Table of Contents
Introduction
Yemen is a country with a gorgeous coastline along the Red Sea and Arabian Sea. Its strategic location has made Yemen’s coastal towns important trading and commercial hubs for millennia. Despite Yemen’s current instability, these towns still retain their rich history, culture, and architecture. Let’s explore some of Yemen’s most enchanting coastal destinations.
Mocha
Mocha is one of Yemen’s most famous coastal towns. It was a major port city along the Red Sea trade routes during the 16th-18th centuries. At one point, Mocha was the main exporting point for Mocha coffee, which gets its name from this ancient city. Mocha’s old town has whitewashed stone houses, ornate windows, and distinctive minarets that showcase the city’s unique architectural style. Wandering through Mocha feels like stepping back in time to when Yemen was a hub of global trade.
Al Hudaydah
Another vital Red Sea port city is Al Hudaydah, Yemen’s third largest city. It is a bustling commercial hub powered by the fishing industry. Miles of beaches line the coast, with many beach resorts catering to tourists in the past. The nearby old city of Zabid is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with hundreds of preserved stone houses and mosques dating back to the 13th century. It provides a glimpse into Yemen’s long history as a crossroads of trade and civilization.
Aden
No list of Yemen’s coastal gems is complete without Aden. This strategic port has been coveted by powers like the British, Ottomans, and Romans throughout history. Walking around Aden is like touring different eras, with French colonial villas, ancient Turkish baths, and bustling modern markets. Ships dock along the harbor unloading goods bound for the Gulf region. Aden represents Yemen’s potential as a cosmopolitan hub open to the world.
Al Mukalla
Al Mukalla is Yemen’s 5th largest city located on the Arabian Sea coast. It is the capital of the Hadhramaut region, known for its distinct Middle