Hostel Spotlight: Hostel Do Morro – Florianópolis

I had not intended to write about individual hostels in any shape or form but Hostel do Morro was so exceptional it may have started a new theme within this blog. To be clear, the Hostel is not overly decadent or luxurious, having the standard amenities such as a shared kitchen  and shared bathroom (But there’s a Kettle!!!) . It is, however, the epitome of getting back to nature and finding peace within the frenetic lifestyle that backpacking can sometimes become.

On the east side of Florianopolis in Barra Da Lagoa, this treehouse hostel sits a short jaunt across a bridge and part way up a modest hill. Laden with our 40 kilos of gear, This slippery moss covered climb was not the best first impression. Barra Da Lagoa is renowned for having some of the best beaches, but not being too much of a party area and we’d picked this hostel specifically because of this, the beautiful views and because who doesn’t want to stay in a treehouse? After my third misstep of the climb and the ensuing panic whilst I regained stability, I was starting to become concerned with our decision and also not entirely sure this was the right direction. Despite taking 20 minutes to ascend the 100 metre path, we arrived in one piece with our pride still vaguely intact whereupon we were greeted by the owner, Berto, and his 2 adorable doggos.

He showed us round and it quickly became clear we’d made the right choice. Despite not speaking any English, Berto was incredibly warm and accommodating and the location was everything we imagined and more. We were introduced to Mia who was working at the hostel for the summer and was extremely helpful and friendly for our entire stay.

Each morning, sleepy eyed, we walked out onto the sun-dappled balconies to see the hummingbirds as the Marmoset monkeys ran down their branches to greet us, to the sounds of waves on nearby beaches.

Heading back down the hill, and within 2 minutes you can be burying your toes in the sand while the surf laps at your ankles, including on a lesser known and more secluded beach that the hostel has direct access to.

In town, you have your pick of restaurants but I would strongly recommend Recantihno if you like seafood. Huge portions of delicious shrimp and crab stew that they were gracious enough to box up for us for later when we couldn’t finish it all. We also ate at the bakery, Padaria e Confeitaria Doce Gula pretty much every day and I regret nothing. From Coxihnas to Doghinos, you could try a new thing every day and there would still be something left to try.

You can’t go wrong with your choice of hikes or beaches around the island in terms of the views but I would recommend caution when approaching the hike to Praia da Galheta as some of the ascent is very steep and requires some minor climbing up rungs.

In the evenings, there are some bars in town but they don’t stay open late. Back at the hostel, light music plays in the main room with some guests gathering on one of the balconies, chatting or playing guitar, while others sit in hammocks watching the sun go down. All noise stops at 11pm and you’re left with the sound of the waves.

There’s very little more my words can add to show the serenity of this place so hopefully the abundance of pictures crammed into this post will do it some justice.