After the Maratona Internacional de Blumenau: Florianópolis

The Route: Blumenau → Florianópolis → Florianópolis Airport (FLN) Logistics: Hire car, taxi or private transfer. About 153 km by road between the two city centres. Marathon Month: July Duration: 3 nights

Blumenau ──(about 153 km, roughly 1 hr 45 min by car)──> Florianópolis (3 nights) ──(short transfer)──> Florianópolis Airport (FLN)

Florianópolis is the capital of Santa Catarina and sits mostly on an island. Most visitors come for the beaches in summer. In July the sea is not for swimming and the island is quieter, which suits a body that has just run 42 km. The old centre, a public market and a few colonial villages make a gentle three-night plan.

July in Florianópolis: a 1991 to 2020 climate average gives a mean daily high of 21.1°C and a mean low of 12.9°C for July. Rain and wind are possible. Beach season runs from November to March, so do not plan for sunbathing. Pack warm layers and a waterproof.

Getting There

The road distance between the two city centres is about 153 km, and a drive takes roughly 1 hour 42 minutes in free-flowing traffic, nearer 1 hour 54 minutes in normal conditions and over 2 hours in heavy traffic. The route is entirely within Santa Catarina and passes near Gaspar, Itajaí, Itapema and Tijucas. No direct coach timetable or transfer was verified for this plan, so check with the bus terminal or arrange a private driver, and agree your luggage handling before you go. A hire car makes the island easier to use, but keep the driving short after the race.

Travel on the Monday, with a seat that lets you stretch your legs, and stop once on the way.

Night One: The Old Centre

Stay in or near the historic centre, which has colonial-era buildings, alleys, churches and museums. The Mercado Público has operated since 1898, has food stalls and local crafts, and sits in the shade of old fig trees. It is a good first stop because you can eat, sit and watch without walking far. The Palácio Cruz e Sousa, the former governor's residence, now houses the Santa Catarina Museum. Check its opening days and hours before you go.

The Hercílio Luz bridge, built in 1926, is a symbol of the island. Look at it from a level spot, and check whether any walkway is open before planning to cross on foot.

Night Two: A Quiet Village

On the second day, choose one village and stay there. Santo Antônio de Lisboa is a small settlement known for colonial-period architecture. Ribeirão da Ilha is the oldest part of the city, where residents speak with an accent closer to the Azorean dialect of the first settlers. The Church of Our Lady of Lapa do Ribeirão dates from 1806. Around 6,000 settlers arrived from the Azores and Madeira between 1747 and 1756, and their influence shows in the dialect, crafts and festivals.

Both villages suit a slow lunch, particularly if you like seafood. Choose a restaurant on level ground near the water and check the hours, since small places often close one day a week in winter.

Night Three: One Short Outing

Lagoa da Conceição, the island's largest lagoon, is the best-known area for recreation. Keep the third day light. A gentle walk beside the water is enough. Leave the dunes, the hill trails and any boat trip that involves steep steps for another visit.

Getting Home