The north of Santa Catarina Island is where many Brazilian and Argentine families spend summer holidays, and Canasvieiras is its busiest resort area. The beach is long and sheltered, the water is calm and often warm, and the shoreline is lined with restaurants, ice cream shops and small stores. Hotel Canasvieiras Internacional is in this neighbourhood, offering an accessible base for beach holidays. Compared with the surf beaches of the east, the north coast is gentler. Children can paddle safely, adults can swim or take kayak tours to French Island, and everyone can enjoy a walk along the promenade. It is lively in summer and calm in the cooler months. Facilities vary, so check the property page for room types, breakfast, parking and any pool or outdoor spaces.
Location is the main advantage. The beach is a short walk, supermarkets and pharmacies are close, and restaurants serve fresh seafood, grilled meat and pizza. Evening entertainment is simple, with live music at some bars and a lively atmosphere on summer nights. If you want quiet, ask for a room away from the main street.
From Canasvieiras you can reach Jurerê, with its beach clubs and upscale restaurants, in a few minutes by car. Praia Brava, Ingleses and the northern beaches are also close, and the lagoon district is about forty minutes away depending on traffic. A hire car is useful, but taxis and ride-hailing work well for short hops.
Activities include kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, banana boat rides and boat trips. Paragliding flights take off from nearby hills on suitable days. Families will appreciate the shallow water and the abundance of children's activities during the holiday season.
Book early for December to February, when the north fills with visitors and prices rise. The rest of the year, rates are lower and the beach is calm. The season for sunbathing runs from November to March, though pleasant days occur year-round.
Think about timing for activities. Kayak tours to French Island run best in the calm of the morning, while paragliding needs the right wind. Dinner at a beach restaurant is pleasant at sunset, and the promenade is lively afterwards. If you travel in winter, expect cooler days, a quieter scene and some restaurants operating on reduced hours, so check before you go.
Pack beach basics, since shops near the sand can charge more at peak times: a sun hat, a towel, reef-safe sunscreen, flip-flops and a light cover-up for restaurants. Ask the front desk about umbrella and chair rental on the beach, and check whether early breakfast is offered on days when you have a tour pickup.
Why stay here
- ✓Canasvieiras location
- ✓Calm north coast beach
- ✓Close to restaurants
- ✓Near kayak and paddle tours
- ✓Promenade for walks
- ✓Good for families
- ✓Short drive to Jurerê
- ✓Check property page for facilities
Good questions
Is the water calm?+
The north coast beaches are generally sheltered and calmer than the east coast.
Is it good for families?+
Yes. Canasvieiras is a classic family resort area.
How far is the airport?+
The airport is roughly half an hour away by car, depending on traffic.
