Qalansiyah

Qalansiyah is the second town of Socotra, a few thousand people in low buildings along a bay at the island's western end, and it lives on fishing: boats are pulled up on the shore, the catch is dried on racks and the harbour is where the day is organised. Detwah lagoon lies just west of it and boats run from the town to Shuab beach further along the coast, which has no road.

What's there

• The fishing fleet - the boats worked from the shore and the drying racks behind.
• The bay - the water the town is built along.
• The Detwah access - the lagoon immediately west of the town.
• The Shuab boats - the departures for the roadless beach along the coast.

When to go

October to April is the cool season and the practical window. The summer monsoon from June stops boat traffic. Fishing runs through the cool months.

What to expect

Facilities are minimal and there is nothing set up for visitors. Photography of people needs asking. Access to Socotra requires arrangements made well in advance.

Nearby

Detwah is west, and Hadibu is east.

Key facts