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Santa Cruz Way - the trail between Praia do Forte and Praia da Daniela

Mirante natural para a Praia da Daniela do alto do Morro do Forte

The Santa Cruz Way (Way of the Holy Cross) is a circular trail between Daniela and Forte beaches, north of Santa Catarina Island. It is the union of two traditional trails: the Forte Trail (Way of the Fortress), which leads from Daniela to the Fortress of São José da Ponta Grossa along the beach, and the Caminho da Cruz (Way of the Holy Cross), which connects the two beaches at the top of Hill.


The route

Mapa com traçado do Caminho de Santa Cruz

There are several places where you can start this walk, but we usually choose to leave the car at Forte beach and follow the coastline to Daniela, before tackling the ascent to the Forte Hill. The total route is 4 km, taking us from sea level to an altitude of 100 metres. It is a walk that can be completed at a leisurely pace in between 3 and 3½ hours.

Altimetria do Caminho da Santa Cruz

Landscapes and Viewpoints

It is a trail through beautiful scenery, but two points in particular stand out as natural viewpoints, with a special view on one side of Jurerê Beach and on the other of Daniela Beach and the islands of Anhatomirim and Ratones.


Nature

Another attraction is the region's fauna. Children are delighted when they can observe blue jays, red-headed vultures and hawks up close. In addition to these, the region is a route for migratory birds, which can be spotted at certain times of the year. A real spectacle for those who enjoy observing nature!



Pinus no Morro do Forte

The flora also stands out on this trail, especially the large number of mushrooms. While enchanting, observing the flora also invites reflection, as this is an area with a large number of pine trees, an invasive exotic species here. Despite their imposing appearance, they alter the soil and hinder the regeneration of the native Atlantic Forest, which is why they are considered an environmental problem.


Historical significance

Another highlight of this trail is its connection to the history of Florianópolis, because it is possible to see the three fortresses that form part of the defensive triangle of Santa Catarina Island, planned by Brigadier José da Silva Paes in the 18th century:

  • Fortress of Santa Cruz on Anhatomirim Island, 1739

  • Fortress of Santo Antônio on Ratones Island, 1740

  • Fortress of São José da Ponta Grossa on Santa Catarina Island, 1740.

The purpose of the triangle was to block access to the northern bay and, consequently, to the central region of the island. The fortresses were made of stone and lime, with the lime coming from oyster and mussel shells transformed into lime kilns in the city. They differ from other fortresses built in the 18th century in that they took advantage of the slopes of the terrain to construct the walls and buildings.

Fortaleza de São José da Ponta Grossa em imagem aérea

Despite their beautiful design, these fortresses were unable to prevent the Spanish invasion of 1777, because they were supposed to be part of a defence project that included other elements and not the fortresses as the sole responsibility for defending the island.

During the invasion of 1777, a huge Spanish fleet arrived on the island and landed on Canasvieiras beach, proceeding by land to the Fortress of São José da Ponta Grossa, which was taken without firing a single shot. For about a year, Florianópolis was controlled by the Spanish.

Extra curiosity about Anhatomirim: The Fortress of Santa Cruz has had several functions throughout history. In addition to being part of the defence triangle of Santa Catarina Island, it has been used as a prison at different times, including during the Federalist Revolution (1893). It was also used as a place of isolation during epidemics, such as smallpox and yellow fever. Its location on an island facilitated sanitary control of the region.


Fortress of São José da Ponta Grossa

Towards the end of the walk, you can visit the Fortress of São José da Ponta Grossa and learn more about its history, as well as enjoy another beautiful view of this lovely city.

Grupo visitando a Fortaleza de São José da Ponta Grossa

Admission costs R$ 16.00, with half-price tickets for students and children aged 6 to 12.

  • Children under 6 and adults over 60 are admitted free of charge.

  • During the low season, admission is free for all visitors on the last Sunday of the month.

  • Until 24 November 2025, the fortress is closed on Mondays.

The fortress a major renovation, completed in 2022, which included some important aspects of accessibility, improvement of spaces and construction of bathrooms. However, it fell into ruin until reconstruction work began in the 1970s.

Historical curiosity: The Fortress of São José da Ponta Grossa, along with the other two in the famous defence triangle of Santa Catarina Island, were listed as historical heritage sites by IPHAN (Brazilian National Historical Heritage Institute)and are now managed by UFSC (Santa Catarina Federal University), which promotes visits and cultural activities at the site.


Why Way of the Cross?

Cruz que dá nome ao Caminho da Santa Cruz, no Morro do Forte

Near the end of the walk, just before reaching the fortress, we pass the cross that gives the trail its name.

It dates back to the colonial era and there are several others scattered around the island. Franklin Cascaes, a researcher of Azorean culture on the island, recorded 36 of them. The crosses served to ‘ward off the evils of the night’ and protect people from witches and other fantastical beings.

They vary slightly, but their main features include details reminiscent of the Passion of Christ: nails, hammers, ladders and spears.


Who is this trail for?

Santa Cruz Way is ideal for those looking for a less difficult activity. Although there is an uphill section, it is short, and the rest of the trail is on flatter terrain. It is a great option for:

  • Families with children;

  • Seniors;

  • School groups;

  • Those looking for a short and easy trail in Florianópolis.


Grupo de estudantes no Caminho da Santa Cruz

In addition, its route allows you to start and finish at different points and even shorten the walk, if the participant so wishes or needs.





A meeting between history and nature

The Way of the Holy Cross is more than just a trail. It is an invitation to walk among beaches, viewpoints and forests, experiencing nature, learning about history and connecting with the Azorean culture of the island.


If you would like to hire a guide to tell you all about this history and show you this beautiful trail in detail, call us and book your date.


 
 
 

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