The Ilha de Santa Catarina, aka Florianópolis, is known throughout Brazil for its miles and miles of gorgeous beaches, excellent seafood, and traditional Azorean fishing villages. Figuring out the names may be the only complicated part of a visit to this most laid-back of Brazilian beach destinations. Florianópolis, the city, is the capital of the state of Santa Catarina. Florianópolis is also located on the island of Santa Catarina. Island and city together are usually just referred to as Florianópolis, which people often then shorten to Floripa. Confused? Don't worry, it's the beaches that matter.

The word aka means: