After a delightful week in Florianópolis, it was time to continue our southward journey through Brazil. Our next destination: the scenic and laid-back beach village of Praia do Rosa, located 87 km down the coast of Santa Catarina. Now, we just had to figure out how to get there.
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We spotted a few high-end minivan services offering direct routes between Florianópolis and Praia do Rosa, but at $22 per person, they felt a bit steep. The closest we could get by standard bus was the town of Garopaba, about 15 km north of Praia do Rosa. Tickets for that route were available here for $7. From Garopaba, it seemed possible to catch a local bus to Praia do Rosa for a dollar or two, but reliable information about schedules and departure points was scarce online. Alternatively, a taxi would cost around $10. In the end, we went with the BlaBlaCar ride-sharing platform that is particularly popular in Brazil.
Again, no one headed directly to Praia do Rosa on the day of our trip. Plenty of drivers, however, were bound for Imbituba or points further down the coast. We ended up requesting a ride to Imbituba, letting the driver know ahead of time that we’d hop off at the closest point to Praia do Rosa along the way. The fare was around $5, and we left from Floripa’s bus terminal at noon.
As it turned out, the driver had never even heard of Praia do Rosa—surprising, considering he was a local from Florianópolis and the beach draws tourists from all over Brazil and beyond. I had to follow the GPS myself and let him know when to stop. Just over an hour later, we got off on the side of the highway, about 6 km from the village center and 4 km from our accommodation. Technically, we could’ve walked it, but it was the peak of the afternoon heat, and we were hauling all our stuff. After passing the remaining time before check-in with coffee at the petrol station on the spot, we called an Uber and made it to the place we’d call home for the next three weeks.
By the way, Lugar ao Sol turned out to be a total gem. Tucked away on a quiet hill just a short drive from the beach and the village center, the place strikes the perfect balance between comfort and charm. Our flat was spacious, airy, well-lit, spotless, and tastefully decorated, with a small kitchen that actually made us want to cook. But what really sets it apart is the view—lush green hills, birdsong in the morning, and just enough ocean peeking through the trees to remind you you’re near the coast. The hosts were warm, responsive, and clearly cared about every detail, from the hammocks on the balconies to the well-kept garden. Whether you’re working remotely or just unplugging for a while, it’s the kind of stay that makes you feel like you’re living the good life, without the splurge.
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