The Falkland Islands are magnificent. The archipelago consists of many islands, and their number reaches 200 in an area of 12,000 km2. The most famous islands are East and West Falkland, two main islands about 480 km away from Argentina. These islands are called the Malouines in French, the Malvinas in Spanish, and the Falklands in English. They are an overseas territory that belongs to Britain, and Stanley is its capital. There has been a conflict between Britain and Argentina for control of these islands for a long time. That is because of their geographical location, which is considered a source of oil. Over the years, settlements of different nationalities, such as Argentine, French, Spanish, and British, have been established. Then Britain imposed control over it in 1933, and Argentina attacked the islands. The war ended with the loss of Argentina, and Britain imposed rule again. Hunting and farming are prevalent there. It is also a favourite place for nature lovers, as it includes more than 220 species of birds, including sea lions, elephants, whales, and penguins. Table of Contents How to Travel to the Falkland Islands There are three main methods to travel to these islands, which are: Travel from the United Kingdom to the Falkland Islands via a direct flight via the Royal Air Force, and the plane departs twice a week on Sunday and Wednesday. You can go by sea on cruise ships and on trips between October and March. Another way to travel to the Falkland Islands is through South America, through Chile , from Santiago Airport. This one-day flight travels from Chile to the Falkland Islands and returns on the same day. Weather in the Falkland Islands The climate of the Falkland Islands is characterised by cold marine. It is snowy and cold in winter; in the summer, it is freezing, with rain and strong wind. The humidity on the islands is high, so the sky is cloudy most days of the year, and the temperature in January and February is about 11 degrees and can rise to 16 degrees. The temperature in June, July, and August is about 3 degrees, which is the coldest month and can rise to 6 degrees. The Falkland Islands’ climate is semi-polar, rarely warm, and snowy from April to December. Things to do in the Falkland Islands Falkland Island is a great place to spend a magnificent vacation, where you will live in nature and explore it. Its population is about 3,000, which makes it much easier to roam in the country and have much relaxation, so let us start discovering these beautiful islands and the things to do there. Stanley: Capital City of Falkland Islands Stanley is located on the East Island, and about 2,000 people live in the capital city. The town was built on a facing slope to maximise exposure to the sun. While visiting the city, you will see that its homes are painted brightly with iron roofs, and you can see Stanley Harbour. You can also explore the city on foot and see many military and marine monuments, one of which is dedicated to the Falkland Islands War, which occurred between British and Argentine troops in 1982. One of the top attractions in Stanley is the Jubilee Villas, which were built in 1887 to memorialise Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee. After you visit the city attractions, you can buy beautiful souvenirs from the shops there, such as leather and woollen goods, which the city is famous for. Christ Church Cathedral Another top attraction in Stanley is the Christ Church Cathedral. It is an Anglican cathedral in the world’s southernmost. The cathedral is one of a few stone buildings on the Falkland Islands, and Sir Arthur Blomfield designed it. When you are at the cathedral, you will find the Whalebone Arch. It was made from the jaws of two blue whales in 1933 and was designed to memorialise the centenary of British rule. Dockyard Museum The Dockyard Museum is a famous spot in Stanley. It was opened in 2014 and focuses on the history of the Falkland Islands. When you visit the museum, you will see exhibits containing historical artefacts, such as fishing, industry, and ship figures. Another section in the museum is dedicated to the island’s natural history, including a collection of bones and more information about the island and its connection with Antarctica . There are also other buildings besides the museum, like a storehouse, which includes a collection of farm equipment, musical equipment, and many other things, including more displays focusing on the 1982 Argentina war. Watching the Penguins of Volunteer Point The Volunteer Point is just two hours away from the capital city of Stanley. It is perfect for watching the penguins and the wildlife. Located on the East Island, you will see about 1,200 pairs of penguins sharing a colony. You can see sea lions, steamer ducks, and white-bridled finches other than penguins. On your tour, a guide will answer all your questions while watching the penguins. South Georgia Island

South Georgia Island is about 862 miles away from the Falkland Islands, a UK Overseas Territory. On the island, you can see its mountains and glaciers, which are covered with snow. The island contains two British Antarctic Research Stations and also a museum. It is also a perfect spot for natural wildlife, where you can see most of the world’s population of southern elephant seals that come there every year to breed. Many penguins live on that island beside albatross and reindeer. South Georgia Museum The South Georgian Museum was established in 1991 as a whaling museum. However, it later included things about the island’s history. It is located in a whaling station manager’s house built in 1916 by a whaler from Norway . Also, in the museum, you can see displays showing discoveries on the island, natural history, sealing, and many other things. Besides exhibits related to the 1982 Falkland Islands War, Cemeteries and Monuments Located in the Falkland Islands The Falkland Islands contains many cemeteries and monuments you would like to visit, such as Stanley’s old cemetery, which includes many tombstones with inscriptions. On the cemetery’s north side, you will find the Cross of Sacrifice, a memorial to the Falkland Islanders killed in World War I and II. Also, there is Victory Green, a military monument from World War II, which is the scene of an annual parade on the Queen’s Birthday. The 1982 Liberation Memorial is for the memory of the soldiers who sadly lost their lives in the Falkland Islands War. The Government House is the place that memorialises the sea battle between the German and British navies in WWI. Wildlife in the Falkland Islands The Falkland Islands are full of wildlife, and visitors love to see it. There are many colonies of penguins, sea lions, elephant seals, whales, dolphins, and birds. Two species of birds are considered unique on the islands: the Cobb’s Wren and the Falkland Flightless Steamer Duck. The most famous creatures to see there are the penguins, with six kinds of them located there, such as the king, Gentoo, royal, and much more, and the perfect place to see them is at the Volunteer Point and the Gypsy Cove. Along with all that, you can discover more species while exploring the island and having a great time, like the Falklands Fritillary butterfly. West Falkland Island West Falkland Island is a beautiful place to visit. It covers 4,500 km2 and is well-known for its steep coastal cliffs and hilly interior. The island is also famous for many plants, including 163 types and 21 kinds of birds. On the island, there is a settlement called Port Howard. It is a central sheep-farming community that offers great places to stay, including a guesthouse, an excellent breakfast, and a comfy bed. While at Port Howard, you can explore many places, like a small museum with exhibits related to sheep farming. A perfect place for hikers to try is Mount Maria, which is the third-highest peak. The Outer Islands Other than East and West Falkland, famous for their wildlife, there are organised tours for these islands. The most interesting island is the Jason Islands, where you can see wildlife and birds like the striated caracara, the world’s rarest bird of prey. Sea Lion Island is in the southern part of the Falkland Islands, and tourists come to see sea lions, penguins, and seabirds. Pebble Island is a sheep-farming island containing grassy plains, and it is one of the rare places where you can see six different kinds of Penguins. Leave a comment Cancel reply Top 10 Amazing Wedding Venues in Scotland 10 Active Volcanoes to Visit Around the World Share this post Global Funeral Traditions: A Cross-Cultural Comparative Study The Claddagh Ring: Meaning, History and How to Wear It The Mongolian Steppe: Culture, Nomadic Life and Travel Guide The Wicklow Mountains: Legends, Trails and Travel Advice Game of Thrones Filming Locations in Northern Ireland: A Traveller’s Guide Join Our Mailing List Sign up to our travel blog newsletter for ideas, tips & advice on global destinations by bloggers