Things To Do
in Camboriú
Balneário Camboriú is a coastal city in Santa Catarina, southern Brazil, known for its dramatic high-rise skyline facing a wide, busy central beach. The city mixes vibrant beach culture, lively nightlife, and family-friendly attractions like the Unipraias cable car and the Cristo Luz viewpoint. Its location on the Atlantic coast provides easy access to nearby islands, surf breaks and theme parks, making it a popular year-round holiday spot for Brazilians and international visitors.
Outside peak season it offers a more relaxed pace with pleasant walking promenades, seafood-focused cuisine and scenic coastal vistas.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the historic center of Camboriú, where you can explore charming colonial architecture and vibrant local markets. Enjoy a traditional Brazilian breakfast at a local café, savoring fresh pão de queijo and strong coffee. Stroll through the main square, taking in the local art and culture that define this beautiful coastal town.
After lunch, visit the Museu da Imagem e do Som, where you can learn about the region's history through engaging exhibits. Take a leisurely walk along the waterfront, enjoying the lively atmosphere and perhaps stopping for an ice cream at one of the many kiosks. Spend some time at the nearby Central Beach, soaking in the sun and watching the surfers ride the waves.
As the sun sets, head to one of the beachfront restaurants for a seafood dinner, sampling local specialties like moqueca. After your meal, take a stroll along the beach promenade, where you can enjoy live music and street performances. End your evening with a refreshing caipirinha at a beach bar, soaking in the vibrant nightlife.
Kick off your morning with a hearty breakfast at your hotel before heading to Praia Central, a bustling beach known for its lively atmosphere. Rent a stand-up paddleboard or kayak to explore the beautiful coastline from the water. Enjoy the warm sun and gentle waves as you glide across the ocean, soaking in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
After a morning of water sports, relax on the soft sands of the beach, where you can enjoy a light lunch from a beachside vendor. Try some local street food, like pastéis or acarajé, while listening to the rhythm of the ocean. Spend the afternoon playing beach volleyball or simply lounging under an umbrella, enjoying the sun and sea breeze.
As evening approaches, take a scenic walk along the beach, enjoying the vibrant sunset over the Atlantic Ocean. Choose a cozy restaurant with an ocean view for dinner, where you can indulge in fresh seafood and traditional Brazilian dishes. After dinner, explore the night market for unique crafts and souvenirs, soaking in the local culture.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕️Coffee at a cafe | $2-4 |
| 🍺Domestic beer (bar) | $3-6 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride (within city) | $5-12 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $60-120 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful beaches and dramatic coastal skyline
- Wide range of activities (beaches, cable car, theme park nearby)
- Vibrant nightlife and good seafood
- Easily reachable from nearby airports and popular with domestic tourists
- Extremely crowded and more expensive during peak summer months
- Petty theft can be an issue in busy areas
- Traffic and parking can be difficult in high season
- Some attractions are seasonal and may be crowded on weekends and holidays
- "Oi / Olá" - Hi / Hello
- "Bom dia / Boa tarde / Boa noite" - Good morning / Good afternoon / Good evening
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Obrigado (male) / Obrigada (female)" - Thank you
- "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?
- "Onde fica...?" - Where is...?
- "Pode me ajudar?" - Can you help me?
- "Sem glúten / Sou vegetariano(a)" - Gluten-free / I am vegetarian
Places to Visit in Camboriú
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic view of Balneário Camboriú’s high-rise skyline from the sand or the boardwalk — best at sunrise for soft light or dusk for city lights.
Panoramic vantage point above the city with colorful evening illumination; great for sunset and night skyline shots.
Aerial photos over the Atlantic forest and coastline while riding the cable car between stations; excellent for wide coastal panoramas.
The pier area with close views of boats, fishermen and reflective water — ideal for golden-hour photos and city reflections.
A more sheltered bay with golden sand and clear water; capture beach life, surfers and cliffs framing the cove.
Food in Camboriú
Camboriú Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
An indulgent multi-course shrimp meal served in several preparations (grilled, in cream sauces, fried). Available at many beachfront restaurants and seafood houses.
Must-Try!
Locally-caught fish, often served whole or as fillets with rice, farofa and salad — a staple at family restaurants and churrascarias.
Seafood rice similar to Spanish paella but with Brazilian seasonings; commonly served in coastal eateries.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Seasonal street markets (feiras) and night markets pop up in high season selling acarajé, pastel, tapioca, grilled corn and local snacks — great for casual bites and local sweets.
Simple stands near the sand serve grilled shrimp, fish sandwiches (sanduíche de peixe) and cold drinks — ideal for quick, fresh eats.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A handshake is common in formal settings; among friends and acquaintances a single cheek kiss (or two in some areas) is normal. Use 'bom dia' (good morning) and 'obrigado/obrigada' (thank you).
Beachwear is for the sand and boardwalk; avoid walking into shops or restaurants in just swimwear. Respect family areas and avoid excess noise late at night in residential zones.
Friendly, warm communication is appreciated. Speaking a few words of Portuguese and basic courtesies goes a long way with locals.
Dispose of trash properly and respect protected coastal vegetation. Avoid removing shells or corals from beaches.
Safety
Tipping in Camboriú
Ensure a smooth experience
Restaurants often add a 10% service charge (serviço) to the bill; if not included, a 10% tip is customary for good service. For bars and casual kiosks tipping is optional; small change or rounding up is appreciated for porters and delivery drivers.
Credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants and shops. Carry some cash (Brazilian real) for beach kiosks, small vendors and markets. ATMs and currency exchange are available in the city.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
December–February is high season: hot (25–35°C / 77–95°F), crowded beaches, lively nightlife, higher prices and frequent events. Book accommodation and restaurants in advance and expect busy roads.
March–May brings milder temperatures and fewer crowds; sea can still be warm and it’s a good time for lower rates and clearer hiking weather.
June–August is cooler (15–22°C / 59–72°F) with quieter beaches and cheaper hotels; good for exploring restaurants, coastal drives and city attractions without the summer traffic.
September–November offers warming temperatures, blooming coastal vegetation and gradually increasing tourism — a pleasant shoulder season for outdoor activities.
Camboriú at Night
Hiking in Camboriú
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short trails around the cable car stations that pass through Atlantic Forest fragments and offer viewpoints; suitable for easy hikes and family walks.
Hiking and short walks near the higher cable car stations provide panoramic views over the coastline and city — accessible via Unipraias and local paths.
Various short coastal walks and headland paths near Laranjeiras and neighboring beaches offer scenic routes; for longer treks consider guided excursions into regional conservation areas outside the city.
Airports
How to reach Camboriú by plane.
The closest major airport (approximately 20–30 km north), served by domestic flights and shuttle/taxi connections to Balneário Camboriú; popular for tourists visiting the coast.
About 90–110 km south depending on route; serves domestic and some international flights, with bus and shuttle connections to the region.
Around 80–100 km northeast; smaller regional airport with domestic connections and driving access to the coastal towns.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Long-term residents include families, retirees and people working in tourism, commerce and services; many have roots from Portuguese, German and Italian immigrants that settled in Santa Catarina.
The city attracts large numbers of Brazilian holidaymakers, especially from southern and southeastern Brazil, on weekends and during summer; strong family and youth tourism.
Growing numbers of international tourists, including South Americans and Europeans, drawn by beaches and coastal attractions, though international arrivals are smaller than domestic flows.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Common on Praia Central and other beaches, played recreationally and in informal competitions.
Surfing is popular at local breaks and nearby beaches, with several surf schools offering lessons.
Brazil’s national sport is widely played recreationally; local clubs and casual games are common in parks and sand.
Growing in popularity for calm mornings in sheltered bays and coastal lagoons.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Camboriú.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist (salads, rice dishes, tapioca and pastas) but seafood is dominant; larger restaurants and international spots often list vegetarian plates — ask for 'prato vegetariano' or request dishes without fish.
Vegan choices can be limited in traditional eateries but are increasingly found in cafes and health-food spots; carry a translation note for 'sem leite, sem ovos' (no milk, no eggs) if needed.
Gluten-free options are available in many restaurants (rice, grilled proteins, salads) but always confirm cross-contamination and communicate 'sem glúten' when ordering.