historic village · Florianópolis, SC
Santo Antônio de Lisboa
An Azorean village in the north of the island that preserves colonial houses, an old church and bobbin lace workshops. It's the best place to eat oysters while watching the sunset over the bay.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Santo Antônio de Lisboa
Santo Antônio de Lisboa is on the northwest coast of the island, facing the Baía Norte, about 15 km from downtown. It's one of the oldest parishes in Florianópolis. Azorean settlers began arriving in 1748, and in 1750 the parish of Nossa Senhora das Necessidades was created by decree of King João V.
The Igreja de Nossa Senhora das Necessidades, built between 1750 and 1756, stands at the top of the village, with the cemetery beside it. The facade is simple and whitewashed; inside, there are altars with Baroque and Rococo carving and the island's only wooden baptismal font. Below, Rua das Pedras was paved for Dom Pedro II's visit in 1845 and is said to be the first paved street in Santa Catarina. The row houses along the street have colorful frames around doors and windows. In 2025, the ensemble was listed by Iphan, along with three other Portuguese-Brazilian parishes in the region.
Bobbin lace is still made by lacemakers in the village's workshops. On weekends, the Feira das Alfaias brings lace and crafts to the square. The bay's water is calm, with fishing boats at anchor and oyster and mussel farms in the water. Florianópolis is the country's largest oyster producer, and the village waterfront has a string of seafood restaurants.
Late afternoon is the most popular time. The sun sets across the bay, over the mainland, and in the distance you can see the Ponte Hercílio Luz and downtown. The beach is narrow, with gravelly sand, better for strolling than for swimming.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
An afternoon, ending with the sunset.
Best time
Late afternoon, for the sunset over the bay. On weekends, the Feira das Alfaias (craft fair) is held in the square.
How to get there
It's in the northwest of the island, about 15 km from downtown, some 20 minutes by car along the Beira-Mar Norte and the SC-401. By bus, go from downtown to the Santo Antônio Terminal (TISAN), near the village.
Tip
Arrive before sunset to find a spot on the waterfront: on weekends, the tables facing the bay fill up early. Go up to the church first, in the afternoon light, and then walk down to Rua das Pedras.
A look at the place
Santo Antônio de Lisboa 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 Santo Antônio de Lisboa
Can I watch the sunset in Santo Antônio de Lisboa?
Yes, and it's the most popular time. The sun sets across the Baía Norte, over the mainland.
Can I swim in the sea?
Yes, but the beach is narrow, with gravelly sand, and better for strolling. The bay's water is calm.
Where can I see bobbin lace?
In the village's lacemakers' workshops and, on weekends, at the Feira das Alfaias, in the square.
Can I get there by bus?
Yes. From downtown, go to the Santo Antônio Terminal (TISAN), near the village.
How old is the church?
The Igreja de Nossa Senhora das Necessidades was built between 1750 and 1756, soon after the Azorean settlers arrived.