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Socotra archipelago - Socotra is the largest island in the Socotra archipelago. It's located off the coast of Somalia, between the Guardafui Channel and the Arabian Sea. 

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Yemen - Despite its proximity to the east African coast, this mysterious territory is officially part of Yemen.

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Adventure tourism - Before the Yemeni civil war, Socotra was an exceptional destination for adventure tourists. Indeed, the island received over 1,000 tourists each year until 2014.

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Rich biodiversity - Remote and isolated, the archipelago is of universal importance because of its biodiversity, including rich and distinct flora and fauna. The iconic dragon blood tree (pictured) is native to the archipelago. (Photo: Flickr/CC BY-SA 2.0)

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Unique - According to UNESCO, 37% of Socotra's 825 plant species are not found anywhere else on Earth.

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Reptile and snail haven - Similarly, 90% of its reptile species and 95% of its land snail species do not occur anywhere else in the world. (Photo: Flickr/CC BY 2.0)

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Protected environment - Nature sanctuaries, national parks, and areas of special botanical interest encompass about 75% of the total land area.

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Homhil plateau - This area of the island has the highest concentration of dragon blood trees, as well as many other tree species.

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Mountain lakes - Pictured is a freshwater mountain lake sunk near the Homhil plateau.

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Golden bottle tree - Besides the dragon blood tree, Socotra is also recognized for other weird and wonderful flora, such as the golden bottle tree.

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Unworldly appearance - Indeed, travel inland and the island starts to take on a distinctly unworldly appearance. Pictured on a hillside in Wadi Diksam are Socotran desert roses, whose fat trunks are adapted to store water.

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Diksam plateau - Seen here is the inhospitable Diksam plateau. (Photo: Wikimedia/CC BY 2.0)

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Cucumber tree - The odd-looking cucumber tree is another species endemic to the archipelago. (Photo: Wikimedia/CC BY 2.0)

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From where incense comes - Hanging on by its roots is this frankincense tree. Its aromatic resin is used in incense and perfumes. (Photo: Flickr/CC BY 2.0)

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High point - Pictured are the impressive granite spires of the Hajhir massif, the highest point on the island.

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Hajhir massif - The mountain range summits out at 1,500 m (4,900 ft) above sea level. (Photo: Wikimedia/CC BY-SA 4.0)

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Oasis - The distant Hajhir Mountains provide dramatic contrast against a tranquil oasis set near the island's capital, Hadibu.

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Socotra cormorant - The archipelago also supports significant populations of land and sea birds, including the threatened Socotra cormorant.

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Rare bird life - The Socotra starling is endemic to Yemen, including the archipelago. (Photo: Wikimedia/CC BY-SA 2.0)

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Egyptian vulture - Around 1,000 Egyptian vultures call Socotra home, the highest concentration of this endangered bird found anywhere in the world.

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Critters of special interest - Ground-dwelling creepy-crawlies include the Socotra island blue baboon. This endemic spider species is a member of the tarantula family. (Photo: Flickr/CC BY-SA 2.0)

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Diverse marine life - Marine life on Socotra is also very diverse. Pristine coastal waters support 253 species of reef-building corals.

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Incredible sealife - There are also 730 species of coastal fish, and 300 different species of crustacean. (Photo: Flickr/CC BY-NC 2.0)

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Detwah lagoon - Storm clouds approach Detwah lagoon. This is where Socotra's finest beach can be found. (Photo: Flickr/CC BY 2.0)

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Qalansiyah beach -

Seen here is the approach to Detwah lagoon and the spectacular beach near the port of Qalansiyah, the second biggest town on the island.

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Ancient heritage - Pictured are the ancient ruins of Dihambri, near Qalansiyah. The island served as an important trading post back in the 3rd century CE.

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Halah cave - Some of Socotra's natural wonders are hidden from the outside world. Halah cave, located on the east side of the island, is several hundred meters deep and for the most part remains in total darkness.

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Archer sand dunes -

Another celebrated location is the Archer sand dunes. Archer is located on the north-east shore of Socotra.

See also: The deadliest places in the world.

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