Santa Catarina Island facts for kids
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Native name:
Ilha de Santa Catarina
Nickname: Ilha da Magia
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 Santa Catarina Island
Location in Brazil
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| Geography | |
| Coordinates | 27°36′S 48°30′W / 27.600°S 48.500°W |
| Area | 424.4 km2 (163.9 sq mi) |
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Brazil
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| State | Santa Catarina |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 421,203 (2010) |
| Pop. density | 602.29 /km2 (1,559.92 /sq mi) |
Santa Catarina Island (Portuguese: Ilha de Santa Catarina) is a beautiful island in the Brazilian state of Santa Catarina. It is located just off the southern coast of Brazil. This island is special because it is home to Florianópolis, which is the capital city of the state.
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Exploring Santa Catarina Island
Santa Catarina Island is quite large! It stretches about 54 kilometers (33 miles) from north to south. At its widest point, in the north, it is about 18 kilometers (11 miles) across. The total area of the island is 424.4 square kilometers (163.9 square miles).
Island Group and Neighbors
This island is the biggest in a group of more than 30 islands. Most of these islands are part of the Florianópolis area. Some other islands nearby belong to different cities. These include Anhatomirim Island, Cabras Island, Arvoredo Island, Deserta Island, and Galés Island.
Connecting to the Mainland
Santa Catarina Island is connected to the mainland by three main bridges. The Hercílio Luz Bridge is a famous landmark. It was closed for many years but reopened in December 2019. The other two bridges are the Colombo Salles Bridge and the Pedro Ivo Campos Bridge. These bridges cross a narrow channel that is about 500 meters wide and 28 meters deep. This channel separates the island from the mainland.
Cities and Neighborhoods
A big part of the city of Florianópolis is located on Santa Catarina Island. The main downtown area is on the west side of the island. Many other neighborhoods and districts are spread all over the island.
Island Communities
- Central Areas: The downtown area of Florianópolis is in the middle-west part of the island.
- University Area: The neighborhood of Trindade is home to the Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC). This is a big university.
- Northern Beaches: In the north, you can find popular communities like Ingleses, Canasvieiras, and Jurerê. There are also quieter areas like Vargem Grande and Vargem Pequena.
- Northwest Coast: Along the northwest coast are neighborhoods such as Santo Antônio de Lisboa, Cacupé, and Sambaqui.
- Southern Charm: The southern part of the island has places like Pântano do Sul and Ribeirão da Ilha. These areas often have a more traditional feel.
- Eastern Shores: On the east side, you'll find communities like Barra da Lagoa, Lagoa da Conceição, and Campeche. These are known for their beautiful beaches and lagoons.
Protecting Nature
Santa Catarina Island has several special areas set aside to protect its natural environment.
Ecological Stations and Reserves
- Carijós Ecological Station: This area was created in 1987. It covers about 7.59 square kilometers (2.93 square miles) and protects important mangrove forests on the island. Mangroves are special trees that grow in salty water.
- Pirajubaé Marine Extractive Reserve: Located in the south bay, this reserve helps protect people who traditionally gather seafood like shellfish from the bay's sandbanks. It ensures they can continue their way of life.
State Parks
- Serra do Tabuleiro State Park: The very tip of the island is part of this large protected area, which covers 84,130 hectares (207,900 acres). It was created in 1975 to preserve the natural landscape.
- Rio Vermelho State Park: This park, created in 2007, is in the northeast of the island. It covers 1,532 hectares (3,790 acres) and helps protect the local plants and animals.
Fun Things to Do
Santa Catarina Island is a great place for visitors! There are many exciting things to see and do.
- National Parks: You can visit places like Joaquim National Park.
- Scenic Views: The Serra do Rio do Rastro offers amazing views, though it's on the mainland nearby.
- Surfing: If you love surfing, Joaquina beach is a very popular spot.
- Hiking and Nature: Explore the beautiful Lagoinha do Leste, which is a great place for hiking and enjoying nature.
- City Life: Of course, you can also explore Florianópolis city itself, with its historic areas, markets, and lively atmosphere.
See also
In Spanish: Isla Santa Catarina para niños
