Malvina Oriental (East Falkland) · Falkland Islands (Malvinas)

Stanley and the Ilhas Malvinas

The small capital of the Ilhas Malvinas (Falkland), with colourful houses along the harbour, the cathedral with a whale-bone arch and the penguins at Gypsy Cove and Volunteer Point just a few kilometres away.

Ilhas Malvinas (Falkland)

In the photo: Gypsy Cove

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Get to know the place

A region to enjoy
at your own pace.

The Ilhas Malvinas (Falkland) lie in the South Atlantic, about 500 km from the Patagonian coast. They are a British overseas territory whose sovereignty is claimed by Argentina. The archipelago has two large islands, Malvina Oriental and Malvina Ocidental, and hundreds of smaller islands, with just over 3,600 inhabitants, most of them in the capital.

The capital is Stanley, called Puerto Argentino by Argentina. It is on Malvina Oriental, on a slope facing a sheltered harbour, and became the capital in 1845. It is a small town that can be explored on foot: wooden houses with colourful roofs along Ross Road, the waterfront street, the Catedral de Cristo with the whale-bone arch on the front, the Historic Dockyard Museum and the hulls of 19th-century sailing ships left in the harbour, such as the Lady Elizabeth.

What brings most visitors to the islands is the wildlife. About 6 km from town, Gypsy Cove hosts Magellanic penguins from spring to summer; farther away, about three hours by road and trail, Volunteer Point has the largest colony of king penguins in the islands, alongside gentoo penguins. Albatrosses, rock-hopping penguins and sea lions live on the outer islands, linked by small planes and boats.

The weather is cold and windy year-round, with cool summers; even in January bring a windproof jacket. Penguin season usually runs from October to March.

This destination brings together 1 city: Stanley.

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One destination, many paths

The cities on this trip

Start with one city or combine several in your itinerary.

Where Stanley and the Ilhas Malvinas is

Contornos: Sentinel-2 e IMB, via geoBoundaries (CC BY 4.0). Adaptação do Cidade Turismo.

How to get there: Stanley and the Ilhas Malvinas

✈ Mount Pleasant Airport (MPN), in Mount Pleasant · 55 km to Stanley

✈ Port Stanley Airport (PSY) · 5 km to Stanley

Check before booking. Regular flights to the islands usually depart from Punta Arenas, Chile, and land at Mount Pleasant airport, about 55 km from Stanley. Many visitors arrive by cruise ship, which docks at the harbour. Confirm before purchasing.

Malvina Oriental (East Falkland) · Stanley and the Ilhas Malvinas Capital

Stanley

Stanley, the capital of the Ilhas Malvinas (Falkland), called Puerto Argentino by Argentina, is on Malvina Oriental, on a slope above a sheltered harbour. It has colourful wooden houses along Ross Road, the Catedral de Cristo with a whale-bone arch, the Historic Dockyard Museum and the hull of the Lady Elizabeth in the harbour. Gypsy Cove, with Magellanic penguins, is about 6 km away, and Volunteer Point, with king penguins, a few hours away.

The local experience

Things to do in Stanley and the Ilhas Malvinas

Stanley · Malvina Oriental (East Falkland) · Church

Christ Church Cathedral

Stanley's Anglican cathedral, built of stone and brick, consecrated in 1892 on Ross Road facing the harbour. In front sits the arco de ossos de baleia, made from the jaws of two blue whales.

Stanley · Malvina Oriental (East Falkland) · Museum

Historic Dockyard Museum

The islands' museum, in the old government dockyard on Ross Road, with farm life, maritime history, the islands' natural history and a reconstructed 1950s Antarctic hut.

Stanley · Malvina Oriental (East Falkland) · Nature reserve

Gypsy Cove

Small cove of white sand about 6 km from Stanley, inside the Cabo Pembroke nature reserve, where Magellanic penguins make burrows between October and March. Marked trails lead to viewpoints overlooking the beach.

Stanley · Malvina Oriental (East Falkland) · Nature reserve

Volunteer Point

The headland north of Stanley with the largest colony of king penguins in the islands, alongside gentoo and Magellanic penguins, on a 3 km white-sand beach. It is reached in about three hours by 4x4, with a guide.

See 1 more place in Stanley and the Ilhas Malvinas

Stanley · Malvina Oriental (East Falkland) · Shipwreck

Lady Elizabeth

The iron hull of a three-masted sailing ship from 1879, stranded in Whalebone Cove in the port of Stanley. It can be seen from the shore on a walk along the eastern waterfront of the town.

Before you go

Practical information

A little planning leaves more time to enjoy the journey.

When to go

From October to March is penguin season in the colonies and the time of long daylight hours, with summer temperatures typically between 10 and 15°C. It is also cruise season. From April to September it is colder, days are shorter and many tourist services run less frequently. The wind is strong at any time of year.

The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.

How many days to stay

Three days cover Stanley, Gypsy Cove and a full day at Volunteer Point. With a week you can fly to one or two outer islands. Cruise passengers usually have one day: Stanley town centre and Gypsy Cove, or an organized trip to see the penguins.

Which city to stay in

In Stanley, the town centre, Ross Road and the streets just above it allow you to walk to the waterfront, the cathedral, the museum and the restaurants. Accommodation options are limited—small hotels, guesthouses and holiday homes—and fill up in summer: book in advance. On the outer islands and on some farms on Malvina Oriental there are lodges and guesthouses.

Respect the place

Take your trash with you, follow the signs and support local businesses. In natural areas, follow the visiting guidelines.

Get your questions answered

Frequently asked questions about Stanley and the Ilhas Malvinas

What is the best time to see penguins in the Malvinas?

Penguin season usually runs from October to March. Magellanic penguins arrive in spring and leave in autumn; king and gentoo penguins remain in the colonies year-round, but chicks and activity peak in summer.

Do you need a car in Stanley?

Not for the town, which is walkable, nor for Gypsy Cove, about 6 km away. For Volunteer Point the route includes off-road sections and is done in a 4x4 with a local guide. Remember that traffic drives on the left.

What is the currency of the Ilhas Malvinas?

The Falkland pound, which has the same value as the British pound sterling; pound sterling is also accepted. Cards are usually accepted in Stanley, but carry some cash for the outer islands and farms.

What is the climate like in the Malvinas?

Cold and windy year-round, with cool summers and winters near freezing. The weather changes quickly, with sun, drizzle and wind in the same day. Bring layered clothing, a windproof jacket and sunscreen.

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