Mirante do Morro da Cruz
Dramatic hilltop lookout offering surreal, expansive views of Florianópolis and its bay, with a challenging but rewarding access road.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour light
Mirante do Morro da Cruz
Best Time
Golden hour light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Dramatic hilltop lookout offering surreal, expansive views of Florianópolis and its bay, with a challenging but rewarding access road.
"Amazing lookout, the big drop from the viewing platform makes it seem surreal - highly recommend."
🚗 Drive Carefully Up
The road is very narrow and steep; use low gears. Some parts require 1st gear for sufficient power.
💰 Car Keeper Donation
People may ask for money to watch your car. It's generally safe, especially in high season.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Cityscape
Viewing platform
Experience surreal, expansive views of downtown Florianópolis and the bay from a dramatic hilltop lookout.
The Thrill of the Climb
Access road
The challenging, narrow, and steep road up adds to the adventure, making the rewarding view even more special.
Unforgettable Island Magic
Lookout point
Feel the indescribable, unique magic of Florianópolis from this vantage point; no photo truly captures its beauty.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Ascent
Embrace the View
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Drive Carefully Up
The road is very narrow and steep; use low gears. Some parts require 1st gear for sufficient power.
💰 Car Keeper Donation
People may ask for money to watch your car. It's generally safe, especially in high season.
📸 Capture the Surreal
The drop from the platform feels surreal. Try to capture the expansive, magical views of the island.
🚶♂️ Explore the Surroundings
While the neighborhood might seem a bit dodgy, the drive and the view are worth the experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Drive Carefully Up
The road is very narrow and steep; use low gears. Some parts require 1st gear for sufficient power.
💰 Car Keeper Donation
People may ask for money to watch your car. It's generally safe, especially in high season.
📸 Capture the Surreal
The drop from the platform feels surreal. Try to capture the expansive, magical views of the island.
🚶♂️ Explore the Surroundings
While the neighborhood might seem a bit dodgy, the drive and the view are worth the experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the spectacular and surreal panoramic views of Florianópolis and the bay from Mirante do Morro da Cruz. While the challenging, steep, and narrow access road adds to the adventure, some find the surrounding neighborhood a bit intimidating. The presence of car keepers offers a sense of security during peak times.
"Amazing lookout, the big drop from the viewing platform makes it seem surreal - highly recommend. The neighbourhood on the way up the hill seems a bit dodgy and the road is extremely narrow and steep. Some parts you need to remain in 1st gear otherwise the car won’t have enough power to go up! For me it all added to the experience and made the view even more rewarding"
Zac Nunns
"Nice view of the city. But the access is hidden and forgotten. It's seens safe but when you park people ask for money to take care of your car. It could be much more than it it's. Still worth going."
Matheus Bonomini Ganzo Pereira
"Fantastic, an indescribable and unique feeling. There is no photo that conveys the real magic of this island. The beauty of Florianópolis enchants anyone."
Vitor Hugo Freire
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Access is via a narrow and steep road. Driving requires careful attention, especially in lower gears. Some visitors note the surrounding neighborhood can appear a bit rough, but the viewpoint itself is generally safe, particularly during busier times.
Yes, the road is described as extremely narrow and steep, with some sections requiring 1st gear for sufficient power. It's an adventure in itself!
While the approach might seem a bit dodgy to some, it's generally considered safe, especially when there are car keepers present.
A car with good power and handling is recommended due to the steepness. Smaller, more agile vehicles might be easier to maneuver on the narrow road.
Public transport is not a common or recommended option due to the challenging road conditions and location. Driving is the primary way to access the viewpoint.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no admission fees to enter Mirante do Morro da Cruz. It's a public viewpoint.
The viewpoint is generally accessible at all times, though it's best visited during daylight hours for safety and optimal viewing.
There is no official parking fee, but it's common for individuals to offer car-watching services for a voluntary donation.
While technically possible, visiting at night is not recommended due to safety concerns and the difficulty of navigating the steep road in the dark.
No, the viewing platform is part of the free-access viewpoint.
📸 📸 Photography
Late afternoon during the golden hour offers beautiful light for cityscapes. Evenings provide a stunning view of the illuminated city.
You can capture panoramic views of Florianópolis, the bay, and the surrounding islands. The dramatic drop from the platform also makes for unique shots.
No, there are no specific restrictions on photography. You are free to capture the scenery.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views. A tripod can be useful for evening shots to ensure sharpness.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local drone laws before flying.
🎫 📍 Onsite Experience
The primary attraction is the spectacular, surreal panoramic view of Florianópolis and the bay from the hilltop lookout.
It can get quite crowded, especially during high season or peak viewing times like sunset.
Facilities are minimal. It's primarily a lookout point with no significant amenities.
Comfortable shoes are recommended for walking around the viewpoint. Dress for the weather, as it can be windy.
Most visitors spend 30 minutes to an hour to soak in the views and take photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
🚗 Adventurous Drivers
Consider going during daylight hours for the best visibility on the tricky ascent. Having a vehicle with decent power will make the climb much more comfortable. The unique experience of the drive is often as memorable as the view itself for adventurous visitors.
📸 Photographers
Bring a wide-angle lens to capture the expansive scenery. The dramatic drop from the viewing platform also provides unique angles. Be mindful of the lighting conditions and consider a tripod for sharper shots during lower light.
✨ View Seekers
Prepare to be mesmerized by the sheer beauty of Florianópolis from this elevated perch. The feeling of awe and wonder is a common sentiment among visitors, making it a truly rewarding experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Challenging Ascent
It's wise to approach this drive with caution and ensure your vehicle is in good condition. The narrowness means passing other vehicles can be tricky, so patience is key. The surrounding neighborhood on the way up has been described as looking a bit 'dodgy,' but this perception often fades once you reach the viewpoint, especially during busier periods.
Unforgettable Views and Feelings
Many reviewers emphasize that the beauty of Florianópolis from this vantage point is truly enchanting. It offers a perspective that allows you to appreciate the island's charm and layout in a profound way. Whether you visit during the day to see the city in sunlight or at night to witness the sparkling lights, the experience is consistently described as memorable and highly recommended for anyone visiting the area.
Safety and Local Interactions
It's important to note that these are typically informal arrangements, and while not mandatory, contributing a small amount is a common courtesy and appreciated by those providing the service. The presence of these car keepers, along with the general influx of visitors during busy times, contributes to a feeling of safety at the viewpoint itself.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit