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plucked straight from the American Southwest due to the craggy
outcroppings and sparse meadows.
Itapema: Commune With Mother Nature
A crescent of modern urban development pinched between the
Atlantic Ocean and a set of untamed foothills, Itapema is about
43 miles due north of Florianópolis. Upon arrival, you’ll probably
feel as though you’ve happened across a well-guarded secret, like
discovering a favorite locals’ restaurant, except this is an entire
municipality. The scene is outdoorsy–laid-back, but don’t mistake
that for lacking. There are countless excellent food stops (be sure to
sample the local crab cakes and cod balls) and plenty of places to
enjoy a cold cocktail, and the public spaces are pleasant and inviting.
Must Do
Play outside. Lace up your hiking boots and make for the summit
of Pedra da Gurita. Or go scuba diving. From reefs to wrecks, nearby
Bombinhas serves as a gateway to some of southern Brazil’s best
underwater sites. You’re sure to encounter a rainbow of colorful fish,
as well as the resident turtles — and you may even spy a seahorse
or two.
Should Do
A little two-wheeled tourism. Itapema is one of the stops along the
RESORT DIRECTORY:
or page 217
CLIMATE: Average highs
around Florianópolis between
March and August range from
the low 80s to the upper 60s —
and weather can vary based on
location on the coast or inland.
CURRENCY: Brazilian real
TIPPING: Most restaurants
automatically add a 10 percent
service charge to your bill. Add
a little if the wait staff is very
good. Give taxi drivers a few
extra reais, depending on the
total fare.
INTERVAL TRAVEL:
RENTAL CAR:
Recommended if you want to
explore beyond the city, although
hiring a driver may be just as
cost effective—and less hassle.
CONTACT: Confraria Hall,
confrariaclub.com.br; Concorde
Club, concordeclub.com.br;
Box 32, box32.com.br; Casarão,
casarao-organico.com.br;
Museu Histórico de Santa
Catarina, fcc.sc.gov.br/mhsc;
Homem do Sambaqui Museum,
museudohomemdosambaqui.
com.br; Festa do Milho Verde,
festamilhoverde.com.br;
Tartarugas, tartarugas.net; Beto
CarreroWorld,betocarrero.com.br;
Schornstein, schornstein.com.br
VISITOR INFORMATION:
Florianópolis Convention
& Visitors Bureau
+55 (48) 3222 4904
Brazil Ministry of Tourism
fast FACTS
IntervalWorld.com INTERVAL WORLD Spring 2015 53
Chris Schmid/Aurora Open/Glow Images; Flavio Fernandes/Brasilimagens.com
Coastal Gems
Make an exchange or buy a Getaway at
The Getaway price is valid April 1 – August 31, 2015.
With endless natural beauty, it’s no wonder
that Itapema is the third most popular tourist
destination in Santa Catarina.
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