- Laguna was the capital of the short-lived Juliana Republic in 1839 during the Ragamuffin War.
- It is one of the few places in the world where local fishermen practice cooperative fishing with wild bottlenose dolphins to herd schools of mullet into their nets.
- The city's historic center contains over 600 colonial-era buildings listed as national heritage sites.
- It holds the record for the most historic sites in the state of Santa Catarina, reflecting its former status as the southernmost port of the Portuguese Empire in Brazil.
About Laguna, Santa Catarina
Laguna is a historic coastal city in Santa Catarina, recognized as the birthplace of the revolutionary Anita Garibaldi and a key site in the Ragamuffin War. Its geography is defined by a deep-water inlet connecting the Atlantic Ocean to the Lagoa de Santo Antônio, which is flanked by the long jetty of Molhes da Praia da Barra. Visitors explore the colonial center where the Museu Histórico Anita Garibaldi occupies a 1747 town hall building. The skyline is dominated by the Paróquia Santo Antônio dos Anjos, while coastal recreation centers around the busy urban sands of Mar Grosso. Panoramic perspectives of the city's unique water-locked landscape are best viewed from the heights of Mirante Morro da Glória.
Highlights of Laguna, Santa Catarina
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Places of interest
Walk the massive stone jetties that extend into the Atlantic to watch for dolphins and active sea traffic.
Places of interest
Reach the summit for an expansive view of the city's unique interface between the lagoon, the ocean, and the historic urban core.
Museums
Explore the 18th-century structure that housed the proclamation of the Juliana Republic and honors the life of Anita Garibaldi.
Temples
View the ornate interior of this 17th-century church, which serves as a central landmark for local religious architecture.
Beaches and ponds
Experience the primary hub for swimming, surfing, and social activity located right in the heart of the city.
Top things to do in Laguna, Santa Catarina
The 24 highest-rated places in Laguna, Santa Catarina, ranked by travellers.
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Beaches and ponds
Praia do Rosa is a crescent-shaped bay in Imbituba, Santa Catarina, known for its high-performance surfing conditions an...
2
Beaches and ponds
Praia da Vila is a premier surfing destination in Imbituba, Santa Catarina, internationally recognized for hosting World...
3
Beaches and ponds
Praia do Ouvidor is a secluded, rugged beach located between Praia da Ferrugem and Praia do Rosa in the municipality of...
4
Places of interest
The Molhes da Praia da Barra are two massive stone jetties extending 1.8 kilometers into the Atlantic Ocean, designed to...
5
Beaches and ponds
Praia da Ferrugem is located in Garopaba, Santa Catarina, and is characterized by a distinct division between its northe...
6
Beaches and ponds
Praia da Ferrugem is defined by its distinct separation into two distinct swimming zones: a tranquil, family-friendly po...
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Parks
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Beaches and ponds
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Museums
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Temples
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Beaches and ponds
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Venues
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Beaches and ponds
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Beaches and ponds
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Beaches and ponds
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Beaches and ponds
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Beaches and ponds
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Places of interest
Around Laguna, Santa Catarina
Worth the short trip out of the city.
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Laguna, Santa Catarina on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Laguna, Santa Catarina
December to March, when the summer weather allows for full enjoyment of the beaches, though late autumn offers whale watching opportunities along the coast.
2-3 days to explore the historic center, visit coastal viewpoints, and experience the local waterfront culture.
The historic center is walkable, but renting a car is necessary to visit the beaches, the jetties, and the various surrounding viewpoints efficiently.
Stay in Mar Grosso for direct access to the beach and tourist infrastructure, or in the Historic Center for proximity to cultural landmarks.
Mid-range; accommodation and dining costs are generally accessible, peaking significantly during the summer season and local festivals.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 24 curated attractions in and around Laguna, Santa Catarina, ranked by traveller ratings.
Praia do Rosa is the highest-rated place to visit in Laguna, Santa Catarina right now.
The largest category is beaches and ponds, with 13 places to explore.
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