🥾 Ultimate Guide to Trilha Praia do Gravatá in Florianópolis (2026)
If you are looking for a short but incredibly scenic hike that combines panoramic ocean views, a paragliding launch pad, and a secluded wild beach with warm, wave-free waters — Trilha Praia do Gravatá is the perfect choice on the Magic Island.
This trail is highly favored by locals and visitors alike on the East Coast of the island, offering easy access from Lagoa da Conceição or Praia Mole.
📍 First-Hand Expat Experience (HelpinFloripa):
This step-by-step guide is verified by real community experience in Florianópolis. Read the original field report in the local expat Telegram channel HelpinFloripa (Post #38).
📊 Trail Specs & Details
• Region: East Island (Lagoa da Conceição / Praia Mole)
• Difficulty: Easy (🟢)
• Distance: ~1.5 km one way (3 km round trip)
• Duration: 30–45 minutes one way
• Elevation Gain: +100 m / -100 m
• Terrain: Dirt path, rocks, and some clay sections.
🚗 Step 1. Getting There & Parking Tips
The trail begins on the hill overlooking Lagoa da Conceição and Praia Mole.
• Trailhead Location: Start point on Google Maps
• Parking Spot: There is a tiny parking alcove right at the trailhead.
• Parking Location: Estacionamento Trilha do Gravatá
• Important: This spot fits only 6–7 cars. We highly recommend arriving early. By 8:00 AM, half of the spots are usually free, but by 9:00 AM, it is guaranteed to be full. If you arrive later, you will need to park further down the hill or use the paid parking lots at Praia Mole.
🥾 Step 2. Hiking the Trail
The trail starts with a steady but gradual uphill climb through a light forest. The elevation gain is around 100 meters, which doesn't require any technical gear or climbing experience. It is a family-friendly trail that is even manageable for late-stage pregnancy (our team completed it during the 8th month!).
🪂 Step 3. The Paragliding Launch Pad (Rampa de Gravatá)
About halfway through, once you reach the top of the hill, you will step onto a grassy plateau. This is the Rampa de Voo Livre do Gravatá, the official paragliding launch ramp.
• 360-Degree Panorama: From here, you get one of the best viewpoints on the east of the island. You can view the entire Lagoa da Conceição, the surfing waves of Praia Mole, Barra da Lagoa, and the open Atlantic Ocean.
• Sunsets: This is a spectacular spot for sunset watching. The sun sets directly behind the hills of the lagoon, reflecting golden hues across the water.
🌊 Step 4. Secret Wild Beach: Praia do Gravatá
After the ramp, the trail descends gently toward the ocean. At the end, you are rewarded with a tiny, secluded cove called Praia do Gravatá.
• 1. No Waves: Unlike neighboring Praia Mole, which is known for its heavy surf, the water at Gravatá is crystal clear, warm, and completely calm. The bay is shielded by rocky cliffs, making it a perfect natural pool for swimming.
• 2. Seclusion: If you start early, you will likely have the entire beach and lagoon to yourself.
• 3. Giant Boulders: The grassy shore is dotted with large, smooth boulders that look like the skeletons of ancient giants.
• 4. Fisherman's Hut: A historic wooden fisherman's house (Rancho de Pesca) sits on the beach, adding to the authentic coastal atmosphere.
🏊♂️ Step 5. Natural Pools (Piscinas Naturais do Gravatá)
The best-kept secret of this area is tucked away at the right end of the beach.
• How to get there: Walk to the rocky headland (costão) on the right side of the beach and carefully scramble across the rocks just a bit further toward the ocean.
• What to expect: You will find Piscinas Naturais do Gravatá — stunning natural tide pools formed within the granite slabs that fill with ocean water.
• Safety: Swimming and snorkeling here is only safe during low swell and calm weather. When the sea is calm, the pool water is crystal clear and completely still. During high tide, rough seas, or windy days, waves break with extreme force over these rocks—entering the pools or even walking on the wet stones is highly dangerous!
🍔 Step 5. Where to Go Next?
You will return using the same path. After the hike, you can head down toward Praia Mole and grab a great burger at Baruc Burger (Google Maps) located near the main road junction.
For the more adventurous, there are wild goat trails along the rocky coastline connecting Praia do Gravatá directly to Praia Mole. However, this route requires solid footwear and caution while navigating the rocks.