Falkland Islands Travel and Tourism Guide on Travel Notes

Falkland Islands by Vijay Chander on Unsplash.

Travel Notes: Latin America - Falkland Islands Travel Notes - Updated 24 May, 2023.

Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Travel and Tourism on Travel Notes

Find Falkland Islands Travel and Tourist Information with links to official travel and tourism websites and state resources for visitors to The Falklands. Tweet

About The Falkland Islands

Known for their rugged landscapes, diverse wildlife, and rich history the Falkland Islands, Malvinas in Spanish, are an Overseas Territory of Great Britain; located in the south Atlantic Ocean.

Mapping The Falklands

Map of The Falkland Islands

The Falkland Islands consists of two main island groups, East Falkland and West Falkland, divided by the narrow Falkland Sound.

The archipelago includes about 776 smaller islands, islets, and reefs.

Until 1985, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands were also governed as dependencies of the Falklands.

Falkland Islands Travel Guides

The Falklands - Falkland Islands Maps.

Falkland Islands Overview

The total land area of the Falkland Islands is about 4,700 square miles with a population of some 3,400 people, primarily of British descent.

Disputed Islands

The Falkland Islands were first claimed by Britain in 1765 and have been the subject of dispute with Argentina since the early 19th century.

In 1982, Argentina invaded the islands, leading to a brief but intense conflict with Britain.

The conflict resulted in the deaths of around 650 Argentine and 255 British military personnel, as well as three Falkland Islanders.

The conflict ended with the Argentine surrender on 14th June, 1982, and the islands remained under British control.

Economy

The Falkland Islands have a primarily agricultural economy, with sheep farming being the main industry.

Landscape

The Falkland Islands are known for their rugged landscapes, unique wildlife, and rich history.

The islands are also home to some of the world's largest colonies of penguins and other seabirds, making them a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts.

Language

The official language of the Falkland Islands is English, and the currency is the Falkland Islands pound, which is on par with the British pound.

Self-Governing

The islands are self-governing but are also represented by the British government in foreign affairs and defense.

The islands have their own elected government, with the Chief Executive serving as the head of government.

The islands also have a small military garrison provided by the British Armed Forces.

Weather

Cold, strong winds sweep around the islands all year.

Falklands Tourism

If you're planning a trip to the Falkland Islands, it's a good idea to do some research beforehand to make sure you have all the necessary information and resources for a safe and enjoyable visit.

Holidays in the Falklands are a relatively new concept, but the range of accommodation and amenities is well up to international standards for the kinds of holiday on offer in the Falklands Islands.

Visiting The Falklands

Visitors to the islands can explore the capital city of Stanley, which has a number of historic sites and museums, including the Falkland Islands Museum and the Government House.

Outdoor enthusiasts can go hiking, fishing, or birdwatching in the islands' vast natural areas.

Wildlife

One of the biggest draws of the Falkland Islands is its wildlife.

Visitors can see colonies of penguins, sea lions, and elephant seals, as well as a variety of bird species, including albatrosses and petrels.

Falkland Islands Holidays is the longest established tour operator in the Islands offering bespoke tours since 1989.

Visit The Falklands:
The Falkland Islands Tourist Information Centre is based at the Jetty Visitor Centre, situated on the corner of Ross Road and Philomel Street and is a first-stop for anyone visiting the Islands.

Getting To The Falkland Islandss

Getting to the Falkland Islands can be challenging, as there are no direct flights from major international airports.

Flights by international commercial carriers to Santiago, connect with a once weekly service provided by Lan Chile, routing through Puerto Montt and Punta Arenas.

Falkland Flights

The Falkland Islands are serviced by air routes from South America and also directly from Britain.

The direct flight from Great Britain is provided by the Royal Air Force and connects the Falklands international airport at Mount Pleasant (MPN) with RAF Brize Norton.

RAF Brize Norton is located near Burford, Oxfordshire. The nearest British Rail stations are at Swindon and Oxford. There is no public transport between these stations and Brize Norton, however a free RAF coach service is available to transfer passengers between Swindon BR and Brize Norton (and visa versa).

Falklands by Ship

Cruises to the Falkland Islands

The Falkland Islands feature on cruise itineraries for a number of cruise companies.

Ships visiting the Islands vary greatly in size from small ice-breaking yachts to large, luxury vessels with passenger numbers from as little as ten to as many as three thousand.

Port Stanley

The capital of the British dependency of the Falkland Islands, since 1842, is on East Falkland Island.

The town was held by Argentine troops for about ten weeks, in 1982, before being retaken by a British task force.

An airport was opened in 1979 - three years before Argentina sent an occupying force to the islands.

FFalklands Accommodation

Where to Stay in The Falkland Islands

Tourist accommodation in the Falkland Islands is limited and anyone wishing to travel to the Islands should arrange their accommodation directly with the hotel.

Most hotels, lodges and guest houses in the Falkland Islands are managed by their owners who are dedicated to providing you with exceptional hospitality, and making you feel part of the local life.

Malvina House Hotel

The Malvina House Hotel is situated in the heart of Stanley, with beautiful views overlooking the natural harbour and only a few minutes’ walk from shops, pubs, historic sites and monuments.

The Falklands War

One Hundred Days:
Written by the man who masterminded the British victory in the Falklands, this engrossing memoir chronicles events in the spring of 1982 following Argentina's takeover of the South Atlantic islands.

The Battle For The Falklands:
Max Hastings, a military historian and journalist, covered the Falklands war for the London Evening Standard.

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