Yemen Top Things To Do

• Shop for souvenirs in Sana'a's 1,000-year-old Bab al-Yemen Market, which is divided into 40 different crafts and trades. The spice market is one of the best to visit. Other markets include the Souk al-Nahaas selling embroidered head-dresses, belts and jambias (curved daggers).

• Enjoy the subtropical climate of Wadi Wa'aar, lying between Sana’a and Sa'dah in the north. Out of this rises the Shahara, a huge mountain massif, the highest point being nearly 3,000m (9,840ft) above sea level. This can be climbed by foot or by 4-wheel drive car.

• Lounge on several superb beaches fringing the Indian Ocean at Little Aden, situated in the crater of an extinct volcano; this is an area of small fishing villages in sheltered bays.
 
• Hike and camp on Socotra Island; the island's remarkable landscape is home to a huge array of wildlife and plants.

• Visit Shibam, 36km (22 miles) from Sana’a, a pre-Islamic settlement, protected by the great fortification of Koukabanb. The town's distinctive tall houses were made of mud bricks to protect from Bedouin attacks.

• Walk amongst Yemen’s early crops of grapes in the strikingly fertile Sad'ah Basin.

• Dive in the balmy Red and Arabian seas, or take to the water for a spot of sailing.

• Scale Hadda Mountain and take in picturesque villages dotted with orchards growing apricots, peaches, walnuts and almonds.

See Contact Addresses for further tourist information.