Planet Earth or alien?
Have you ever dreamed of visiting another planet? It's now possible and you do not need to board a shuttle to leave Earth. The Indian Ocean is home to an archipelago often compared to an alien planet. Instead of finding aliens, you will see animals and plants unique in the world. Travel with moi on the island of Socotra!
Heaven on earth
The archipelago of Socotra, located in the Indian Ocean, consists of four islands.
The archipelago of Socotra
It is about 380 kilometers from the coast of Yemen.
Birth
Scientists believe that the island broke away from the continent 35 million years ago.
Dimensions
The main island of Socotra is 132 kilometers long and 50 kilometers wide.
Territory
Many people consider Socotra to be the most strange place on Earth.
Demography
The population is approximately 40,000.
Language
The language spoken on the island is socotri, but it is possible to speak Arabic in some locals.
Climate
The climate of the archipelago is considered to be a tropical desert: hot and dry.
Meaning
In Sanskrit, Socotra means "island of happiness".
Feature
This language is so special that it lacks words to describe certain species of plants or animals.
Mythology
In Greek mythology, the throne of Ouranos was hidden among the mountains of Socotra.
Mythology
The Greeks thought it housed witches and enchanters.
Magic place
It is hard not to be overwhelmed by so much natural beauty.
Wildlife
Socotra is also full of unique bird species found only on the island.
Landscape
The topography of the island is mainly composed of caves and mountains.
Landscape
And also beautiful white sand beaches ...
Landscape
The sand dunes complete this paradise coastline.
Typical tree
The dragon tree is an exotic shrub, native to the region.
Typical tree
It is so named because of its red sap.
Typical tree
The sap is used to dye the ceramic and in remedies.
Typical tree
The branches are shaped like mushrooms and some say they look like flying UFOs.
Typical tree
Another native tree of the island is the desert rose.
Typical tree
Its intriguing shape resembles an elephant's leg.
Unusual place
According to the scientists, at least a third of the plant species found on the island of Socotra do not exist anywhere else.
Unusual place
The island of Socotra is exceptional and full of unique features in the world.
Unusual place
It is considered alien because of its wide range of fauna and flora.
Ecological sanctuary
Protected areas cover about 75% of the island.
Class
Socotra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The best season
If you want to visit the island, the best time is between January and March, when the weather is milder.
