Brazil’s Florianopolis Island
Florianopolis, the capital city of the Brazilian state of Santa Catarina, lies mainly on the beautiful island of Santa Catarina, which is itself widely referred to as Florianopolis.
This exciting destination has the highest standard of living of any in Brazil, and the inhabitants know how to enjoy themselves.
The island is famous for its long stretches of sugar-soft sandy beaches, outstanding seafood and traditional Azorean hospitality. The tropical climate, exotic landscapes and incredibly relaxed lifestyle make the island a common favourite with holidaying Brazilians, but it is also becoming more and more popular with international tourists.
Most of the population lives on the north end of the land mass. Although originally settled by the Portuguese who came from the Azores, the city has strong German and Italian influences.
In the high season, from December to February, the population of the city trebles and the beaches closest to the city centre, Canasvieiras, Jurure and Praia dos Ingleses, are packed with tanning bodies. But there are plenty more not far away.
To the east the lush green hills give way to the wide, sandy beaches of Galheta, Mole and Joaquina. Here the big, exciting waves attract surfers looking for that perfect ride. In the south-east of the island looking out into the Atlantic are the rugged, deserted beaches of Campeche, Armacao, Lagoinha do Leste and Naufragios, which can only be reached by walking track.
Ribeirao da Ilha, on the west side of the island, bears testament to Azorean immigration. The wonderfully kept Azorean and Portuguese fishing villages boast colourful architecture and friendly inhabitants. The historic centre, in Frequesia, has an attractive plaza with the Igreja Nossa Senhora, da Lapa do Ribeirao church, and an interesting cultural Museum. The area is accessible only via a narrow, winding and picturesque seaside track offering stunning views of Baia Sul and the lush hills of the mainland across the bay.
The Lagoa da Conceicao is a famous natural attraction in the centre of the island. The large lagoon is partially bordered by sand dunes and its shallow waters and high winds make it perfect for wind-surfing. Here are also some of the best fooderies and nightlife on the island.
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Sphere: Related ContentThe Island of Zitny Ostrov - Slovakia
Extending from Bratislava to Korman in southwestern Slovakia, Zitny Ostrov (Rye Island) is Europe’s largest river island. It is so large that most visitors are not aware of being on one. It lies between the Danube, and its slower running tributary the Little Danube, in the Danubian Plain.
Several rivers flow across it and the dark alluvial soil deposits make it the most fertile land in Slovakia. The island also contains central Europe’s largest storage of high quality potable water and it has the warmest and least humid weather in Slovakia.
A beautiful area of marshes, natural and man-made lakes and rich farmland, the south has been deemed a Protected Landscape. The calm waters of the Little Danube provide excellent recreational boating through the alluvial forests. While on the water, the controversial hydroelectric dam at Gabcikovo may also be visited.
Zitny Ostrov has two main towns, both of which have deep Hungarian influences. DunajskA Streda has a majority Hungarian population, though the only reminder of a significant Jewish minority is a 1991 memorial. There is also signs of Bronze Age settlement here.
In the late 1990s the town centre was rebuilt with distinctive white buildings capped by towers and elaborate tiled roofs. A large thermal park offers year-round bathing in naturally heated water.
Komarno, Slovakia’s principal port, is located on the Hungarian border — a bridge leads into Hungarian Komarom, which used to be part of Komarno. Here two thirds of the population speak Hungarian and the street signs are bi-lingual.
Europe Place is a large shopping and tourist centre built in a variety of European architectural forms. A native son of Komamo, Franz Lehar, is honoured with a biennial music festival, whilst the annual Komarno Days Festival celebrates Slovak and Hungarian culture.
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