Find out what the media have to say about the Falklands

Andrew Evans, Contributing Editor, National Geographic Traveler
(visited the Falkland Islands in March 2010)

"The beauty of the Falklands lies in its splendid natural architecture - an otherworld of sea, stone, and turf inhabited by ruddy islanders and a few million birds. It's hard not to compare this southern smattering of islands with the places you already love - a touch of west coast Scotland but with bright Caribbean blues, the Antarctic with lingering African sunsets, Patagonia with a white sand beach. Add rows of prim painted houses, earnest flower gardens, and some of the world's remotest sheep farms and you start to appreciate the understated exoticism of this select destination.

My Falkland memories are numerous and deep: I spent one afternoon watching several hundred albatross take wing from the top of a seaside cliff on New Island. Back in Stanley, I was invited behind the bar and into the kitchen for a no-nonsense lesson in fish and chips. And I can't ever forget the abundant penguins milling about on every beach while sheep grazed in the distance.

I like travel surprises and the Falkland Islands surprised me in a big way. I will go back."

Steve Young, writer for Birdwatch Magazine
(visited the Falklands in February 2010)

As I watched a Black-browed Albatross glide past at almost arm’s length on my first morning, I knew the Falkland Islands was going to be everything I’d dreamed of…and it was…and more. A breathtaking seven days filled with birds, wildlife, scenery and amazing journeys to taste just a flavour of these amazing islands; I will be back…

Stephanie Pearson, Outside Magazine
(visited February 2009)

"The Falkland Islands are one of the last havens of unspoiled wildlife left on the planet. Let's hope the residents, with help from the global community, do everything in their power to preserve them."

Ben Hoare, BBC Wildlife Magazine
(visited February 2009)

"The Falklands offer a unique chance to get close to some amazing wildlife. And I mean really close. During my stay I was nibbled by young gentoo penguins, a tussacbird landed on my head, and a Johnny rook pinched my glove!

Watching penguins is one of the world's top wildlife experiences, and with no fewer than five species breeding in the Falklands there's probably no better place to do it.

Islands are always exciting places for the naturalist - being so remote, they are a bit like an evolution pressure cooker. I think that in the coming years scientists will declare a number of new species here. A couple of places, such as Sea Lion Island, could well rank in the Top 10 wildlife experiences in the world.

Rarely do you get such a feeling of pristine wilderness and yet still be able to enjoy all the creature comforts of the mainland UK. I think that's very special - the Falklands could be one of the great ecotourism destinations of this century."

Will Gray, freelance writer for Wanderlust Magazine
(visited the Falklands in 2008)

"It's such a fantastic wildlife destination, but I also found Stanley and the battlefield tours (Tumbledown and Goose Green) totally fascinating.

It's hard to pick out a highlight, but I thought Sea Lion and Carcass Islands were pretty special. I spent many a happy hour sitting on a beautiful sandy beach surrounded by hundreds of gentoo penguins! The albatrosses at West point were also mind-blowing. I think what will really add zest to the article, though, is the great range of characters I met, from hardy farmers and hotshot Islander pilots to passionate battlefield guides.

I was very well looked after out there - the tourist board were extremely welcoming and helpful."