There are places you only need to visit once in a lifetime and they stay with you forever. Socotra is exactly such a place. An isolated island belonging to Yemen, lying in the Arabian Sea between Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, it feels more like the set of a sci‑fi film than a real destination on Earth. And that was exactly my feeling when I flew here in August 2023.
Socotra is known above all for its unique nature. More than a third of its plants and animals are found nowhere else in the world. Legendary dragon’s blood trees, bizarre landscapes, empty beaches, canyons with natural pools, and wild mountains without tourist infrastructure. At the same time, it is a place where extreme beauty meets poverty, chaos meets hospitality, and absolute freedom meets the harsh reality of life outside civilization.
If you’re looking for luxury resorts, comfort and certainty, Socotra is not for you. But if you’re drawn to raw destinations, places outside mass tourism, and travel that isn’t always comfortable but is all the more powerful for it, then you’re in the right place.
This series of articles will not be just about “top spots” and photogenic scenery. It will be about the real Socotra — as it is. About the first shock after arrival, about dirt, plastics and power outages, but also about the sincere smiles of the locals, cooking lunch outdoors, sleeping in tents, strong winds, endless drives along crazy roads, and moments when you realize how small you are compared to the land you are in.
What you’ll find in this series
In the following articles we’ll travel together across the entire island — from the capital Hadibo to its most remote corners. I will gradually cover the individual areas and experiences that Socotra offers:
- first days on the island and getting acquainted with the reality of Yemen
- iconic places such as Detwah Lagoon, Qalansiah, Arher Beach and Shoab
- expeditions to mountains, canyons and wadis with natural pools
- encounters with locals, shared dinners and unexpected situations
- overland transfers by 4×4, camping, strong winds, accidents and improvisation
- caves, dunes, snorkeling and flying a drone
- the contrast between incredible nature and the island’s environmental problems
Each article will focus on a specific part of the trip or location, complemented by personal observations, practical experiences and authentic moments that don’t fit into brief guides.
Welcome to Socotra. An island you won’t forget.