Top 6 Lakes around Santa Catarina
Best lakes around Santa Catarina, a state in Southern Brazil, offers diverse landscapes and a captivating coastline. The region features numerous lakes that provide a range of activities and natural attractions, blending with Atlantic Rainforest ecosystems, dunes, and hills. These bodies of water are integral to the state's natural beauty, offering varied environments from vibrant urban-adjacent lagoons to serene natural reserves. Santa Catarina's lakes are appreciated for their natural beauty and recreational opportunities.
Best lakes around Santa Catarina
- The most…
Last updated: May 22, 2026
Gulbenkian Garden
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Lake of Parque da Paz
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Amália Rodrigues Garden Lake
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Pond and statue outside Estufa Fria
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Montes Claros Garden
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The pond with the statue in front of the Estufa Fria is a tranquil, green spot in the heart of Parque Eduardo VII. Surrounded by water, plants, and the figure in the pool, you can take a breather and forget the city for a moment. It's ideal for a short break or a photo before continuing your exploration of the park or heading down into the city center.
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The Gulbenkian Garden, located in the center of Lisbon next to the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, is one of the most emblematic green spaces of modern Portuguese urbanism. It was designed in the 1960s by landscape architects Gonçalo Ribeiro Telles and António Viana Barreto and inaugurated in 1969.
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The Gulbenkian Garden is an oasis of nature and peacefulness in the city of Lisbon, the perfect place to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. The garden's history goes back several centuries: it began as a recreational farm (in the 18th century), became Santa Gertrudes Park (in the 19th century) and, years later, became Lisbon's first Zoo. In the 20th century, the Zoo became a local fair, and later the venue was acquired by the Gulbenkian Foundation. Thus, was born the Gulbenkian Garden, a project by landscape architects António Viana Barreto and Gonçalo Ribeiro Telles.
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The largest urban park in the municipality of Almada (50 hectares), with an extensive network of paths; a lake that is a natural habitat for diverse fauna; ponds; a vast wooded area interspersed with clearings; a Biodiversity Station trail; public toilets; a kiosk; bicycle parking; and an electric vehicle charging station. Surrounded by the urban fabric of the city of Almada, the Parque da Paz is a leisure space that appeals to the stillness of the senses.
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This is a wonderful place to linger and unwind
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The Jardim Amália Rodrigues is a pleasant park located just north of Parque Eduardo VII and the Estufa Fria. It opened in 1996. The garden, which consists of a grassy hillock and a lake, was named in 2000 after the famous fado singer, Amália Rodrigues (1920-1999). The area is one of the highest points in the city and has excellent views
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Beautiful little garden with shady benches, green meadows and ducks in the centrally landscaped body of water!
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of lakes can I find in Santa Catarina?
Santa Catarina features a diverse range of lakes, including large freshwater lagoons like Lagoa do Sombrio, coastal lagoons connected to the sea such as Lagoa da Conceição, and serene freshwater reserves like Lagoa do Peri. These varied ecosystems offer different experiences, from vibrant water sports hubs to tranquil natural retreats.
What makes Lagoa da Conceição a popular destination?
Lagoa da Conceição is a vibrant hub known for its blend of nature and lively urban atmosphere. It's ideal for water sports like windsurfing, kitesurfing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. Beyond the water, you can explore Atlantic Rainforest hiking trails, paraglide, or sandboard on the dunes. The area also boasts a rich cultural scene with hotels, cafés, bars, and restaurants. You can learn more about its features on Wikipedia.
What unique natural features can I explore at Lagoa do Peri?
Lagoa do Peri is the largest freshwater lagoon entirely on the coast of Santa Catarina, recognized as a biological reserve. It's home to preserved Atlantic Forest and diverse fauna, including otters, capuchin monkeys, and endangered birds like the Blue Jackdaw. Visitors can spot colorful birds, metal-blue butterflies, and sometimes small apes and toucans. Numerous forest trails lead to waterfalls and old colonial mills, offering ecological walks.
What activities are available at Lagoa do Sombrio?
Lagoa do Sombrio, the largest freshwater lagoon in the state, is a tranquil spot perfect for nature immersion and aquatic sports. It's a promising location for artisanal fishing, boat tours, and kayaking. You can also enjoy panoramic views of the lagoon and parts of the Santa Catarina coastline from viewpoints like the Mirante da Lagoa do Sombrio, or have picnics in the surrounding native vegetation.
Is Lagoa da Capivara suitable for a quiet visit?
Yes, Lagoa da Capivara in Garopaba is known for its serene environment and native vegetation, making it a peaceful place for relaxation. It's a popular spot for photography, birdwatching, enjoying calm natural surroundings, and experiencing beautiful sunsets.
What water sports are popular on Santa Catarina's lakes?
Many lakes in Santa Catarina offer excellent conditions for water sports. Lagoa da Conceição is particularly popular for windsurfing, kitesurfing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. Lagoa do Peri also allows for boating, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and pedal boating in its calm, clean freshwater.
Are there opportunities for hiking around the lakes in Santa Catarina?
Yes, Santa Catarina offers various hiking opportunities near its lakes. For instance, Lagoa da Conceição has trails through the surrounding Atlantic Rainforest, and Lagoa do Peri features numerous forest trails leading to waterfalls and old colonial mills, such as the Gurita Trail. You can find more hiking options in the region by exploring the Hiking around Santa Catarina guide.
Can I go cycling near the lakes in Santa Catarina?
Yes, the region around Santa Catarina's lakes provides opportunities for cycling. You can explore various routes that offer scenic views and connect different natural areas. For detailed cycling routes, refer to the Road Cycling Routes around Santa Catarina guide.
Are there family-friendly lakes in Santa Catarina?
Absolutely. Lagoa da Conceição is known for its shallow, calm, and often warm waters, making it suitable for families and children. Lagoa do Peri also offers calm, clean freshwater ideal for swimming and activities like pedal boating, with barbecue facilities and restaurants available for a complete family day out.
What is the best time to visit the lakes in Santa Catarina?
The lakes in Santa Catarina can be enjoyed year-round, but the summer months (December to March) offer warm waters, particularly at Lagoa da Conceição where temperatures average 27°C, making it ideal for swimming and water sports. The pleasant weather during this period also supports hiking and outdoor activities.
Where can I find amenities like cafes and accommodation near the lakes?
Lagoa da Conceição is particularly well-equipped with amenities, featuring a developed infrastructure including hotels, charming pousadas, cozy cafés, bars, nightclubs, and restaurants. Lagoa do Peri also offers restaurants and barbecue facilities within its park area, enhancing the visitor experience.
Are there viewpoints to enjoy panoramic scenery of the lakes?
Yes, several lakes offer stunning panoramic views. At Lagoa da Conceição, the Morro de Lagoa lookout provides breathtaking vistas of the lagoon, beaches, dunes, and hills. Lagoa do Sombrio also has viewpoints, such as the Mirante da Lagoa do Sombrio, from which you can see the expansive lagoon and even parts of the Santa Catarina coastline on clear days.
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