Things To Do
in Laguna
Laguna is a historic coastal town in southern Santa Catarina, Brazil, known for its well-preserved colonial center, maritime culture and strong links to the national heroine Anita Garibaldi. The city sits where the lagoon meets the sea and features long sandy beaches, a working fishing harbor and the picturesque Farol de Santa Marta lighthouse. Whale-watching season, traditional tainha (mullet) fishing and colorful festivals give Laguna a lively seasonal rhythm.
Visitors enjoy a relaxed pace, fresh seafood and opportunities for boat trips, surf and coastal photography.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to Praia do Moura, a stunning beach known for its soft white sands and clear turquoise waters. Enjoy a leisurely walk along the shoreline as you watch the sunrise, with the gentle waves kissing your feet. Stop by a local cafe for a traditional Brazilian breakfast of pão de queijo and fresh fruit juice.
After soaking up the sun, head to the nearby Praia da Galheta, a secluded beach perfect for swimming and relaxation. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy it under the shade of swaying palm trees while listening to the sound of the ocean. You might even catch sight of surfers riding the waves as the afternoon sun warms your skin.
As the sun sets, make your way to the beachside restaurant, where you can indulge in fresh seafood and local delicacies. With the sound of live music in the background, savor the flavors of the region as you watch the sky transform into a canvas of colors. End your day with a stroll along the beach, feeling the cool breeze and reflecting on the beauty of Laguna.
Begin your day by visiting the historic center of Laguna, where charming colonial architecture tells the story of its past. Explore local shops and artisan markets, and don’t forget to snap photos of the vibrant buildings painted in pastel hues. Stop by the Church of Nossa Senhora das Esteiras, an icon of the city's heritage, and admire its intricate facade.
Continue your historical journey by visiting the Casa de Anita, the former residence of the famous Brazilian poet, Ana Rosa. Here, you can learn about her life and contributions to Brazilian culture while enjoying the art exhibits on display. Grab lunch at a nearby bistro, where traditional Lagunense dishes are served with a modern twist.
As the day draws to a close, participate in a guided tour highlighting the legends and folklore of Laguna. Enjoy a classic Brazilian dinner at a popular restaurant, ending with a dessert of doce de leite or brigadeiro. Share tales of your adventures with fellow travelers and locals, enjoying the warm camaraderie of the evening.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-15 |
| ☕️Coffee or café snack | $1.50-4 |
| 🍺Domestic beer (bar or restaurant) | $2-5 |
| 🚕Taxi short ride (within town) | $3-8 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $45-120 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful, varied coastline with historic charm and a working fishing culture
- Excellent seafood and unique local traditions like tainha fishing
- Good whale-watching opportunities in season
- Relaxed atmosphere and photogenic lighthouse and harbor scenes
- Limited nightlife and fewer amenities outside high season
- Some services close or reduce hours in winter
- Public transport options are limited—having a car helps
- Language barrier if you don’t speak Portuguese
- "Olá / Bom dia / Boa noite" - Hello / Good morning / Good evening
- "Obrigado / Obrigada" - Thank you (male / female speaker)
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?
- "Onde fica o farol?" - Where is the lighthouse?
- "Eu sou vegetariano / Eu sou vegetariana" - I am vegetarian (male / female speaker)
- "Pode me trazer o cardápio, por favor?" - Could you bring me the menu, please?
Places to Visit in Laguna
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic lighthouse on a rocky point — excellent at sunrise or sunset for dramatic coastline and sea shots.
Breakwaters, colorful boats and fishermen provide lively maritime scenes and candid local life photos.
Cobblestones, old churches and pastel-painted houses create atmospheric street-photography opportunities.
Expansive sandy beaches and dunes ideal for wide-angle seascapes, surfers and golden-hour portraits.
Seasonal chance to photograph southern right whales from boats or coastal vantage points (July–October).
Food in Laguna
Laguna Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A seasonal specialty (winter months) where whole mullet is cleaned and grilled over wood coals — sought after at beachfront stalls and local festivals.
Must-Try!
Various shrimp preparations served in sequence or simply grilled; available at seafood restaurants along the coast.
Hearty rice with mixed shellfish, popular at family-style eateries and seaside restaurants.
Common street-food snacks — fried pastry or fritters filled with shrimp or fish — sold at kiosks and markets.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Local fish markets and stalls near the harbor where you can buy fresh catch and find simple cooked seafood snacks; a good place to watch fishermen and sample tainha when in season.
Seasonal street markets and beach kiosks in high season selling fried fish, pastel, camarão and cold drinks—ideal for casual bites.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A friendly 'olá' or 'bom dia' and a handshake or light hug among new acquaintances is common — be warm and polite.
Swimwear is fine on the beach but wearing bathing suits away from the sand (restaurants, shops) is frowned upon; bring a cover-up.
Respect fishing traditions and private property near working harbors; ask before photographing individuals closely, especially fishermen at work.
Meals are social events — be patient, accept invitations to share food, and offer thanks ('obrigado/obrigada').
Safety
Tipping in Laguna
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory: a 10% service charge is commonly added at restaurants (check the bill). If no service is included, leaving 10% for good service is customary. Tip taxi drivers and hotel porters small amounts for help; round up smaller purchases. Cash (Brazilian real) is useful for markets and beach kiosks; cards are widely accepted at restaurants and shops in town but always carry some cash for smaller vendors.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot, humid and sunny — beach season with highest visitor numbers, lively kiosks and open restaurants; expect crowds, busy roads and higher prices for accommodation.
Milder temperatures and fewer tourists; still pleasant for beaches and boat trips, with occasional rain and cooling evenings.
Cooler and windier with the tainha fishing season and best opportunities for whale watching; some beach kiosks and businesses close or reduce hours outside high season.
Warming up, wildflowers and calm days return — a good shoulder season for lower prices, fewer crowds and outdoor activities.
Laguna at Night
Hiking in Laguna
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Coastal trail and paths around the lighthouse area — fairly short hikes with great sea views and photographic opportunities.
Short climbs to viewpoints overlooking the mouth of the lagoon and the ocean; suitable for sunrise and sunset views.
Guided or self-led walks across dunes and between beaches provide varied terrain, birdwatching and quiet coastal scenery—best attempted at low tide and with local guidance for safe routes.
Airports
How to reach Laguna by plane.
Small regional airport within driving distance (about 30–60 minutes) — limited commercial flights; useful for domestic connections and private charters.
Major regional airport approximately 1.5–2 hours' drive north of Laguna with regular domestic and some international flights; best option for most travelers connecting by air.
Another regional airport to the southwest (about an hour’s drive depending on route) that handles domestic flights and can be convenient for access to southern Santa Catarina.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A large portion of the local population traces roots to Azorean and Portuguese colonial settlers, reflected in customs, architecture and cuisine.
Traditional fishing families form a visible community with cultural practices tied to the sea and seasonal fisheries.
A mix of local residents in the historic center and a seasonal influx of domestic tourists and some international visitors in summer and whale-watching months.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The country’s dominant sport — local amateur clubs and community matches are common and widely followed.
Surfing is popular at beaches with good breaks; lessons and rentals are offered in season.
Both artisanal and sport fishing are integral to local life and tourism; charter trips are popular with visitors.
Certain stretches with steady winds attract kitesurfers and windsurfers, especially in transitional seasons.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Laguna.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available but limited compared to larger cities; ask for rice, beans, salads, fried manioc and vegetable dishes at restaurants and look for vegetarian-friendly cafés in the historic center.
Vegan choices require some preparation—communicate clearly ('sou vegano/vegana') and expect to rely on salads, rice, beans, fruit and simple side dishes; bring snacks if you have strict needs.
Gluten-free options exist but cross-contamination can be an issue at beach kiosks; many restaurants will accommodate basic requests but carry any specialty items if you have celiac disease.