Trip to Yemen: from mainland Yemen to the island of Socotra

Discover the highlights of this trip to Yemen

The Legacy of Hadramaut

This trip to Yemen will take us to the heart of the ancient Sultanate of Hadramaut, a region where history, architecture and spirituality intertwine across a landscape of deserts, palm groves and fertile valleys. From our arrival in Seiyun, we will immerse ourselves in a unique atmosphere, shaped by the warmth of its people and the untouched beauty of its adobe cities. We will explore Seiyun, the capital of the former Kathiri Sultanate, and visit the majestic Sultan’s Palace, a landmark of local architectural art. Later, we will travel to Tarim, considered the spiritual heart of Sufi Islam in southern Arabia. We will discover its more than 360 mosques and admire the Al-Mihdar minaret, the tallest mud-brick minaret in the world. Then, we will continue this trip to Yemen towards Shibam, the legendary “Manhattan of the Desert”. Its mud towers, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, have stood over the sands since the 16th century. As we wander through its narrow streets, we will witness how traditional architecture has withstood the passage of time.

The Do’an Valley and Hadhrami Rural Life

Also, during this trip to Yemen, we will venture into the fascinating Do’an Valley, a hidden territory framed by golden cliffs and rugged mountains. We will visit villages built in terraces, where mud houses blend harmoniously with the rock. In Al Hajrain, we will meet the beekeepers. They produce one of the most prized honeys in the Arab world — a symbol of the natural and cultural wealth of Hadramaut. We will explore Beit Buqshan, a picturesque village dominated by a colourful palace that reflects the splendour of the old merchant families. There, we will share moments with locals and learn about their farming methods, traditional crafts and everyday life in the valley.

From Mukalla to the Coast of the Gulf of Aden

The trip to Yemen will then take us to the coast of the Gulf of Aden, where we will visit Mukalla, the coastal capital of Hadramaut. We will stroll through its old town, filled with whitewashed houses facing the sea. Also, we will visit the Al-Ghawzi Palace, the former residence of the Qu’aiti sultans. We will discover the historic importance of this ancient port, once a key point on the incense and pearl trade routes of the Indian Ocean.

Socotra: Yemen’s Natural Jewel

Finally, the trip to Yemen will lead us to the mythical island of Socotra, an isolated paradise in the middle of the Indian Ocean. We will fly to this natural sanctuary, recognised worldwide for its extraordinary biodiversity. We will walk along the Detwah Lagoon, where turquoise waters meet white dunes and rays glide beneath the surface. We will sail to Shu’ab Beach, one of the most beautiful corners of the archipelago, hoping to spot dolphins along the way. Later, we will ascend to the Dixam Plateau, home to the iconic Dragon’s Blood Tree, symbol of Socotra, and explore the Firmihin Forest, the largest sanctuary of this ancient species. In Arher, we will witness the meeting of fresh water and coastal dunes, and in Ras Erisal, we will stand at the point where the Arabian Sea merges with the Indian Ocean. Also, we will dive in the Dihamri marine reserve, surrounded by corals, parrotfish and turtles, and hike through the Homhil Valley, where bottle trees and dragon’s blood trees create an otherworldly landscape. Lastly, we will discover the Kalisan River, with its natural pools and waterfalls, and enjoy the sunset at Delisha Beach. It will be the perfect ending to a trip to Yemen that combines history, nature and authenticity.

© Photos by Xavi de las Heras taken during a trip to Yemen

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