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FLORIANOPOLIS BR

FLORIANOPOLIS BR KIDS

Overview | Attractions | Events | Facts | Kids | Last Minute Deals

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Florianopolis - Kid Attractions New Page 5

Family Activities

 

Canoeing

There are many interesting canoeing possibilities all over the island. The best time to take advantage of these is usually in the morning when the breezes are gentle. The Northern bay has protected waters and stunning views. Conceição Lagoon is popular,  but be aware of fast boats and jets skis. Peri Lagoon is located in a preservation area, where motor sports are prohibited so canoeing becomes a magical experience. It is quite easy to find canoes or kayaks for hire.


Good snorkelling can be found at Campeche Island and at some protected points on the  headlands.

 

Hiking

One of the best  ways to explore the natural beauty of the island is hiking some of the many nature trails.
Some  follow the coast line along promontories and cliff sides:  for example,  the Santinho-Moçambique and  the Matadeiro –Lagoinha do Leste trails.
Other trails are more demanding, going uphill but revealing wonderful views:  such as the  Morro das Aranhas and Morro da Galheta trails.
On Campeche Island you can hike and explore the archaeological sites with the assistance of local guides.
On the Naufragados beach trail,  it is possible to travel either way by boat.

On most of the trails,  it is easy to find your way but be cautious entering unclear trails and sea cliffs.

 

Rock Art

The main archeological sites containing rock art can be found at Ingleses beach, Santinho beach and Campeche Island. The oldest is about 4500 years of age.
The petroglyphs follow geometric patterns:   concentric circles, zigzag parallel lines and some of them contain anthropomorphic figures. The patterns depicted are many and varied.
Campeche Island, in particular, has the largest concentration of sites with a total of 167 inscriptions and many more expected to be found.
 

Forts

During the 16th and 17th centuries, Portugal and Spain fought each other for control of South America. In 1680, the Portuguese founded Colônia do Sacramento, at Rio Prata (Silver River) Delta, a strategic location for gold, silver and cattle trading. The Spanish considered this a violation of the Tordesilhas Treaty (which stipulated that the New Land was to be divided between Portugal and Spain).  Battles continued over the years causing Portugal to establish a military settlement in the region.

 

Santa Catarina Island was chosen as the site of the military post and fort for 2 reasons: its strategic position and its protected bays.   In 1739, a defensive triangle fortification in the Northern bay was begun. São José da Ponta Grossa, Santa Cruz and Santo Antônio Forts were built. Over the years,  a total of 11 forts were constructed. 


Even so, on the 23rd of February,  1777,  a navy of 100 ships with 12,000 men, commanded by Spanish Dom Pedro Cevallos took the island without resistance.  The island was returned a year later with the Santo Idelfonso Treat.  By then, the defense system had lost its credibility and was abandoned. Restored in 1989 as an initiative of the state government and local institutions, the forts have become a major area attraction.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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