Socotra: A journey to Earth’s alien paradise

My trip to Socotra felt like stepping into another world. On one side, the shimmering coastline stretched endlessly - I was captivated by the pristine white sands curving into turquoise shallows, sculpted by tide and time. Walking along the beach was like walking on silk, with the sound of the waves in harmony with the winds of the Arabian Sea. But the real magic unfolded inland. High on the limestone plateau, I met the island’s most iconic resident - the Dragon Blood Tree. Towering and surreal, its umbrella-like canopy cast dramatic shadows in the golden light. Sitting beneath it, I felt dwarfed by nature’s imagination. It’s easy to see why legends surround this ancient tree - it truly looks like something born from myth. Further along the rocky terrain, the bottleneck tree - or desert rose - caught my eye. Gnarled and stout, it stood proudly among the cliffs, bursting into bloom with vibrant pink flowers against a rugged backdrop. Its beauty was delicate yet defiant, like Socotra itself. From surreal beaches to otherworldly flora, Socotra’s landscapes are raw, rare, and untouched. Every turn felt like a discovery - a reminder of how wildly beautiful and diverse our planet can be. #summervacay #socotra