Windswept, wild, and wondrous, this remote British Overseas Territory offers travellers an experience unlike any other – where nature reigns, wildlife outnumbers people and the landscapes stretch unbroken to the horizon.
Sitting in the remote reaches of the South Atlantic, the Falkland Islands remain one of the planet’s last great untapped destinations. They consist of 740 islands with 3,500 permanent residents mainly in East Falkland and West Falkland.
seeking solitude
Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, a history buff or simply seeking solitude, the Falklands promise adventure and tranquillity in equal measure. Activities include hiking and kayaking, but simply getting around can be an adventure.
Outside the capital, roads disappear in vast tussock grasslands and sphagnum bogs so 4×4 vehicles are the norm. Small aircraft connect Stanley with remote settlements and outlying islands.
It’s easier to get there than you might think: RAF flights are twice weekly from Brize Norton, with a stop in Ascension, or there’s a weekly LATAM from Santaigo, Chile.
local fauna
With over 230 bird species and 14 marine mammal species, the islands are a haven for nature lovers.
Encounter some of the world’s healthiest penguin colonies, often numbering in the tens of thousands.
Spot elephant seals, whales and dolphins from the shore. Soaring above, with a wingspan of 2.5 metres, is the Black Browed Albatross, a wildlife treasure, rarely seen outside the islands.
The Falkland Islanders –or Kelpers as they’re colloquially known – are a resilient and welcoming people. English is the official language, cars drive on the left and everything stops for tea.
stanley sights
Home to the majority of the population, Stanley’s colourful tin-roofed houses line the waterfront. Sites include the Dockyard Museum, Anglican cathedral and the whalebone arch. The Falklands Museum in Stanley offers an excellent overview of the 1980s British-Argentinian conflict. Key sites and battlefields include Goose Green, Stanley and Tumbledown.
Accommodation ranges from small hotels in Stanley to family lodges in the countryside. There are no chains or large resorts, an essential part of the islands’ charm. October to March is considered the best time for travellers. Summers (December to February) average around 13°C highs, while winters are chilly but rarely freezing.
