The Falkland Islands are made up of two large islands (East Falkland and West Falkland) and some 770 plus outlying islands located 400 miles off the southern tip of South America. Most people unfortunately only associate this beautiful, inspiring place with the conflict that occurred in 1982.
We are here to spread the word that the Falklands are a natural paradise and a unique visitor destination. If you are looking to get away somewhere different this year, whether you're interested in wildlife, photography, walking or wilderness, come to the Islands - you won't be disappointed!
The best time to visit the Islands is during the summer which runs from October to April where temperatures can reach a warm 24 degrees C. The Islands experience far more sunshine hours than the UK and total annual rainfall is only 600mm!
December is a great month to see hatching birds; with the gentoo penguin, magellanic penguin, rockhopper penguin and black-browed albatross all cracking out during the Christmas month. Sea lions give birth in early January whereas elephant seal pups are normally born in late September to early October.
Travelling to the Falklands:
It's no surprise that a lot of people aren't sure about how to get to the Falklands or even where to start when planning a visit.
• There are actually over 40 international tour operators who tailor-make holidays and tours to the Falklands. www.falklandislands.com has a list of all the operators and their contact details.
• LAN airlines sell tickets from London to The Falklands or alternatively for added experience the MoD operates an airbridge from RAF Brize Norton, Oxfordshire, twice a week.
• For the latest deals and best rates for LAN flights call the local LAN agent in the Falkland Islands - +500 22041 / jf.itt@horizon.co.fk / www.falklandstravel.com or visit www.LAN.com.
• For information and prices on the MoD call the Travel Coordinator at Falkland Islands Government Office, London on 020 7222 2542 / travel@falklands.gov.fk
Falkland Facts:
The diddle-dee berry is native to The Falklands and looks like a small cranberry.
The berry is used to make jam, which is enjoyed by locals with home-made scones and cream. It is said that once you have tasted the diddle-dee berry you will always return to the Falklands.
There are 256 penguins for every Islander.
The Falkland Islands are located the same latitude south as London is north.
The capital of the Falkland Islands, Stanley, is the world’s most southerly capital.
Everywhere outside Stanley is known as ‘Camp’, from the Spanish campo, which means ‘countryside’.
The Falkland Islands enjoy more hours of sunshine and less rainfall than the UK.
There are over 250 species of plant in the Falkland Islands, of which 164 are recorded as native (including the Islands' national flower, the Pale Maiden) and 13 endemic to the Islands.
There are five different species of breeding penguin in the Falkland Islands (rockhopper, magellanic, gentoo, king and macaroni). In total there are around 770,000 penguins in the Falkland Islands.
The Islands are the most important world site for the endangered rockhopper penguin and are also home to 80% of the world's breeding population of black-browed albatross.
There are 227+ species of identified bird in the Falklands, along with 14 species of marine mammal and 348 recorded species of plant life (171 native).
Transport between the islands is onboard a 9-seater Britten Norman aircraft.
The Falklands have some of the best sea trout fishing in the world.
Volunteer Point, which can be reached on a day trip from Stanley, is home to the largest most accessible king penguin colonies in the world.
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