"Socotra - A Forgotten Island You Will Never Forget" Socotra by BohdanaR

Socotra island lies deep in the Arabian sea south from the coast of Yemen. (Yemen is an Arab country in the south of Arabian Peninsula. No, it is not a region in Africa!) In fact, Socotra is closer to Somalia than to Yemen. Socotra used to be isolated from the surrounding civilisations by wild sea. In 1999, an airport was open there and since then the island is accessible by flights from Mukalla and Aden. Do not risk taking a boat since the Gulf of Aden happens to be full of pirates.

Dragon blood tree (Dracaena cinabari) at Firmihin.

Socotra island has something to offer to anyone - beautoful long sandy beaches to those who love sunbathing, rich coral reefs and world war II shipwreck to divers, schools of fish to fishermen, mountains with georgeous view to hikers. Socotra is home to many endemic species of fauna and flore - that means that such species cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Magic dragon blood trees, lovely Adenium obesum, smelly Caralluma socotrana - to name just few. That is the reason why Socotra is nicknamed Galapagos of the Indian ocean.

Camping on Qadama beach.

Thanks God, mass tourism hasn't reached Socotra yet. Expect eco-tourism approach meaning community-run eco-camps with tents, basic bathrooms and great fresh fish and lobsters. You won't find any ice cream kiosks and disco bars on the beach but you'll have the beach only for yourselves. There is a decent hotel in the capital village with a Philippino cookof Hadibo but Socotri tourist guides will look so well after you that it would be a shame to give up camping on the beach or in wonderful inland mountains.

• Pros:Breathtaking nature that you haven't seen before.
• Cons:No beach bars - not that you would miss them there.
• In a nutshell:A pristine paradise with extremely friendly locals.