Floripa Airport: More Than Just Travelling

Chris
5 hours ago
4 min read

Why Floripa Airport is worth visiting (even if you’re not flying)

Most airports are pure transit. Florianópolis International Airport (Hercílio Luz / FLN) is intentionally trying to be more: a place where locals meet, families stop by on weekends, and travelers can turn “waiting time” into something that feels like a mini outing.

It helps that the airport sits in Carianos (South of the Island), about 12 km from Downtown (Centro)—and it’s connected by multiple city bus lines plus an executive airport bus.

TLE note: If you’re building an itinerary, think of FLN as a “bonus stop” that can work on arrival day, departure day, or even on a rainy day.

Boulevard 14/32: the airport’s lifestyle strip

Right in front of the terminal you’ll find Boulevard 14/32—an indoor/outdoor plaza designed for leisure, shopping, and services, not just airport needs. The airport describes it as an ~11,000 m² space created to welcome both passengers and the wider city.

Food & drink highlights (Boulevard + terminal)

The official restaurant list changes over time, but the current mix typically includes everything from quick bites to sit-down options. A few examples you’ll often see on the Boulevard: Starbucks, Burger King, Wooden, Dino Restaurante, Rokkon, OAKBERRY, Vino!, A Casa do Bife, plus an Imperatriz (supermarket) for practical stops.

Local-style ways to use it

Arriving hungry? Grab a proper meal before you head to the beach or Airbnb check-in.
Leaving Floripa? Do a “last taste” stop (coffee + snack) without paying airside prices.

Shops + practical services (why it’s useful even for locals)

Boulevard 14/32 also concentrates helpful services—so it can genuinely function like a small urban center attached to the airport (not only a terminal building).

Good reasons to come without a flight

Picking up snacks/groceries (supermarket on the Boulevard)
Meeting someone arriving (lots of space, food options, easy “wait here” logic)
A simple rainy-day plan that doesn’t require a full city program

Events: what happens here

The Boulevard is positioned as a real event venue, and the airport publishes a public events calendar (markets, exhibitions, seasonal programming, etc.).

If you want to plan around a specific weekend, check the official calendar first: https://floripa-airport.com/eventos

The Panoramic Terrace: a free plane-spotting viewpoint

One of the most “only-in-Floripa” airport features is the Terraço Panorâmico — a free terrace with a view over the aircraft apron. The airport lists it at 600 m², with public visiting hours typically 10:00–18:00 daily (and occasional closures during private events).

Important practical note: there are entry rules (e.g., bags/backpacks may be restricted, with free lockers mentioned at the entrance).

Best time to go: late afternoon for softer light (and a more “hangout” vibe). https://floripa-airport.com/terraco-panoramico

Visitor-friendly extras: inclusion, families, and behind-the-scenes tours

Accessibility & neurodiversity support

Floripa Airport runs an inclusion program called “Aeroporto para Todos”, with measures designed to improve the experience for people with disabilities.

A concrete example: the airport’s FAQ describes access to a multisensory room in the domestic boarding area, intended for neurodivergent children and adolescents (access requested via check-in/boarding staff). https://floripa-airport.com/aeroporto-todos

Tours (yes—actual airport tours)

There’s also an official airport tour concept that includes the Boulevard and other behind-the-scenes areas (as described by the airport). https://floripa-airport.com/tour

Getting there (quick, real-world options)

By car: straightforward—FLN is in the South of the Island, Carianos.

By bus: multiple municipal lines serve the airport, including an executive airport bus that also serves the main bus station (Rita Maria) and passes central hotels (per the airport’s transport page).

Ride-hailing / taxi: the airport states it has contracted ride-hailing operations with signed pickup areas and a taxi stand (noting 10-minute curb rules for quick drop-offs).

Quick itineraries (choose your time window)

If you have 45–60 minutes

Coffee/snack on Boulevard 14/32
Quick supermarket stop (if you’re stocking an Airbnb)
Short terrace visit (if open)

If you have ~2 hours

Sit-down meal (Boulevard options)
Terrace + a slow walk through the boulevard shops
Check the events calendar—sometimes there’s an exhibition/market

If you have half a day (local-style)

Plan your visit around an event day
Combine with nearby South-of-the-Island stops
- Best Beaches in South Floripa

A quick note on “best airport” rankings

The airport has received national recognition in Brazil’s Aviação + Brasil program and passenger satisfaction reporting by the federal ministry—often ranking Florianópolis highly among major airports.

(For travelers, the practical takeaway is simple: it tends to feel cleaner, calmer, and more “designed” than many Brazilian terminals.)

FAQ

Do I need a boarding pass to visit the Boulevard 14/32? No—Boulevard 14/32 is outside the secure area and is designed as a public-facing space.

Is the terrace free? Yes, the airport describes public entry as free when it’s open for general visitation.

What’s the easiest public transport option from Centro? The airport lists multiple bus lines plus an executive airport bus that connects key central points.

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