For most, the biggest attractions in the Falkland Islands are the archipelago’s abundant wildlife and historical battlefields. Bucolic mountains, white beaches and charming plains are found scattered throughout the more than 700 islands of the archipelago, while the sites and cemeteries of the 1982 Falklands War lure history buffs and those wishing to pay their respects.

Sea Lion Island

Although the island stretches less than one mile across, the opportunities to view unique wildlife are endless. Renowned for its large populations of land based mammals and sea creatures, southern elephant seals, southern sea lions, various breeds of penguins, including a colony of Magellanic penguins and giant petrels roam the area. Offshore, orca whales and dolphins can be spotted. Most of the island which has been declared a National Nature Reserve can be accessed by 4WD, and there are a number of impressive beaches. Address: Southeast of East Falkland Phone: n/a Website: n/a

Falkland Islands Museum

Opened in 1989, the Falkland Island Museum celebrates the archipelago’s rich cultural and natural history. Located in the capital Stanley, it also houses a interesting collection of shipwrecks recovered from the nearby shores and a former Antarctic research cabin, Reculus Hut. Although it probably won’t consume much of your time, it’s a relaxing and enjoyable way to spend an afternoon. Address: Holdfast Road, Stanley, East Falkland Phone: +500-27428 Website: www.falklands-museum.com

Carcass Island

One of the most visited parts of the Falkland Islands, the picturesque spot is much more pleasant than its name suggests. Named after the HMS Carcass which surveyed the island in 1766, the area is rich in varieties of flora and fauna and has an impressive range of flourishing birdlife, including black-crowned night herons and Falkland thrushes, due to the lack of cats and rats. Like many of the surrounding islands, the coasts are home to an array of penguins and elephant seals. Address: Northwest of West Falkland Phone: n/a Website: n/a

San Carlos

Another of the Falkland Islands settlements named after a ship, San Carlos is historically significant in that it is the landing spot of the first British troops during the 11-week conflict. Initially a large sheep station, the settlement is home to a gaucho-era stone corral, a British war cemetery and an informative museum. The museum is situated close to the location of many of the conflict’s most dramatic events, and its collections primarily focus on the island’s natural and rural history. Address: East Falkland Phone: n/a Website: n/a

Christ Church Cathedral

Constructed in 1933 to commemorate 100 years of British rule, the impressive Christ Church Cathedral located in Stanley is a widely-recognized feature of the capital. The colorful stained-glass windows and whalebone arch in front of the doors are worth checking out, while a number of memorial plaques line the walls of the cathedral, honoring fallen soldiers from the two world wars. Address: Ross Road, Stanley, East Falkland Phone: n/a Website: n/a

Goose Green

Originally a prosperous sheep farming settlement, the name Goose Green is etched into British warfare history. Located on East Falkland, it was the location of the first land battle of the Falklands War and a stronghold for the Argentine forces. It was occupied by more than 1,200 soldiers when the local settlers were temporarily imprisoned in the community hall, now a listed building. Tours of the infamous site are available; however, visitors are advised to stay on the paths as the area is still littered with mines. Address: Goose Green Settlement, East Falkland Phone: n/a Website: n/a

Argentine Cemetery

Situated between Goose Green and Stanley, this moving Argentine cemetery is home to the graves of more than 230 soldiers who lost their lives during the 1982 conflict. There are rows of nameless white crosses due to the lack of identification tags, in addition to the somber, yet touching memorials to those lost in action, also on the plot. Nearby, there is also a monument erected in memory of three famous British soldiers. Address: Goose Green Settlement, East Falkland Phone: n/a Website: n/a

Lady Elizabeth

The most photogenic and spectacular of the Falkland Islands’ boat wrecks, the Lady Elizabeth lies abandoned in Whalebone Cove in Stanley. While traveling from Vancouver to Mozambique with materials to build a church, the ship ran into severe storms off Cape Horn and only just made it into Port Stanley. With the vessel lying in disrepair, it was left to the seas. Today, a sand spit runs out the shipwreck, making it easy to take a closer look. Address: Whalebone Cove, Stanley, East Falkland Phone: n/a Website: n/a