Hercílio Luz Bridge Sunset, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil

The 'Magic Island'

Split between Santa Catarina Island and the cloud-shrouded mainland in the distance, Florianópolis anchors a metro area of well over a million people in southeastern Brazil. With more than 40 beaches, this 'Magic Island' has been a popular tourist destination for many generations of South Americans. And the rest of the world is catching on fast: Nowadays, in terms of international visitors, Florianópolis consistently ranks in Brazil's top 5 cities. A celebrated surfing hub, the area offers a multitude of other adventures too, like paragliding and mountain biking.