September 7th holiday
September is approaching, and that urge to escape the routine is hitting hard? If you haven't yet decided where to spend the Independence Day long weekend, let us give you a little push: the hot springs in Santo Amaro da Imperatriz Without exaggeration, these are one of the most charming and invigorating activities you can do just minutes from Florianópolis. September in Greater Florianópolis still carries that pleasant chill of the end of winter, with cool nights and mild days — perfect conditions to dive into water that springs from the mountains at almost 40°C and emerge with your body (and spirit) completely renewed.
Santo Amaro da Imperatriz isn't known as the "Santa Catarina capital of thermal waters" for nothing. The city literally grew up around these springs, and even today they remain the number one reason why so many people cross the mountain range to visit the municipality. In this post, we've put together a complete itinerary designed especially for those who want to enjoy the September 7th holiday without falling into the classic trap of arriving in the city and not knowing where to start. Come along with us.
Why do hot springs go so well with the September holidays?
September is that transitional month: summer is still far away, but the winter chill is also on its way out. It's precisely in this mild climate that a thermal bath makes the most sense — warm enough to heat the body, but without that summer heat that makes you not want to get into warm water. Furthermore, being a long weekend, there's time to organize a full day of well-being, without rushing, combining relaxation, history, and mountain scenery in a single outing.
And there's another detail that few people know: the fame of the thermal waters of Santo Amaro da Imperatriz is not a recent fad. It spans generations — and even the Brazilian imperial family passed through here.
The story behind the water that “healed” an empire.
Legend has it—proven by historical records—that in the 19th century, around 300 soldiers considered disabled recovered in less than a month after bathing in the region's hot springs. The rumor reached the ears of Emperor Dom Pedro II, who decided to personally verify the healing power of the waters. He came here accompanied by Empress Teresa Cristina, and the couple stayed at what is now the iconic [location name missing]. Hotel Caldas da Imperatriz.
The curious thing is that, shortly after their stay and bathing in the region, came the announcement of Teresa Cristina's pregnancy—a couple who until then had faced difficulties having children. This episode further reinforced the fame of the thermal waters, and the name "Caldas da Imperatriz" (Empress's Hot Springs) was born precisely in homage to the empress, who became the patron of the old Caldas do Cubatão Hospital. In other words: when you immerse yourself in these waters today, you are repeating a ritual that has already moved an entire empire. It's hard to find a holiday program with such a cool story behind it, isn't it?
Where to take a thermal bath in Santo Amaro da Imperatriz
Now that you know the origin of all this, let's get to the practical part: where to actually go to enjoy the thermal waters during the long weekend. The city concentrates the main structures in the region of Caldas da Imperatriz, Each one has a different feel—it's worth choosing according to the type of experience you're looking for.
Bathhouse of the Caldas da Imperatriz Hotel
This is the most traditional place and one of the favorites for those visiting the city for the first time. Bathroom It is located next to the historic Hotel Caldas da Imperatriz It features 14 carefully designed bathtubs, some with hydromassage, all supplied directly from the thermal spring at a temperature of 39.8°C. The bath lasts 20 minutes — a time designed precisely to enhance the revitalizing effects of the water without overloading the body.
The facility is open every day of the week, from 8 am to 7 pm, which makes it very convenient for those who have the holiday off and want to fit in a swim at any time of day. The recommendation from those who have already been is: arrive a little early, especially on long weekends, because demand tends to increase significantly on those dates.
Plaza Caldas da Imperatriz Resort & Spa
If your holiday calls for a more complete program, a true spa day, the Plaza Caldas da Imperatriz It's the perfect choice. There, the experience goes beyond just bathing: the resort offers a Day Spa with anti-stress, holistic, or detox options, designed for those who want to dedicate the entire day to self-care. The program combines thermal baths with herbs and essential oils — a truly sensory experience — and also includes lunch at the hotel restaurant.
The unique aspect here is precisely the combination of the therapeutic benefits of thermal water from the Serra do Tabuleiro mountain range with modern aesthetic and wellness treatments. It's the perfect type of program for those traveling as a couple or with friends who want to return home truly refreshed, without any worries for the day.
Caldas da Imperatriz Water Park
If the idea is to bring the whole family, including the kids, then... Caldas da Imperatriz Water Park This is the most suitable program. The facility features a thermal water pool (in adult and children's versions), natural pools, barbecue area, party room available for rent, changing rooms, bathrooms, mini playground, parking, and a kiosk for snacks and drinks.
Here, the atmosphere is one of family leisure, with space to spend the whole day, have a barbecue, and enjoy the thermal water in a pool-like setting, which is more relaxed and less like a "spa ritual." Perfect for those traveling with children and wanting to guarantee entertainment for the entire day.
Tips from someone who lives here to enjoy the long weekend without stress.
Before packing your bags, we've put together some practical tips that make all the difference when enjoying the thermal waters of Santo Amaro da Imperatriz during a long weekend:
- Arrive early: Holidays like September 7th usually attract a lot of people to the Caldas region. Arriving in the early hours of the day ensures more peace and quiet and avoids waiting lines.
- Check the updated schedules and prices: Each venue has its own operating structure and reservation policy, so it's worth confirming directly with each establishment before leaving home, especially on peak dates.
- Bring swimwear and a change of comfortable clothes. It seems obvious, but many people forget — and after a hot shower, it's ideal to have a dry outfit to wear, since the September weather can still surprise you with a cooler breeze.
- Plan your day in blocks: Since you'll be in the area, you can combine a morning thermal bath with a relaxed lunch and, in the afternoon, a more leisurely stroll nearby, without having to rush against the clock.
And after the bath? Other activities to complete the itinerary.
Since the focus of this post is to help you plan your holiday around the hot springs, here's a quick bonus: Santo Amaro da Imperatriz also has hiking trails in the Atlantic Forest., tree climbing, Zip-lining and rappelling are available for those who want a more extreme alternative to the itinerary, in addition to Beira-Rio, a tranquil space on the banks of the river. Cubatão River, It's great for a light walk before or after a thermal bath. But that's a topic for another post—here, the idea was to talk about hot water, relaxation, and history.
Is it worth going on the September 7th holiday?
Without a doubt. Besides the mild September weather being perfect for this type of experience, the long weekend provides the ideal time to enjoy without rushing — whether it's a quick 20-minute bath at the Bathhouse, a full day at the Plaza Caldas da Imperatriz spa, or an afternoon with the family at the Water Park. The thermal waters in Santo Amaro da Imperatriz carry more than a century of history, recognized therapeutic properties, and, as a bonus, are a super accessible distance from Florianópolis.
If you're planning your long weekend and want to combine wellness, mountain nature, and a good dose of Brazilian imperial history, you know where to go: Santo Amaro da Imperatriz — and its thermal waters — are waiting for you. Have a great trip!
