Praia do Rosa is a crescent-shaped beach located in the state of Santa Catarina, southern Brazil, about 90 km south of Florianópolis. It’s part of the municipality of Imbituba and is well-known among surfers and nature enthusiasts for its consistent waves and proximity to protected ecological areas like the Serra do Tabuleiro State Park. One lesser-known fact is that between July and November, the bay becomes a seasonal refuge for migrating southern right whales, which can often be spotted close to shore. Despite its growing popularity, the area still retains a village-like feel, with unpaved roads and small pousadas rather than large resorts. If you’re interested in wildlife, surfing, or simply walking a coastline that hasn’t been completely commercialized, Praia do Rosa offers a rare mix of scenic beauty and ecological significance.
Praia do Rosa also makes an excellent base for digital nomads. A quieter alternative to Brazil’s busier coastal hubs, it’s home to a growing community of remote workers drawn by the blend of natural beauty and decent connectivity. While some parts still offer only basic infrastructure, a number of cafés and guesthouses now cater specifically to remote professionals, with reliable Wi-Fi and work-friendly spaces. The local rhythm—slow mornings, ocean breaks, and early nights—can actually help maintain a healthier work-life balance. If you’re looking to plug in somewhere that feels far from the chaos but still supports your digital workflow, set up shop in Praia do Rosa and see how it feels.
We did just that during our 2025 overwintering in Brazil, spending three weeks of our three-month visa in Praia do Rosa. It quickly became our favorite spot in the country, by far. In this post, I’ll share my impressions and a few snapshots from our stay, along with general tips and useful info for anyone planning a visit, whether for the long haul or just a quick escape.
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How to Get to Praia do Rosa
Praia do Rosa isn’t the easiest place to reach—but that’s part of its charm. Tucked into the southern coast of Santa Catarina, it sits 87 km south of Florianópolis and 20 km north of Imbituba. There’s no airport or major bus terminal in the village itself, so getting there usually requires a bit of piecing things together.
From Florianópolis:
- By car: Renting a car is the most convenient option. The drive takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic. Just follow BR-101 south, then turn off at the Garopaba or Ibiraquera exit (depending on your route).
- By minivan/shuttle: There are private shuttle services that run direct routes between Florianópolis and Praia do Rosa. They’re comfortable and fast—but not cheap. Expect to pay around $22 USD per person. These can often be booked online or through local travel agencies.
- By bus: There’s no direct public bus to Praia do Rosa. The closest you can get is Garopaba, a town about 15 km north. Tickets from the Floripa bus terminal (Rodoviária) cost around $7 USD. You can book online here. From Garopaba, you can try catching a local bus (though schedules are patchy and hard to find online), or take a taxi to Praia do Rosa for roughly $10.
- By BlaBlaCar: This is the option we went with. While no one was headed to Praia do Rosa directly, we found a ride going to Imbituba, told the driver we’d hop off along the way, and paid about $5 USD. It worked out just fine. An Uber cost $3-4 from the motorway to the village.
Where to Stay in Praia do Rosa
One of the first things you’ll notice when looking for accommodation in Praia do Rosa is the sheer variety—and the geography. Options range from modest guesthouses to stylish villas and eco-lodges, but they’re spread out across a surprisingly large area. Most places are located somewhere around the “centrinho da Praia do Rosa”, the small village center that sits about 2 km uphill from the main beach. That’s also where you’ll find the bulk of the restaurants, bars, surf shops, and mini markets.
Because the terrain is hilly and distances can be deceiving, it’s worth checking how far your accommodation is from both the beach and the centrinho before booking, especially if you’re planning to get around on foot.
Our Stay: Lugar ao Sol
We stayed at Lugar ao Sol and absolutely loved it. Set about 1.5 km from the village center, it strikes an ideal balance for digital nomads or anyone seeking a quieter experience. The flats are spacious, clean, and thoughtfully designed, with fully equipped kitchens, reliable Wi-Fi, and proper workspaces (not just a wobbly table in the corner). The view from the balcony, the silence at night, and the occasional hummingbird visitor made it a place we genuinely didn’t want to leave.
Being a little removed from the main hub means it’s also noticeably more affordable than many of the more centrally located stays, without sacrificing comfort or quality. If you’re planning to spend a few weeks working remotely or just want a peaceful home base, Lugar ao Sol is a solid pick.
Other Options Worth Considering
If you’re looking for something more central:
- Shangri-lá Casas e Studios – Located right in the village center, this place puts you steps away from cafes, nightlife, and all the action. It has a cozy, laid-back vibe with nice garden spaces and is great for travelers who don’t want to deal with steep uphill walks after dinner.
Want to stay right on the beach?
- Fazenda Verde – This is one of the few accommodations that offer beachfront access, nestled right on Rosa Norte. It’s a bit of a splurge, but you’re literally a few sandy steps away from the waves. A great option if you’re visiting for surfing, relaxation, or romantic sunsets with zero commute.
Traveling as a group or looking for a bit more independence?
- Linda Casa Vista Mar e Montanha – We stumbled across this house listing while researching our stay, and it looked fantastic. Perched with both ocean and mountain views, it’s ideal for families or friend groups who want a self-contained setup with privacy and space.
Stay22 is a handy tool that lets you search for and compare stays and experiences across multiple platforms on the same neat, interactive map. Hover over the listings to see the details. Click on the top-right settings icon to adjust your preferences; switch between hotels, experiences, or restaurants; and activate clever map overlays displaying information like transit lines or concentrations of sights. Click on the Show List button for the listings to appear in a list format. Booking via this map, I will be earning a small cut of the platform's profit without you being charged any extra penny. You will be thus greatly helping me to maintain and keep enriching this website. Thanks!
Getting around
As I already hinted earlier, getting around Praia do Rosa isn’t exactly a walk in the park—unless you really enjoy long uphill walks in the heat. Distances can be deceptively large between key points: the village center, the main beach, nearby beaches like Rosa Norte or Luz, and many of the area’s accommodations and attractions. Add in hilly terrain and frequent high temperatures, and suddenly that charming 1.5 km walk turns into a sweaty uphill slog.
We quickly realized that having a vehicle is pretty much essential, especially if you’re staying outside the central area or planning to explore the surroundings. Unfortunately, Uber isn’t a reliable solution here—not only are cars scarce, but prices are significantly higher than elsewhere in Brazil. Short rides that would cost a couple of dollars in Florianópolis can easily run you $7–10 here.
If you’re planning to rent a car, do it in Florianópolis before heading south. There are no major rental agencies in Praia do Rosa, and once you’re here, your options are very limited.
That said, we decided to keep it low-tech and go for bicycles instead. Why not get a bit of exercise while you’re at it? We rented ours from Roque, a friendly Patagonian guy who also runs a small laundry shop in the village center. The bikes were simple but did the job, and navigating the area on two wheels gave us more freedom than walking without the costs of a car. If you want to get in touch with him, here’s his number: +55 48 99225-3022 (WhatsApp-friendly, of course).
Scooter rental is technically an option, but unless you’re made of cash and partial to riding what looks like a toy moped, it’s probably not worth it. Prices were surprisingly steep, and the scooters available weren’t exactly built for the area’s slopes and patchy roads.
One more tip: don’t trust your map too much. Praia do Rosa has seen a boom in new construction over the past few years, with properties springing up in every direction—sometimes right across what used to be public paths or shortcuts. Where your map shows a road, you might now find a big, fat, tall fence, private gate, or a dead end into someone’s backyard. In our experience, Google Maps was more up-to-date than Maps.me, but both are still missing lots of newly built or blocked-off areas. When in doubt, ask a local before committing to a route—it can save you a frustrating detour (or a sweaty uphill backtrack).
The Beaches
When it comes to beaches, Praia do Rosa and its neighboring coves offer a little something for everyone: surf spots, secluded hideaways, scenic hikes, and quiet corners perfect for doing absolutely nothing.
Praia do Rosa (Main Beach)
The main beach, Praia do Rosa, stretches a little over a kilometer in length and is generously wide, so even on busy days, there’s plenty of space to spread out. The south end is where most of the action happens: it’s where the waves break, drawing surfers throughout the year, and where you’ll find a concentration of accommodations, restaurants, and beach bars that rent out parasols and sling caipirinhas.
The north end, often referred to as Rosa Norte, feels wilder and more untouched. Fewer people, fewer businesses—just open sand and waves. The sea along the whole beach is generally good for swimming, with a sandy, shallow entry that makes it safe and inviting. Just be warned: the water is cold. No matter the season, you’re diving into a refreshingly bracing Atlantic.
Praia do Luz
To the south of Praia do Rosa lies Praia do Luz, connected by a short, scenic walk. It’s dramatic and raw, with powder-fine sand that whips into your skin when the wind picks up. The sea here is rough and unswimmable, but we spotted a few kite surfers making the most of the wind. The beach feels desolate in a cinematic way: barely a couple of houses in sight, and just a few container-style food stalls at the northern end (only one was open when we visited on a Saturday afternoon). Offshore, a small green island adds to the wild, open feel.
Praia Vermelha
To the north of Praia do Rosa, you’ll find Praia Vermelha, a beach that rewards a little effort. It’s accessible only on foot, via a scenic hiking trail that winds through Atlantic forest and over dramatic rocky outcrops. The views along the way are easily among the most beautiful in the region. The beach itself is quiet, intimate, and undeveloped—a perfect place to read, nap, or disappear for a while. There are no parasol rentals or food stalls, but there’s usually plenty of natural shade under the trees lining the sand.
Praia do Ouvidor
Continue hiking north from Praia Vermelha and you’ll reach Praia do Ouvidor, which is also accessible by a small road if you’re coming by car or bike. It’s larger than Vermelha but still relatively quiet, especially outside of weekends. The beach is home to a single surfing school, but otherwise remains low-key and underdeveloped. Another great spot if you’re looking to escape the crowds without straying too far.
The Village
Praia do Rosa’s village—the “centrinho”—is compact but buzzing, especially on weekends when the bars fill up and live music spills into the streets. Despite its small size, the place has a surprisingly lively energy, blending laid-back beach-town rhythms with just enough nightlight to keep things interesting after dark.
The culinary scene is broad and eclectic, with something for pretty much every palate. You’ll find the usual beach-town burgers and seafood, but also wood-fired pizzas, vegan bowls, Argentine parrilla, and even a few attempts at Asian fare. For big portions at affordable prices, check out this buffet place a short way out of the center.
The village as a whole leans into a kind of Southeast Asia-meets-hippie-trail aesthetic—Buddha statues, incense, oriental décor, and woven lanterns pop up in shops, cafés, and guesthouses alike. The vibe is relaxed, a little mystical, with a distinct whiff of weed in the air.
The village is also home to a string of summer-clothes boutiques, handicraft shops, and surf stores. Most of it leans toward the boho-chic side of things—flowy dresses, handmade jewelry, and all the tie-dye you can carry. Prices are a mix: some finds are fair, others clearly aimed at São Paulo weekenders with thicker wallets.
Photos
View (and feel free to use) all my photographs from Praia do Rosa in higher resolution.
