Ever dream about walking on an alien planet? Then you should think about paying a visit to Socotra سُقُطْرَى, described by many as "the most alien-looking place on Earth."
Located in the Arabian Sea off the coast of Yemen, Socotra is an island and a small archipelago of four islands. The main island constitutes around 95% of the landmass of the entire archipelago
The mysterious land is very isolated; a third of its plant life can't be found anywhere else on the planet.
Curious to see what it looks like? Let's take a look.
1. Star Trek, but with a touch of pink!
It’s probably the closest thing we have here on Earth that resembles what life would have evolved into on an alien planet.
2. Small yet so unique
The isolated landmass is about 132 kilometers in length and 49.7 kilometers in width.
The three smaller islands - Abd al Kuri, Samhah and Darsa - are uninhabited by humans but are an important home for a variety of seabirds.
3. It’s really unlike any other place on Earth.
The enigmatic island is host to hundreds of endangered plant and animal species.
4. It is also home to hundreds of endemic and migrant birds
Socotra is thought to have broken off from the mainland millions of years ago.
5. Dragon Blood trees everywhere
The Socotra dragon tree, or dragon blood tree, is a tree native to the Socotra archipelago. It is so called due to the bright red resin that it produces.
6. Not to mention the mesmerising pristine white beaches
The Socotra archipelago also has a unique marine ecosystem too.
7. Don't you just want to enjoy a dip in this clear water?
8. Let's not forget the caves and grottos that were sculpted by nature
The virgin mountainous island has a vast, deep and often unexplored network of caves.
9. It is a world natural heritage site
The island was recognized by the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as a world natural heritage site in July 2008.
Otherworldly, right?!