Florianópolis, the state capital of Santa Catarina, is located on the south coast of Brazil, partly on the island of Santa Catarina and partly on the mainland. The city is modern and has about 290.000 inhabitants. The mainland part of the city has the industry and the island side of the city, where you'll probably spend your time, has a small-city feel. The island's east-coast beaches are the most beautiful, with the biggest waves and the greatest expanses of empty sand. They are also the most popular for day trips, and most do no have hotels. The north-coast beaches have calm, bay-like water, and resorts with many hotels and restaurants. If you go to Florianópolis for vacation, this would be the best area to stay and it's just half an hour to the downtown. The west coast, facing the mainland, has great views, a quiet, Mediterranean feel and small, unspectacular beaches.