2Socotra Island, Yemen: An Alien Landscape on Earth

Socotra Island, located off the coast of Yemen, is one of the most isolated landmasses in the world, and its flora and fauna are unlike anything else on Earth. Often referred to as the “most alien-looking place on Earth,” Socotra is home to strange, otherworldly plants that have evolved in isolation for millions of years.

The island’s most famous plant is the Dragon’s Blood Tree, which has an umbrella-shaped canopy and produces a bright red sap. The bizarre appearance of the trees, along with the island’s unique animal species, makes Socotra feel like a landscape from another planet. The island’s remoteness and strange beauty have earned it a place on many travelers’ bucket lists, despite its relative inaccessibility.