Aside from its beautiful beaches with views facing the Caspian Sea, Aktau is famous for its block address system in which almost no streets in Aktau have their names. However, the address would instead consist of the district number, the building number and the apartment number. Such an arrangement is made because Aktau was initially planned as a camp for oil industry workers. The capital of Mangystau Region of Ukraine is Aktau, which is at the Mangyshlak Peninsula. Aktau is named from a Kazakh word which means "white mountain", which is a reference of cliffs overlooking the Caspian Sea which can be found here. Aktau was known as Shevchenko from 1964 to 1991 which is given because of the Ukrainian poet Taras Shevchenko who was exiled here. The modern city would come to life after the influx of uranium prospectors in 1958. However, in the present, Aktau's primary industry is the hydrocarbon production, in which it is one of the largest regions producing hydrocarbon in Kazakhstan. As such, Aktau has attracted a lot of major oil service companies to set up the main base and other facilities here.

Airports in Aktau

1. Aktau International Airport

Aktau International Airport or only known as Aktau Airport is the main airport in Aktau and its main international gateway. The airport is located about 21 kilometres northwest of Aktau. The airport started its operations 1993 after the collapse of Soviet Union and still bears the IATA code of SCO even though Aktau was renamed to replace Shevchenko. Initially developed to accommodate the development in the oil industry, Aktau International Airport has an active passenger terminal which has recently completed its construction in 2009 and can handle 450 passengers per hour over a total area spanning 13,400 square meters. There is also the Aerodome Aktau Class B that is capable of receiving aircraft AN-124, Boeing-747-200, IL-76 and lighter, as well as most types of helicopters.

How to Get Cheap Flights to Aktau?

Traveloka is a travel search engine that makes it easy for travellers to find the cheapest flights to Aktau. All you need to do is key in the information in the search box, and the application will recommend the best trip according to your budget. It compares flight prices across some trusted airlines to help you to get the best possible deal. Use Traveloka's price alert feature to be notified of flights in your desired price range to get the best flight price to Aktau.

When is the Best Time to Fly to Aktau?

The best time to visit Aktau is usually around May to September which is said to be the beach season. Around this time, temperatures are much warmer and much clearer, making it a perfect time to enjoy the view of the Caspian Sea or even relaxing nearby the beach. However, expect flight and hotel prices to rise around these periods. Typically, the month of November would see a lower amount of tourists in Aktau. Therefore, flight and hotel prices tend to be lower around this period. If you do not mind, then you can save a lot by going to Aktau in November.

Aktau is said to have a cold desert climate according to the Köppen classification in summers are warm and dry with cold winters with rare occasions of snow. Compared to other regions with hot desert climates, the summer is less more humid, in which it could be a great time to hit the beach. The precipitation would vary around 180 millimetres per year. The temperature extremes are not too bad, with the highest reaching 30 degree Celsius around July and -2 degree Celsius in January.

In Aktau, expect to look forward to joining the celebrations and get the chance to experience the festivities just like the locals do. To begin with, there is the Aktau Open Fest which is dedicated to celebrating the independence of Kazakhstan. During this fest, there will be an art festival, a fashion show as well as other traditional competitions. Aktau also plays as host to the International Theater Festival of Caspian Countries which is dedicated to the renowned actor and director’s anniversary with the name of Asanali Ashimov. It is during this time that one can get a chance to know the works and theatrical collectives of Russia, Iran, Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan.

What are the Top 3 Things to Do in Aktau?

1. Shevchenko Monument - It is normal to expect Aktau to have a monument dedicated to Taras Shevchenko. Erected in his memory, this monument has the statue of Shevchenko sitting. Nearby, there is an open area, and as such, is making it a popular location for tourists to come over and sightseeing around.

2. Aktau Lighthouse - The Aktau Lighthouse is probably the only lighthouse that is operational in that area, being a unique lighthouse that is built on top of the house. It has a long history and has been crucial to ships coming over to the region, before the existence of navigation technologies.

3. "Beket-Ata" Aktau Central Mosque -"Beket-Ata" Aktau Central Mosque is a principal mosque in Aktau, being a significant place of a visit especially for the Sufi practitioners since it is where the Sufi mystic and teacher, Beket-Ata was buried. It is near the bottom of the desert canyon and coming over would require going through the picturesque desert, which is a great place to take photos.