For many years in Brazil, the stunning beaches and tranquil waters of Florianopolis (also known as Floripa) have been overlooked by the rest of the world for the more popular beaches of the country. It wasn’t until just recently that the soft sands and rich culture has been unveiled to the world!
This small island off of mainland Brazil is so much more than just another cookie-cutter beach town. Culture runs deep in Florianopolis, this means that just because you aren’t on the beach doesn’t mean you can’t experience all the local flavor!
Travelers are arriving in Florianopolis in droves, all seeking those beautiful coastal views and chill vibes of Brazilian island living. Despite the tourist boom which has swept Florianopolis, there is still a lack of proper backpacker hostels.
Get back to planning on what beaches to hit first and leave the rest to us! We brought all the best hostels in Florianopolis to one place with our one-stop guide!
Have your cameras ready and get ready to dive headfirst into our list of the best hostels in Florianopolis!
- Quick answer: The Best Hostels in Florianopolis
- What to Expect from the Best Hostels in Florianopolis
- Top 5 Hostels in Florianopolis
- More Best Hostels in Florianopolis
- What to Pack for your Florianopolis Hostel
- FAQ’s on the Best Hostels in Florianopolis
- Final Thoughts on the Best Hostels in Florianopolis
- Buy Us a Coffee!
Quick answer: The Best Hostels in Florianopolis
- Best Overall Hostel in Florianopolis – Floripa Surf Hostel
- Best Hostel for Solo Travellers in Florianopolis – Pup Hostel SC
- Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Florianopolis – The Search House Beachfront Hostel
- Best Party Hostel in Florianopolis – Tucano House Summer Hostel
- Best Cheap Hostel in Florianopolis – Geckos Hostel
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What to Expect from the Best Hostels in Florianopolis
First of all, let’s talk about why you should be staying at a hostel in the first place.
Of course, there’s the super affordable price. Florianopolis hostels are the cheapest form of accommodation on the island, so if you’re a budget backpacker, that should work out perfectly. However, this is not the main perk. Hostels in general offer an incredible and unique social vibe. You get the chance to meet like-minded travellers, make new friends and exchange cool travel stories. No other accommodation can offer you the same.
Since Florianopolis is known for its stunning beaches you’ll be able to find quite a few surf hostels along the coast. These normally offer surf rentals, surfing lessons or at least a spot to store your board. Just like everywhere else in the world, you can mainly choose between staying in a dorm or a private room. While dorms are great for socializing and meeting new people, private rooms also have their charm thanks to, well, privacy!
When it comes to pricing, you’ll be happy to hear that the hostels in Florianopolis are very affordable (dorms and private rooms alike). Of course, you’ll find one or the other that jumps out of line, but overall, it’s a broke backpackers paradise. We’ve listed some of the average prices below for the different room types:
- Dorms (Mixed and female only): $8-12 USD/night
- Private rooms: $16-22 USD/night
You should note that these prices also depend on whether you’re visiting during on or off season.
When looking for a hostel, you’ll find most hostels on HOSTELWORLD. There you can check out photos, detailed information about the place and even reviews from previous guests. Just like other booking platforms, each hostel will have a rating, so you can easily pick out the hidden gems!
There’s not really a specific region for where to find the most hostels. You can find accommodation pretty much everywhere on the island, but along the famous beaches seem to be quite a few of them. However, these are our favorite neighborhoods to stay at when visiting Florianopolis:
- Lagoa da Conceição – perfect for budget travellers and first time visitors
- Canasvieiras – ideal for crazy nightlife with epic bars and clubs
- Centro – a great base to explore all of the island
Keep in mind that it’s always smart to figure out where to stay in Florianopolis first, instead of just rocking up and being clueless about what to do and where to go.
Top 5 Hostels in Florianopolis
If you’re backpacking your way through Brazil and find yourself in Florianopolis, check out the amazing hostels below. Each of them offers a safe space with comfy beds – perfect to recharge and start your next adventure!
Want to save money on accommodation?
We got you. For reals.
1. Floripa Surf Hostel – Best Overall Hostel in Florianopolis
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 hostels in Florianopolis, 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
- Free Wifi
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 Wifi to keep in contact with your loved ones, share your amazing adventure on Instagram and maybe even get some work done.
Too recharge properly stay at one of the hostel’s dorms. We’re 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 an 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 friends in no time!
If you’re looking for a laid-back, chill beach hostel, Floripa Surf is the ideal place for you. If you enjoy a bit of luxury and bling, you might not be fully satisfied though.
2. Pup Hostel SC – Best Hostel for Solo Travelers in Florianopolis
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 center of Floripa and the gorgeous golden beaches!
With a rooftop terrace offering stunning views of both the city and the coastline, you will be truly 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 get rid of that nasty hangover!
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Ocean views
- Central location
- Close to public transport
Alright, let’s get the not so nice stuff out of the way. If you’re visiting Floripa mainly for the beaches and surfing, you won’t be happy at this hostel. The location is very central with one 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 cool 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 20min 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. The Search House Beachfront Hostel – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Florianopolis
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 places to chill out and edit that new video or blog post while traveling 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 close to the central hub of Lagoa Da Conceição, where you have a wide selection of restaurants, bars and clubs.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Honestly… there are too many reasons
- Skate ramp
- Outdoor bar and sound system
Alright, now to the details. If we’re being honest, you’re probably better off reading through the description on Hostelworld yourself since there is just SO MUCH to mention. But we’ll try to keep it short.
Live concerts, a skate ramp, direct beach access, an outdoor bar, discounts and direct shuttle transfer to the best nightclubs in the area… You see what we mean. This hostel, or should we say massive villa that got turned into a hostel, is so glamorous and special that previous guests rated it as the best hostel they’ve ever stayed at.
The rooms are exceptionally clean, beds are comfortable, the location is super secure and safe, and the overall vibe couldn’t be better at this place. One thing you do have to make sure of though is to book well in advance. The Search House Beachfront Hostel is known for its incredible value and booked out most of the time.
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. Think about booking a few extra days, because once you’re there you might not want to leave.
4. Tucano House Summer Hostel – Best Party Hostel in Florianopolis
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, 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 beaches Praia Mole and Joaquina, where you can soak up that Brazilian sun and get lost in the stunning scenery.
Tucano House is perfect for social travellers – 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. Geckos Hostel – Best Cheap Hostel in Florianopolis
For $10-15 a night, Geckos Hostel is pretty hard to beat. 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 neighborhood 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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Hide Yo’ Money!More Best Hostels in Florianopolis
Stay in the middle of the action (or in an off the beaten path location) by knowing exactly where to stay in Florianopolis. Trust us, there are many awesome neighborhoods in the city that you don’t want to miss out on!
Innbox Hotel and Hostel – Centro
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 places to stay in Florianopolis, but Innbox Hostel – Centro is truly something special. Located in the center 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. Regardless if you are looking to drink each night away or just kick back and relax with other travelers, Innbox is the hostel for you!
HI Floripa Barra da Lagoa
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 HI Floripa, you are sure to never go bored!
More importantly, this backpackers hostel 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!
Patamar Hostel – Best Hostel for Couples in Florianopolis
Let’s get all you love birds out there into a backpackers hostel which is sure to have you taking long walks on the beach and enjoying candlelit dinners. Patamar doesn’t just have you near the beach, you are literally ON the beach.
It doesn’t matter if you choose to cozy up into a single room or go the cheap route and bunk up in the dorm room, each morning you will wake up to a sea breeze and the sunrise! With a large terrace overlooking both the beach and the sea, a BBQ pit, and even a bar, Patamar Hostel is THE place to go if you are wanting to spice up your holiday!
Vintage Hostel Florianopolis – Best Hostel with a Private Room in 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 makes 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 Florianopolis!
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!
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!
FAQ’s on the Best Hostels in Florianopolis
Finding the right hostel for your travels sounds easy, but it’s the complete opposite most of the times. We’ve listed some of the frequently asked questions on hostels in Florianopolis and did our best to answer them below.
How much does a hostel cost in Florianopolis?
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 are the best hostels in Florianopolis for couples?
Check out the ideal hostels for couples in Florianopolis, Pup Hostel SC. It has clean private rooms and is located between the city center of Floripa and the gorgeous golden beaches!
What are the best hostels in Florianopolis near the airport?
Graffi Beach Hostel is 11 minutes by car from Florianopolis International Airport. It’s just a few steps from Praia Campeche.
Travel Safety Tips for 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.
Final Thoughts on the Best Hostels in Florianopolis
Grab your surfboards or just your umbrella, the beaches of Florianopolis await you! From stunning natural beauty to clubs downtown where the music never stops. When you travel to this Brazilian island, you will find so many different ways to have the time of your life!
Wanting to stay in town or by the beach? Looking to meet other travelers or hand out on your own? These are important questions to ask yourself and we understand if you are still uncertain on where to call home while staying in Florianopolis.
If you are wanting that best Brazilian island experience possible, you best check yourself into Floripa Surf Hostel, our pick for the best backpackers hostel in Florianopolis!
Crack open that beer and lay out your towel, Florianopolis is all about cold drinks and a good time!
- 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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