Only a couple of days ago Michael Jackson - the former head of the Army, not the other one -  said in an interview with The Telegraph that due to defence cuts, if Argentina decides to invade the Falklands a second time, there is nothing Britain could do to win them back.

Alarmism aside, as the 30th anniversary of the Falklands War approaches, it is a good time to recapitulate and look at the tourist potential of the southernmost corner of the empire.

With as many as 740 islands of various sizes surrounding the two main East Falkland and West Falkland Islands there is plenty of land to explore. Wildlife is certainly the main attraction over there and a typical tour will take you to the islands of Carcass, Sea Lion, Pebbles or Saunders, the finest spots for king penguin and seal watching.

There are endemic species in the Falklands like the flightless steamer duck, whose breeding commences from mid September to mid October. Depending on the pupping season the number of elephant seals or sea lions that can be seen may vary. However, animals like gentoo and magellanic penguins can be spotted all year around on the islands.

Those who want to know more about the terrible war that confronted Argentina and the United Kingdom in 1982, can find battle tours that follow the route of the main scenarios during the conflict, including commentators and memorials.

Flying from the UK to the Falklands is not that easy, so travellers willing to go this far must plan the trip with plenty of time. There is a flight from the UK serviced by the RAF Airbridge, departing RAF Brize Norton every Sunday and Wednesday evenings.

Eighteen hours later passengers arrive at Mount Pleasant Airport, near to the capital Stanley in East Falkland. It is also possible to get there from Chile, and there are flights from Santiago and Punta Arena.

As for places to stay, the selection of resorts on the main islands includes B&Bs, cottages, villas and hotels.

If Sir Jackson is right, we are running out of time to visit the Falklands. Otherwise, there will be always a chance to discover this land, wounded by war yet full of life and unique landscapes. 

Be the first to comment on this.