▲Four islands make up the Socotra archipelago in the Indian Ocean.

▲It is located approximately 380 km off the coast of Yemen.

▲Experts estimate that the island separated from the continent 35 million years ago.

▲The Socotra island is 132 km long and 50 km wide. Many consider Socotra to be the strangest place on Earth.

▲

The population is made up of around 40,000 inhabitants.

The local language is Socotri, but it is possible to communicate in Arabic with some of the locals.

▲In Sanskrit, Socotra means 'Island of Happiness.' As the language is very specific, there is not a translation for some of the animal and plant species.

▲The climate on the archipelago is considered tropical desert: hot and dry.

▲In ancient Greek mythology, Uranus's throne was hidden in the mountains of Socotra.

▲The Greeks thought it was the home of witches and wizards.

▲It is difficult not to be transfixed by so much natural beauty. Socotra is also home to many bird species that are only found on the island.

▲Many caves and mountains make up the island's topography.

▲As well as beautiful white-sand beaches.

▲Sand dunes complete the paradisiacal coastline.

▲The Dragon Tree is an exotic tree native to the region.

▲It is named for its red tree sap. The liquid is used to stain ceramics and as a medicine.

▲The branches look like mushrooms and some say that they even appear to be hovering UFOs.

▲According to experts, at least one-third of the more than 800 plant species found on Socotra do not exist anywhere else on the planet.

▲Another native tree is the Desert Rose. It's unusual shape looks like an elephant leg.

▲Socotra Island is unique and contains many features that are only found there.

▲It is considered an alien island because it is home to a diverse range of fauna and flora.

▲Socotra was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Around 75% of the island is made up of protected areas.

▲

If you want to visit the island, the best time of year is between January and March, when the weather is milder.

See also: The Azores: Europe's hidden paradise

▲

We have a special mission: to explore the ecological sanctuary known as the most alien place on planet Earth. We are talking about Socotra Island, located in the Indian Ocean and pertaining to Yemen.

The Arab country has barely been explored, aside from news reports linked to the ideological and religious conflict. We will discover a breathtaking environment full of dunes, beaches, caves and canyons.

Are you ready?

Socotra Island: the most 'alien' destination on planet Earth

Discover Earth's most bizarre island

29/11/24 por StarsInsider

TRAVEL Socotra

We have a special mission: to explore the ecological sanctuary known as the most alien place on planet Earth. We are talking about Socotra Island, located in the Indian Ocean and pertaining to Yemen.

The Arab country has barely been explored, aside from news reports linked to the ideological and religious conflict. We will discover a breathtaking environment full of dunes, beaches, caves and canyons.

Are you ready?

NEXT

RECOMMENDED FOR YOU

These animals can cause excruciating pain and even kill you!

The most painful animal bites and stings humans can experience

The Spanish government’s demands have already created backlash

Spain's new rules for tourists, explained

Did you ever wonder about how our ancestors kept clean without modern technology?

The most bizarre personal hygiene practices from the Middle Ages

Language, alphabet, and laws are just a few examples of the legacy the Roman Empire left behind

The incredible legacy of the Roman Empire

These essential tips will contribute to a safer and more enjoyable trip

How to comfortably travel while pregnant

Discover some myths and facts about oral health

Smile bright: essential tips for dental care

Click through this gallery to see how the main touristic points in the world look like during the winter months

This is how the world's biggest tourist attractions look during winter

The holidays are here, are you ready for takeoff?

Top tips for surviving holiday air travel

Legendary tales claim that these sites are haunted by paranormal activity

The bone-chilling stories behind world-famous haunted houses

Mountains, valleys, and other destinations that have new names

Natural landmarks renamed for Indigenous peoples

These small places are surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and make for great holiday destinations

The world's most charming villages

The cult of Trader Joe's is reaching new heights

How Trader Joe's became the Disneyland of grocery stores

Small in size, mighty in impact

The smallest countries with the biggest global influence

You can't be too careful with these species

Meet the world's most poisonous animals

The habits and behaviors that make you look unprofessional at work

Common workplace mistakes that can affect your career

The criminal alleged that he killed 37 victims and sent letters to the authorities confessing his crimes

Zodiac: the serial killer who terrorized the US

The most walkable cities around the world you're going to want to explore

The best cities in the world to explore on foot

Embrace the winter season in these destinations

Europe's most underrated destinations for a white Christmas

Photographing the stark contrast between North Korea and China

Fascinating pictures of daily life in secretive North Korea

The tragic incidents in space mission history

These space missions went terribly wrong

A separate realm where luxury and wealth collide

30 of the best hotels in the world

Lesser known facts about this inhumane punishment

Facts about the death penalty

Will right of blood help make you a dual citizen?

Jus sanguinis: could this be your ticket to European citizenship?

Nature never ceases to amaze

The world's most awe-inspiring natural phenomena

Explore the legends and mysteries surrounding Area 51!

Area 51: what do we know about the mysterious American military base?

The Chouara tannery is famous for its traditional craftsmanship

This luxury shopping destination has an infamous stench

The complex played an important role in the life of many immigrants who arrived in the United States

Ellis Island Immigrant Hospital: a journey through history

Marvel at these beautiful towns covered in snow!

Cities that transform into winter wonderlands

An early diagnosis can help treat ADHD more effectively

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: how to identify the symptoms of ADHD

Do you agree with the number one choice?

The top 25 coolest cities in the US and Canada

Ghost sightings happen all the time in some of these places!

The scariest places around the world

Do you know which tourist attractions have the most posts on social media?

The most instagrammed tourist attractions in the world

Understanding culture and trying to speak the local language are some universal rules when traveling abroad

30 things to avoid when you travel abroad

Here are some precautions you should take to protect your data

Is your data secure? Here's what you should delete from Social Media

Uncover the luxury retreats favored by the rich and famous!

The most luxurious casinos in the world

Some of these facts about the impact may surprise you

The dark reality of sunlight deprivation