For many years in Brazil, the stunning beaches and tranquil waters of Florianopolis have been overlooked by the rest of the world for the more popular beaches of the country. It’s only just coming on the backpacker radarso now’s your just to jump on discovering its magic before it becomes a hotspot.
This small island off of mainland Brazil is so much more than just another cookie-cutter beach town. With over 40 beaches, you can go from surfing at Mole Beach to chilling in a hidden cove at Lagoinha do Leste in a single day. Lagoa da Conceição keeps the party going with bars, cheap eats, and that laid-back, anything-goes vibe. In short: it’s a bloody backpacker paradise.
The tourist boom which has swept Florianopolis has meant there’s no shortage of Florianopolis hostels. But with so much choice, you’re often left with an overwhelming choice to make.
Fret not, my ultimate guide to the best hostels in Florianopolis will have you booked up and chasing the next best wave in no time.
What are ya waiting for? Let’s dive in.
Photo: @monteiro.online
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Quick Answer: The Best Hostels in Florianopolis
- Best Overall Hostel in Florianopolis – Floripa Surf Hostel
- Best Hostel in Florianopolis for Solo Travellers – Pup Hostel SC
- Best Cheap Hostel in Florianopolis – Geckos Hostel
- Best Party Hostel in Florianopolis – Tucano House Summer Hostel
- Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Florianopolis – The Search House Beachfront Hostel
The 5 Best Hostels in Florianopolis
Here it is – the crème de la crème of Florianopolis’ hostels, neatly split into travel niches just for you. Picking a place has never been easier, so you can get out exploring the city ASAP.
1. Floripa Surf Hostel – Best Overall Hostel in Florianopolis
- Private Room: From $61
- Address: Servidão Ieda Maria Luz da Costa 190, Campeche, F, Florianopolis, Brazil
At Floripa Surf Hostel you will not only get one of the cheapest beds in town, but you will also be just minutes away from the beach! Regardless if you are looking to surf the waves or just lounge about on the beach, this backpackers hostel won’t have you running back and forth from the sea to your dorm room every day!
It’s not just the location that makes Floripa Surf one of the best Florianopolis hostels, but you will also have access to their very own BBQ pit, hammocks, and even hiking tours taking you all over the island!
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Incredibly kind staff
- Super homely vibe
- Central Location
Surfing the waves is one of the main activities in Floripa, but what about surfing the web? Luckily, this Brazilian hostel offers free and fast Wi-Fi to keep in contact with your loved ones, share your amazing adventure on Instagram, and maybe even get some work done.
To recharge properly stay at one of the hostel’s dorms. I’m not gonna lie, they’re quite basic, but offer the essentials: a locker that is big and secure enough for all of your stuff, a comfy bed, and aircon – perfect for those hot and humid summer days.
Since this hostel is relatively small, you can enjoy a really unique vibe here. Everyone knows and looks after each other, so it really feels like you’re part of a big family. If you’re travelling solo and you’ve just arrived, join one of the hostel’s outdoor activities and you’ll make other friends backpacking Brazil in no time!
2. Pup Hostel SC – Best Hostel in Florianopolis for Solo Travellers
- Dorm (mixed): From $15
- Private Room: From $35
- Address: Rua Joaquim Costa, 59, Agronômica, Florianopolis, Brazil
Can’t quite decide if you want to be closer to the tranquil turquoise waves by the beach or at the heart of the party in downtown Florianopolis? Pup Hostel puts you right smack in between the city centre of Floripa and the gorgeous golden beaches!
With a rooftop terrace offering stunning views of both the city and the coastline, you’ll be getting the best of both worlds! After a night of partying, be sure to grab the free breakfast before heading out to the beaches to nurse that hangover if yours
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Ocean views
- Central location
- Within walking distance of public transport
If you’re visiting Floripa mainly for the beaches and surfing, another hostel might be best for you. It’s got a very central location with a beach nearby, but to reach the other ones, you’ll have to hop on a couple of buses. However, if your goal is to visit ALL of the island, this is a great base for exploring as pretty much all attractions and hidden gems are the same distance away.
All rooms, dorms and private rooms are equipped with small lockers for valuables and massive closets that are also lockable. During the hot summer months, you’ll especially appreciate the aircon in each room. The private rooms are actually pretty affordable so if you’re feeling like a bit of alone time, it’s a great deal!
Now, since this hotel is roughly 20 minutes from downtown, you can enjoy a super peaceful sleep at night. The common area offers plenty of entertainment options too, such as guitars, a massive TV, books to read and a couple of board games. It’s the perfect place to meet new people and make new friends.
3. Geckos Hostel – Best Cheap Hostel in Florianopolis
- Dorm (mixed): From $15
- Address: Rua Rita Lourenço da Silveira, n325, 88062060, Lagoa da Conceição., Florianopolis, Brazil
For $10-15 a night, Geckos Hostel is pretty hard to beat if you’re trying to keep your living costs in Brazil down. It’s got those laid-back beach vibes on lock, and what really sets it apart is the staff and the friendly, welcoming atmosphere they create. The owner, an Italian legend, will make you feel right at home – and when that BBQ fires up, he cooks up a feast. The rest of the crew and volunteers are just as amazing, always up for a chat and ready with great tips for things to do or spontaneous fun.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Super Social
- Good Communal Spaces
- Spacious Dorms
In terms of facilities, Geckos nails it. There’s a pool (complete with floats) for ultimate chill mode, and the kitchen, bathrooms, and communal spaces are all clean and spacious.
The location is solid, in a safe neighbourhood with good access to beaches and hiking spots. Plenty of activities to keep you busy every day. While it’s not right on the beach, it’s easy enough to get there with Uber. Plus, with its homey feel and great access to restaurants and bars, Geckos Hostel is hands-down the best bang for your buck in the area.
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View on Osprey View on REI4. Tucano House Summer Hostel – Best Party Hostel in Florianopolis
- Dorm (mixed): From $15
- Address: Rua das Araras,229, Lagoa da Conceicao, Florianopolis, Brazil
If you’re after a hostel with an unreal atmosphere, friendly staff, and loads to dive into, Tucano House Summer Hostel should be at the top of your list. It’s one of those places where you can’t help but meet awesome people and make lasting friendships.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Family Dinner
- Friendly Staff
- Cosy Dorms
Smack in the heart of Lagoa da Conceição, one of the most buzzing spots in Florianopolis and Santa Catarina, this area is packed with the best nightclubs, bars, restaurants, and shops. Plus, you’re just a quick 10-minute drive (or a chill 40-minute walk) from the iconic Mole Beach and Joaquina Beach, where you can soak up that Brazilian sun and get lost in the stunning scenery.
Tucano House is perfect for social travellers backpacking South America – the group dinners are a must! The whole vibe is super friendly, thanks to the welcoming staff and the affordable, family-style meals they serve up every night. The rooms are basic but clean and well looked after, with plenty of spots to either kick back or get social. Honestly, the vibes here are just next level.
5. The Search House Beachfront Hostel – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Florianopolis
- Dorm (mixed): From $31
- Address: Rua Professor Ademir Francisco, 201, Barra da Lagoa, Florianópolis, Florianopolis, Brazil
Needing a place to plug into the Wi-Fi for a few days and catch up on some work? The Search House Beachfront Hostel is one of the best digital nomad hostels to chill out and edit that new video or blog post while travelling through Florianopolis! With its very own pool, spacious common area, garden, and terrace, you will find tons of room to relax and spread out in!
Looking to take a day off from working and enjoy a little bit of Florianopolis? The Search House Beachfront Hostel will have you right at the beach, with its private access and being within walking distance to the central hub of Lagoa Da Conceição, where you have a wide selection of restaurants, bars and clubs. If you fancy a change of scenery, Mole Beach is just a short drive away too.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Central location
- Skate ramp
- Outdoor bar and sound system
Live concerts, a skate ramp, direct beach access, an outdoor bar, discounts and direct shuttle transfer to the best nightclubs in the area are all part of the deal here. The rooms are exceptionally clean, the beds are comfortable, the location is super secure and safe, and the overall vibe couldn’t be better at this place.
Use the early morning to sit on the terrace with your computer and get your work done, so you can enjoy the rest of the day with the other travellers or by yourself exploring the beach and the area. One thing you do have to make sure of though is to book well in advance. The Search House Beachfront Hostel is booked out most of the time—hot stuff, I tell ya.
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Hide Yo’ Money!More Epic Florianopolis Hostels
Haven’t found the right hostel for you yet? Don’t worry, there are plenty more options waiting for you. To make the search a bit easier, I’ve listed more epic hostels in Florianopolis below.
Katsbarnea Hostel
- Dorm (mixed): From $22 (2-night stay)
- Private Room: From $76 (2-night stay)
- Address: 261 Rua dos Tubarões, Ingleses, Florianópolis, CEP 88058-690, Brazil
Katsbarnea Hostel is an absolute gem—spotless, stylish, and perfectly placed near Ingleses Beach and the town centre. The WiFi actually works, the breakfast hits the spot, and there are plenty of comfy corners to kick back in. If you’re looking for a quiet escape from the chaos of the world, this is the place to recharge.
Just 300m from the beach, with a market down the road and the commercial centre about a kilometre away, it’s got convenience covered. The common areas deserve a shoutout—big patios with Paraguayan hammocks for ultimate lazing, a TV lounge for full-on binge sessions, and plenty of space to work or just hang out. Keep your budget in check with the massive kitchen, and if you’re feeling ambitious, there’s even an on-site gym. Whether you’re here to rest, work, catch those famous Floripa waves, or just soak up the good vibes, Katsbarnea Hostel has you sorted.
Innbox – Centro
- Dorm (mixed): From $17
- Private Room: From $50
- Address: Rua Saldanha Marinho, 53, Florianopolis, Brazil
The Innbox Hotel and Hostel located in downtown Florianopolis is the second of the Innbox change. Both of these hostels could be named some of the best Florianopolis hostels, but Innbox Hostel-Centro is truly something special. Located in the centre of downtown, Innbox attracts both an international and local Brazilian crowd to its bar and lounge.
The bar is just the tip of the iceberg, at Innbox, you will also have a Mexican restaurant onsite as well as views which overlook the stunning city of Florianopolis. They offer a variety of mixed dorms and female-only for solo female travellers looking for that extra peace of mind. Regardless if you are looking to drink each night away or just kick back and relax with other travellers, there’s a little bit of something for everyone here!
Floripa Hostel Barra da Lagoa
- Dorm (Male/Female): From $25
- Private Room: From $65
- Address: Rua Inelzyr Bauer Betoli, s/n, Barra da Lagoa, Florianópolis, CEP 88061-280, Brazil
With Hosteling International, you know well before you arrive in Florianopolis you are going to have the kind of stay that will truly make your trip! With its very own terrace, lounges, and pool table topping the list of things to do at Floripa Hostel, you are sure to never be bored!
More importantly, this place will have you just minutes away from the beach, meaning you will be scarfing down that free breakfast and hitting the waves in no time at all!
Vintage Hostel Florianopolis
Needing to take a break from the overbearing hostel atmosphere and the pressure to be social? Vintage Hostel is one of those places where you can lock yourself up in your budget private room to decompress and emerge refreshed and ready to go! With vibes which make the place feel more like a home than a hostel, Vintage Hostel is by far one of the most down-to-earth places to stay in Florianopolis!
It’s not just the decor and general friendliness which makes Vintage Hostel beat the rest, but you will also be pampered with a shared kitchen, a bar, and even free yoga lessons! Plus, the hostel is located right next to one of the best beaches in Brazil…it’s that unreal.
Caapua Hostel
Swimming pool? Check. Bar? Check. Oceanview? Check. Caapua Hostel already probably has you clicking that “book” button with its stunning coastal views alone, but this backpackers hostel will never cease to amaze you! With laid-back vibes and a home-like atmosphere, Caapua Hostel will have you extending your stay night after night!
End every day relaxing on the hostel’s outdoor terrace, beer in hand, barbeque over the fire, and a breathtaking sunset over the sea!
Getting Insured BEFORE Visiting Florianopolis
Unfortunately, things can go wrong when you least expect it. This is why good travel insurance is essential before you head on your trip to Florianopolis.
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
FAQs About Hostels in Florianopolis
Finding the right hostel for your travels sounds easy, but it’s the complete opposite most of the time. I’ve listed some of the questions I get asked most about Florianopolis hostels to help ya out.
What to Pack for your Florianopolis Hostel
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out my definitive Hostel Packing list for even more top hostel packing tips!
How much does a hostel cost in Florianopolis?
The average price of a dorm in Florianopolis can start for as low as $8-12 USD per night. Private rooms vary from different types but can start at $16-22 USD per night.
What is the best place to stay in Florianopolis?
Lagoa da Conceição is the backpacker hub, with buzzing bars, cheap eats, and easy access to the island’s best beaches. If you want to wake up to waves, stay near Mole Beach or Campeche for surf, sunsets, and that classic Floripa vibe.
What are the best Florianopolis hostels for couples?
Pup Hostel SC is a dream for couples trying to strike the balance between privacy and a social buzz. It has clean private rooms and is located between the city centre of Floripa and the gorgeous golden beaches!
Final Thoughts on Florianopolis’ Hostels
So, there you have it—Florianópolis in all its beach-hopping, party-loving, surf-shredding glory. Whether you’re here to ride the waves, sink beers by the lagoon, or just embrace that sweet, sweet island life, you’re in the right place.
Florianopolis’ Hostels are the perfect hub to meet other travellers, sink some beers and generally just chill TF out. If you’re still unsure on which hostel you see yourself, I’ll make your life easy for you. Book in at Pup Hostel SC—the social vibes are off the charts. Few places immediately feel like home at check-in, and this is one of em.
Now, all that’s left to do is book your stay, pack light, and let the Floripa magic do the rest. Just don’t be surprised if your “few days” somehow turn into a few weeks. It happens to the best of us.
Photo: @monteiro.online
- Check out our extensive guide to backpacking in Brazil for a wealth of info!
- Check out the best places to stay in Florianopolis before you arrive.
- Prepare for your trip with our backpacking packing list.
- Get ready for your next destination with our ultimate South America backpacking guide.
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