What will you see on the way?
Detwah lagoon and Qalansyia beach
Tucked away on the island of Socotra, Detwah Lagoon and Qalansyia Beach feel like a secret the world hasn’t discovered yet. Soft, white sand stretches out beneath your feet, warm and smooth, leading to shallow, clear waters that shift from turquoise to deep blue as they meet the horizon. The lagoon sparkles in the sunlight, surrounded by rocky cliffs and wild, untouched landscapes that make the whole scene feel almost unreal. Small fishing boats float gently near the shore, and the peaceful village of Qalansyia sits quietly in the background, adding to the laid-back charm.
Shuab beach
Shuab Beach is one of Socotra’s best-kept treasures—a quiet, breathtaking stretch of coastline that feels like it was made just for you. Reached by a short boat ride from Qalansyia, the journey itself is part of the magic, with dolphins often swimming alongside and dramatic cliffs rising from the sea. When you arrive, you’re greeted by powdery white sand that feels soft and cool underfoot, and water so clear and blue it looks like something from a dream. The beach is completely untouched—no buildings, no crowds—just the sound of gentle waves and the occasional seabird flying overhead. Whether you're swimming, walking along the shore, or just lying back and listening to the sea, Shuab Beach gives you that rare feeling of true escape—a quiet freedom you didn’t know you were missing.
Dixam plateau Fermahin protected area
High in the central mountains, Dixam Forest feels like a scene from another world. Towering dragon blood trees, with their thick trunks and umbrella-shaped canopies, dot the rocky landscape like natural sculptures frozen in time. The air is crisp and cool, a refreshing change from the coast, and carries the scent of stone and wind. From the edge of the plateau, sweeping views stretch over deep canyons and rolling hills, making you feel like you’re standing on the edge of something ancient and untouched. As you wander through the forest, surrounded by silence and strange beauty, there's a sense of stillness that invites you to pause and just take it all in. Whether you're exploring on foot or simply soaking in the view, this highland wilderness offers a rare kind of peace—and a powerful reminder of how wild and wonderfully different the natural world can be.
Qalisan swimming pool
Tucked in a quiet canyon surrounded by palms and stone, this natural freshwater pool glows in vibrant shades of green and blue. Cool and clear, it's the perfect retreat after a warm day. Gentle streams feed into the pool, dragonflies dance above the surface, and time seems to slow down. Whether you're swimming, relaxing on sun-warmed rocks, or simply taking in the peaceful surroundings, Qalisan offers a quiet kind of magic you’ll carry with you long after you leave.
Arher Beach
Where the desert dramatically meets the sea, Arher Beach offers one of the most surreal landscapes you’ll ever lay eyes on. Towering white sand dunes spill down from the cliffs and crash almost directly into the waves, creating a striking contrast between dry and wet, soft and wild. Climb to the top for a sweeping view of the endless ocean on one side and wind-sculpted desert on the other. Freshwater springs bubble up from beneath the dunes, forming small pools where you can cool off at the foot of the sand walls. It’s a place of contrasts—quiet yet bold, vast yet intimate—where nature plays with scale and color in a way that leaves you completely spellbound.
Hoq cave
Stretching over 3 kilometers into the mountainside, Hoq Cave is one of the largest and most impressive natural caverns in the region. What makes it truly special isn’t just its size—but the sense of deep time you feel the moment you enter. Inside, the temperature drops and the air becomes still, as massive stalactites and stalagmites rise and fall like ancient architecture carved by water and time. Remarkably well-preserved wooden inscriptions and drawings near the entrance—some dating back to the 1st century AD—offer evidence of early maritime traders who stopped here for shelter on their way across the Indian Ocean. As you walk deeper into the cave, every chamber reveals something new: glittering mineral walls, strange stone shapes, and the echo of your own footsteps in the silence. Hoq Cave isn’t just a geological wonder—it’s a living archive of history, mystery, and natural beauty.
Zahag Dunes
On Socotra’s untouched southern coast, Zahag Dunes offer a landscape found nowhere else on Earth. Shaped daily by monsoon winds, these smooth, shifting sands stretch between the mountains and the Arabian Sea. Unlike desert dunes, Zahag sits beside lush groves and turquoise waters, creating a surreal mix of sand, sea, and sky. Their soft, powdery texture and gentle curves make them perfect for barefoot walks at sunrise or sunset.
