Extraterrestrial planet on Earth? - Have you ever imagined what it would be like to visit another planet? Many people say that this is possible and you don't even need to get in a space shuttle and leave Earth. There is an archipelago in the Indian Ocean that is considered an alien planet except that instead of extraterrestrials, you will find animals and plants that are only found on that island. Come with us on a trip to Socotra!
© Shutterstock
1 / 23 Fotos
Paradise on Earth - Four islands make up the Socotra archipelago in the Indian Ocean.
© Shutterstock
2 / 23 Fotos
Socotra Archipelago - It is located approximately 380 km off the coast of Yemen.
© Shutterstock
3 / 23 Fotos
Birth - Experts estimate that the island separated from the continent 35 million years ago.
© Shutterstock
4 / 23 Fotos
Size - The Socotra island is 132 km long and 50 km wide. Many consider Socotra to be the strangest place on Earth.
© Shutterstock
5 / 23 Fotos
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.
© Reuters
6 / 23 Fotos
Climate - The climate on the archipelago is considered tropical desert: hot and dry.
© Shutterstock
7 / 23 Fotos
Mythology - In ancient Greek mythology, Uranus's throne was hidden in the mountains of Socotra.
© Reuters
8 / 23 Fotos
Mythology - The Greeks thought it was the home of witches and wizards.
© Shutterstock
9 / 23 Fotos
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.
© Shutterstock
10 / 23 Fotos
Landscape - Many caves and mountains make up the island's topography.
© Reuters
11 / 23 Fotos
Landscape - As well as beautiful white-sand beaches.
© Shutterstock
12 / 23 Fotos
Landscape - Sand dunes complete the paradisiacal coastline.
© Shutterstock
13 / 23 Fotos
Typical tree - The Dragon Tree is an exotic tree native to the region.
© Shutterstock
14 / 23 Fotos
Typical tree - It is named for its red tree sap. The liquid is used to stain ceramics and as a medicine.
© Reuters
15 / 23 Fotos
Typical tree - The branches look like mushrooms and some say that they even appear to be hovering UFOs.
© Shutterstock
16 / 23 Fotos
Typical tree - Another native tree is the Desert Rose. It's unusual shape looks like an elephant leg.
© Reuters
17 / 23 Fotos
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.
© Shutterstock
18 / 23 Fotos
Uncommon place - Socotra Island is unique and contains many features that are only found there.
© Shutterstock
19 / 23 Fotos
Uncommon place - It is considered an alien island because it is home to a diverse range of fauna and flora.
© Shutterstock
20 / 23 Fotos
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.
© Reuters
21 / 23 Fotos
Ecological sanctuary - Socotra was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Around 75% of the island is made up of protected areas.
© Reuters
22 / 23 Fotos
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 mysterious prehistoric city that has baffled scientists for years
© Shutterstock
23 / 23 Fotos
Socotra Island: the most 'alien' destination on planet Earth
Discover Earth's most bizarre island
© Shutterstock
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?
RECOMMENDED FOR YOU
































MOST READ
- Last Hour
- Last Day
- Last Week
-
1
CELEBRITY Relationships
-
2
TRAVEL Astrology
-
3
LIFESTYLE North atlantic treaty organization
-
4
CELEBRITY Celebrity deaths
-
5
MOVIES Cinema
-
6
CELEBRITY Ukraine conflict
-
7
LIFESTYLE Politicians
-
8
LIFESTYLE Photography
-
9
CELEBRITY Heritage
-
10
LIFESTYLE Politicians
COMMENTS