There are many alien-looking places in the world, including the Sahara desert in Africa or the Grand Canyon in North America, but according to many, there is no more otherworldly-looking place than a tiny island in the middle of the Indian Ocean. 

Many visitors have taken to TripAdvisor to express the extra-terrestrial feel that the island gives off, with one person writing: “It has to be seen to be believed. This surely is the most alien-looking place on Earth”. Another person added: “Difficult to find the words to describe it.” 

The place in question is Socotra, a small island that belongs to Yemen but is geographically closer to Africa. 

Located around 236 miles south of the Arabian Peninsula, it is one of the most isolated landforms of continental origin, having split from the supercontinent of Gondwana millions of years ago. 

Socotra is the largest of a six-island archipelago and is home to some of the most unique plant and animal life on the planet. In 2008, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its exceptional biodiversity.

What makes Socotra so unique is its incredible landscape. The island features towering limestone plateaus, sand dunes shaped by monsoon winds, and a central mountain range rising to nearly 5,000 feet. 

One-third of its plant life is found nowhere else in the world, with the most famous species being the Dragon’s Blood Tree. This umbrella-shaped tree, which releases a deep red sap, is a defining feature of the island’s strange and surreal scenery.

Despite its remote location, Socotra has a small population of around 60,000 people, most of whom live in the main town of Hadibu. 

The island’s inhabitants, known as Socotrans, speak their own native language, Soqotri, which is distinct from Arabic. 

The local culture has been shaped by centuries of isolation, and there is even an annual poetry competition celebrating traditional storytelling.

Tourism to the island has increased in recent years, as more travellers seek to experience its untouched landscapes. 

While infrastructure is limited, adventure-seekers often visit Socotra for hiking, wildlife spotting, and camping under the stars. 

Due to Yemen’s ongoing civil war, travel to Socotra has been restricted at times. However, some flights are available from Abu Dhabi and Cairo, allowing access to those who wish to explore this remarkable destination.