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

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?

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Paradise on Earth - Four islands make up the Socotra archipelago in the Indian Ocean.

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Socotra Archipelago - It is located approximately 380 km off the coast of Yemen.

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

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

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Meaning - 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.

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

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

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

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Magical place - 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.

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

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Landscape - As well as beautiful white-sand beaches.

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Landscape - Sand dunes complete the paradisiacal coastline.

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

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

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

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

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Uncommon place - 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.

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Uncommon place - Socotra Island is unique and contains many features that are only found there.

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

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Language -

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.

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

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When to go? -

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

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