Luxury holidays in Santa Catarina

When to go

Santa Catarina’s subtropical climate brings warm, humid days for most of the year, though it’s worth avoiding the wetter months of September and October if you want to spend a lot of time on the beach. Winter (June to August) is slightly cooler – particularly inland – but you’ll still enjoy plenty of balmy days along the coast. If you’re keen to make the most of the region’s whale-watching opportunities, make sure you visit between June and November.

Getting there

• Planes

  Most visitors arrive via the international hubs of Sao Paulo and Rio – British Airways (www.ba.com) operates daily flights from London Heathrow to both destinations and American Airlines (www.aa.com) and United (www.united.com) have regular flights from various US cities. You’ll then need to catch a short internal flight to Florianópolis’ Hericillo Luz International Airport with TAM (www.tam.com.br) or GOL (www.voegol.com.br).

• Trains

  Brazil’s passenger trains are now almost non-existent – you’ll need to travel by air or road to get around.

• Automobiles

  Hiring a car is essential if you want to explore. Avis (www.avis.com) has a rental desk at Florianópolis airport.

• Taxis

  Taxis ranks are plentiful in the larger towns and cities but it’s difficult to hail cabs in more remote areas. On Ilha Santa Catarina you can dial +197 to call a taxi; elsewhere, it’s easier to ask your hotel or restaurant to book one for you.