🥾 Ultimate Guide to Trilha do Feiticeiro in Florianópolis (2026)
Trilha do Feiticeiro (often referred to as the Ingleses to Santinho crossing) is one of the most accessible and beautiful coastal hikes on the North Coast of the Magic Island (Florianópolis). Connecting two major coastal areas—Praia do Santinho and Praia dos Ingleses—this trail climbs gently over the saddle of the hill, offering beautiful vistas of ocean clifftops and sweeping sand dunes.
The main highlight of this hike is walking through an open-air archaeological park containing ancient rock inscriptions and petroglyphs carved by prehistoric indigenous tribes more than 5,000 years ago.
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📊 Trail Specs & Details
• Region: North Island (Ingleses / Santinho)
• Difficulty: Easy+ (🟢) — family-friendly and accessible for beginners.
• Distance: ~2.5 km one way.
• Duration: Approximately 50–60 minutes one way at a leisurely pace.
• Elevation Gain: ~80 meters (gentle slope up to the saddle).
• Terrain: Compacted sand, forest paths, and coastal rock pavement sections.
🚗 Step 1. Starting Point & Parking
While the trail can be walked in either direction, it is highly recommended to start from Santinho and walk north toward Ingleses.
• Starting from Santinho (Recommended): The trail begins at the northern tip of Santinho beach, right behind the Costão do Santinho resort. You can park in the resort area or along the public parking spots on Rua Dunas do Santinho.
• Trailhead Location: Trailhead on Google Maps
• Starting from Ingleses: Start at the southernmost end of Ingleses beach, climbing the trail next to the rocky cliffs.
🗿 Step 2. Prehistoric Rock Art (Inscrições Rupestres)
The most culturally significant stop on the trail is located right at the starting point near Santinho beach.
• 5,000-Year-Old Carvings: On the black volcanic rocks of Costão do Santinho, you can observe ancient carvings—circles, linear symbols, and patterns—carved by the island's earliest inhabitants.
• The Museum Path: A wooden boardwalk keeps visitors safe while preventing damage to this archaeological site. Information plaques explain the history, and access is entirely free.
🌅 Step 3. Hilltop Saddle Panorama
After leaving the archaeological site, the trail heads uphill into the shade of the low Restinga forest.
• 1. The Walk: The path climbs gently on sand. After 15–20 minutes, you will reach the open, grassy ridge of the hill.
• 2. Panoramic View: Enjoy a stunning 360-degree view. To the south, the massive Santinho sand dunes stretch out alongside the beach; to the east is the open Atlantic Ocean; and to the north is the sprawling resort town of Ingleses.
• 3. Island View: Look out to sea to spot the rocky, uninhabited Ilha das Aranhas (Spider Island) where huge waves break constantly.
🏖️ Step 4. Descent & Finish at Praia dos Ingleses
From the hilltop, the sandy track descends gradually through coastal shrubs, leading directly onto the southern corner of Ingleses beach.
• Swimming: The southern cove of Ingleses beach is sheltered from heavy waves, making it an excellent spot for a post-hike swim.
• Amenities: You will find several rustic beach kiosks here selling cold juices and fresh coconuts.
• Getting Back: You can return by hiking back the same trail or catch an Uber (it takes about 10 minutes and costs 12–15 R$ to ride back to the Santinho trailhead).