beach · Florianópolis, SC
Praia Mole
A traditional hangout for young people and surfers, with bars on the sand and a hang-gliding ramp on the hill next to it. The sea is strong, so the beach is as much about the vibe as about swimming.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Praia Mole
Praia Mole is in the east of the island, between Joaquina and Galheta, on the road linking Lagoa da Conceição to Barra da Lagoa. The name (mole means soft) comes from the coarse, loose sand your feet sink into. The beach is about 1 kilometer long, with rocky headlands at both ends and green hills behind, with few buildings in sight.
It's a surf beach for young people, with bars on the sand and live music. The left end is a gathering spot for the LGBTQ+ crowd. The water is clear and cold, and the waves are strong most of the year. Since the beach faces east, the sun rises over the sea. The rocks at the southern end, said to look like a dragon, are among the beach's best-known images.
On the hill next to it is a hang-gliding ramp, at about 120 meters. Landing is right on the sand. On days with a northeast wind, paragliders come down over the beach, and you can watch from below. Kitesurfers also show up when the wind cooperates.
From the northern end, a trail leads to Galheta, a naturist beach on the other side of the headland. The path is short, climbs over the rocks and is also worth it for the view of Mole from above. Mole's sea shelves steeply: the depth increases suddenly, a few steps from the sand. So it's a beach for good swimmers, and you should stay close to the Fire Department lifeguard stations.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
Half a day at the beach.
Best time
Summer, for the beach and the bars. Between September and May, with the northeast wind, you're more likely to see paragliders. On summer weekends the road gets crowded: arrive early.
How to get there
It's in the east of the island, about 15 km from downtown, on the SC-404 and then the SC-406, on the road to Barra da Lagoa. A short trail leads from the parking lot to the sand. By bus, go from the downtown terminal to the Lagoa Terminal (TILAG), where you change to the Praia Mole line.
Tip
It's not a beach for small children or weak swimmers: two or three steps in, the water is over your waist. Stay near the lifeguard station.
A look at the place
Praia Mole in pictures
These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.
Click the picture to enlarge it.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Praia Mole
Can I swim at Praia Mole?
Only if you're a strong swimmer, and near the lifeguards. The beach shelves steeply: two or three steps in, the water is over your waist. It's not recommended for small children.
Why is it called Praia Mole?
Because of the coarse, loose sand your feet sink into (mole means soft).
Where is the hang-gliding ramp?
On the hill next to the beach, at about 120 meters. Paragliders land right on the sand at Mole.
Can I get there by bus?
Yes. From the downtown terminal, go to the Lagoa Terminal (TILAG) and change to the Praia Mole line.
How do I get to Galheta?
By a short trail that leaves from the northern end of Praia Mole and crosses the rocky headland. Galheta is a naturist beach.