

Therefore, visitors can explore the permanent and temporary exhibitions, learn about artisanal fishing, the lives of fishermen and the maritime history of the region. 

In addition, the museum offers interactive and educational activities, providing an enriching experience. Unfortunately, the museum is temporarily closed, so check if there is availability to visit it when you visit the city.

Conclusion

In short, São Francisco do Sul is a full plate that combines history, culture and natural beauty. Your visit to the city will be full of good stories, beautiful landscapes and a walk through the region's past.