Florianópolis [7] on Brazil´s southern coast is the gateway to Santa Catarina Island.  In the historical centre of the city is a well preserved colonial church from 1750, the Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Rosário as well as a former governor´s palace.

.

Ilha de Santa Catarina has some beautiful beaches and tiny fishing villages where fishermen of Azorian descent still make a living from the sea.  We began in the southern part of the island with a hike to the picturesque lighthouse of Praia dos Naufragados followed by feed of succulent oysters on the dock at Ostradamus in the fishing village of Ribeirao da Ilha.  Fishing boats dot the beach at Pantano do Sul on the island´s south east coast.  There is a lovely walk partway around Lagoa de Conceição from the town of Lagoa.

.

Curitiba [8] lies inland at about 900 metres above sea level.  It has a small, pedestrian only, cobble stoned old centre with beautifully restored buildings.  Every day since 1885 the Serra Verde Express train click clacks down the jungle covered mountain to the tiny village of Morretes on the banks of the Rio Nhundiaquara.  The culinary specialtyhere  is barreado, a rib-sticking meat stew cooked in a clay pot. 

.

Click on the numbers above to see where the places are on the map.

.