This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in Garopaba.
Originally a small fishing village situated on the southern coast of the Brazilian state of Santa Catarina, Garopaba remained relatively undiscovered by foreign tourists until the 1970s. Today, the city has grown and modernized to become a popular travel destination – but still maintains many of the old characteristics of a traditional coastal town.
Garopaba’s location and beautiful surroundings have made this city ideal for a growing eco-tourism industry, and the moderate climate here is perfect for enjoying outdoor activities – hot in the summer, and still pleasant and mild in the winter. A major draw for visitors here are the eight spectacular beaches, all featuring their own unique attractions.
Some of Garopaba’s beaches are urbanized, with restaurants and bars and small shops. Others are still wild, without added infrastructure invading the natural beauty of the area. Visitors can practice fishing, sandboarding, swimming, surfing, sailing, and even just sunbathing or exploring the pristine sand dunes.
There is a wide range of options for accommodations in Garopaba, including hostels, bed and breakfasts, beach resorts, and holiday rentals. The hostels and hotels here are quite busy year round, but especially in the summer as Brazilian families come for a quick getaway to enjoy some sun and sand. Surfers also come from around the world to take advantage of Garopaba’s varied beaches, so a hostel stay here will likely give guests a chance to learn more about the sport.
The nearest airport to Garopaba is in Florianopolis, and buses or taxis are available from there. Tourists can also rent a car and drive themselves to their local hostel or hotel – there are plenty of signposts to direct you to Garopaba from the airport. Some of the beaches are a fair distance from the town, so a car is a good investment for tourists who plan to explore up and down the coastline.
Written by local enthusiast for Garopaba hostels
Jakob Lombardi
