Florianopolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil

Santa Catarina is especially known for its IT-technology, world class surfing spots and good seafood, and is a favoured destination for Brazilians and Argentinians on holiday, which should make it easy to rent the houses in (and out of) the season. 
Florianopolis, the main city on the island and also the city capital of Santa Catarina State, has continously been ranked by the UN as the city with the highest quality of life in all of Brazil. It has a population of approximately 427.000 and is connected to the mainland by bridge, while the Hercilio Luz International Airport, situated 15 minutes from downtown Florianopolis, offers flights to all major cities in Brasil as well as seasonal flights to Argentina, Uruguay and Chile.

The island is easy to get around, even if you don’t own or rent a car, as taxis are readily available and busses are frequent and reach the farthest corners of the island. From the Rita Maria bus terminal in central Florianopolis, you can also reach Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay and Chile.
Even though Santa Catarina is only 424 km2, the island offers a wide range of entertainment and culture; from the big city feel of Florianopolis or the easy, laid back atmosphere (and night life) of Lagoa de Conceicão and the many prime surf spots on the east coast, to the more up scale towns on the northern coast or the beautiful countryside and quiet pace of the south.

The island’s nature is extremely rich and varied; Atlantic rain forrest, mangrove swamps, endless beaches, dunes, lagoons, creeks and cliffs are home to an abundance of wildlife; from whales to hummingbirds with otters, monkeys, gekkos, dolphins, anteaters, lizards, sea turtles and endless species of birds in between.