Positive Hostel

Perched on the coast in southern Brazil, Balneário Camboriú is known as a prime spot for beach lovers. There are nine beaches in total, ranging from the calm waters of the Praia do Canto, with sweeping views of the city, to the bustling 7km Central Beach. Here, you can easily step from the sand to the lively Avenida Atlântica, where bars, restaurants and clubs rub shoulders with towering skyscrapers.

Many Balneário Camboriú hostels have a modern feel, with free Wi-Fi and refreshing air con in every room. Some have large indoor and outdoor communal areas, with games consoles and comfy chairs where you can relax with other travellers. For a place to unwind in the evening, choose a Balneário Camboriú hostel with a friendly bar and terrace (complete with a karaoke machine) or have some downtime in your comfy bunk. For a true taste of the Balneário Camboriú lifestyle, choose a hostel that's only a short wander to the sea.

While the shore and buzzing Avenida Atlântica are lined with towering hotels and offices, you only need to walk a few streets inland to find quieter and quirkier neighbourhoods. The Nações area has a local feel; its residential streets are dotted with shops and churches, and it's backed by a lush hillside where the Cristo Luz statue stands. To stay close to the heart of the city, try Praia das Taquaras; from here you can easily stroll to the promenade or one of Balneário Camboriú's mega nightclubs.

When you're not topping up your tan on Praia das Laranjeiras or learning how to paddle board, there are plenty of other activities to try in Balneário Camboriú. For an unbeatable view of the city, take the teleférico from the Barra Sul pier up into Parque Unipraias: a six-hectare hillside nature reserve with hiking trails and a 750 metre-high zip line. Balneário Camboriú is also home to the biggest theme park in Latin America: Beto Carrero World.

The closest airport to Balneário Camboriú is in the nearby city of Navegantes, which is about 16km away. From there, getting to Balneário Camboriú takes about 30 minutes in a taxi or an hour on a Lufer Viagem shuttle bus. If you fly into Florianópolis, the travel time is about double (an hour in a taxi, or one hour 30 mins on a Catarinense bus). Once in the downtown area, you can then use the city's Bondindinho bus service to get around.