Yemen is like a diamond straight out of the mine ~ a little rough hewn around the edges, but with a gem waiting to be discovered underneath. It has escaped the high profile of other Middle Eastern countries, managing to retain an air of mystery and its own unique persona. 

As with some of the other Middle Eastern countries, Yemen has had its fair share of political disturbances, which has no doubt contributed to its relatively low ranking on the tourist trail. This hasn’t been helped by the reputation Yemen has for kidnapping foreigners. As a general rule, those kidnapped are nearly always released unharmed and there are tales of foreign travellers being treated like royalty during their period of hostage. Yemenis resort to this behaviour as a political bargaining tool, apparently without any intention of harm to the foreigners in nearly all instances, but as you can imagine this behaviour has led to apprehension for visitors and extreme damage to the tourist industry.

Currently there are more dangers, in the form of terrorist activity and any travel to the country should be undertaken with extreme caution. 

Visitors to Yemen have traditionally been the adventurous travelling type rather than those who love to hop on and off the ubiquitous tour bus. This adds to its charm as the locals have not yet succumbed to all the tourist trappings that crop up in other more popular destinations. Life goes on, in the way it always has done. Ok, so modernisation is gradually creeping its way forth, but at a very slow pace and casting but a shadow over the more ancient make-up of Yemen.

For the uninitiated traveller, weaponry may be a cause for concern - the sight of so many men carrying large curved knives in their belt and those with guns slung nonchalantly across their chests could be a little unsettling. Certainly as far as the knives are concerned this is Yemeni tradition at its core and boys as young as 5 or 6 are often given their first knife, known as a jambia. This blatant display of weaponry is not intended to cause upset and it doesn’t take long for most travellers’ minds to be put at ease by the friendly welcome of local townsfolk and villagers. Indeed, a cry of “Salaama al-leikum!” (“Peace be upon you!”) is often to be heard echoing through the narrow streets, across squares and from doorways, nearly always accompanied by a broad and warming smile. 

With its picturesque scenery and striking architecture, Yemen is set to become a more popular destination – it is only a matter of time. Seize the chance to see it before the crowds descend – only be sure to check the political situation first.

What to do in Yemen

A rich tapestry of ancient towns, lush scenery, old time ports, sheltered beaches and rugged mountains, Yemen won't leave you wanting. Try some of the following:

San’a 

Prepare to be transported back to an age of old. Before you’ve had time to put your bags down San’a will captivate you with its spellbinding essence of romance. In fact bring a loved one, so you can spend days wandering the streets of the old city wrapped in a warm haze of happiness as the old city envelops you with its enduring charm and beauty. You can’t fail but to fall in love so leave plenty more time than for a casual affair. 

Meander through the markets and the delightful square, get lost in the maze of honey coloured streets and delight in tiny eateries made to cosy up in and stare wistfully at passers by over cups of sweet tea.

There are museums too, but then the whole town is an historic and cultural learning experience in itself.

San’a has become gently infused with modern advancements but somehow they don’t detract from the old city charm. Ancient architecture and the Great Mosque never fail to impress. 

Hodeida

For a taste of ancient and modern combined, Hodeida provides an insight into how times are changing. This modern port, hugging the shores of the Red Sea, demonstrates how the Yemenis cling to tradition in some areas and embrace advancements in others. Buildings around the port area may be more contemporary in style (as least as contemporary as Yemen gets!), but the wooden boats used daily for fishing are still made in the same way as they have been for hundreds of years. The fish market is popular and thriving.

Aden

Another bustling port town is Aden - quite unique geographically, with the oldest part of the town sitting in the crater of an extinct volcano. Not surprisingly, the oldest part of the town is referred to as ‘Crater’!

Aden is a wonderful hotpot of everything, old architecture and museums, biblical history, colourful characters entering and leaving the port. The area consists of small fishing villages dotted along the coastline, sitting prettily in sheltered bays and offering a number of spectacular little beaches alongside the inviting waters of the Indian Ocean. 

Hadda Mountain

South of San’a lays Hadda Mountain, set in an idyllic valley where dates, walnuts and apricots grow in abundance amidst pretty little orchards peppered throughout this scenic area that is great for exploring. The village of Hadda is also home to 2 old Turkish mills. 

Socotra Island

If you’re looking for an adventure off the beaten track then look no further than Socotra Island. A slice of paradise beautifully located in the Indian Ocean, between the coasts of Yemen and Somalia.

Socotra has been biologically isolated for centuries, making it unique in terms of flora and fauna, some of which are not found anywhere else in the world. This amazingly diverse natural environment is ideal for hikers and those in search of something a little bit different. Expect to find exotic plants, dragon’s blood trees and some extremely rare birds, not to mention heavenly sandy beaches. It’s no wonder the island has been dubbed ‘The other Galapagos’.

Socotra is inhabited by a gentle mix of Arabs and Africans, although it is generally considered to more closely connected to Africa than Arabia. Visiting Socotra will be a totally unique travel experience. 

Getting to and around Yemen

San’a Airport receives most of Yemen’s international air traffic, serviced by many Western European countries, Russia, Africa and the Middle East.

Overland access is possible from Oman and Saudi Arabia by bus or car, although patience in completing the formalities may be required.

Once there, internal flights are relatively cheap and save on time. Otherwise, buses, shared taxis or rental cars are all options. 

Fast Facts

Population: Approximately 1,500,000

Currency: Yemeni Rial

Official languages spoken: Arabic

Time zone: GMT +3

Country dialling code: +967