Aktau is a port city on the Caspian Sea in western Kazakhstan. It is known for streets numbered rather than named, and the promenade along the seafront is the centre of daily life. The real draw lies outside the city in the Mangystau desert: the white cliffs of Bozjyra, the Karagiye depression about 130 metres below sea level, and the rock cut mosque of Shakpak Ata, all visited on jeep tours. Turkish citizens can enter Kazakhstan without a visa for up to 30 days. Turkish Airlines flies direct from Istanbul and Pegasus from Sabiha Gokcen, with the flight taking about 3 hours 35 minutes.
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Suso is a travel-planning platform that turns your Aktau trip from Turkey into a buy now, pay later flight package: the ticket is issued by travel agencies, booking sites or airlines, and the payment plan runs on consumer credit from partner finance institutions. One click in the basket completes the purchase and the financing together; you pay over 3 to 24 months. No credit card limit needed.
See flights to Aktau →When to visit Aktau
May to September is the best stretch for the sea, with the water warmest in July and August. April to June and September to October are more comfortable for desert tours, since there is no shade and temperatures climb high in midsummer. Winters are windy and cool.
Things to do in Aktau
The Caspian shore and seafront
Swim at the city beaches and walk the seafront in the late afternoon for the sunset.
The Bozjyra valley
Reach the viewpoint above the white limestone cliffs on a jeep tour from the city.
The Shakpak Ata mosque
Visit the mosque cut into the rock and the old cemetery around it.
The Karagiye depression
Look out over the wide view from the edge of the hollow about 130 metres below sea level.
The Torysh stone valley
See the hundreds of round stone spheres scattered in the desert, best photographed in the morning.
The Aktau lighthouse
See the unusual lighthouse built on top of an apartment block and start the coastal walk here.
Flights from Turkey to Aktau
Aktau is served by Aktau International Airport (SCO), about 25 km from the city centre and reached in about 30 minutes by bus or taxi. There are direct flights from Istanbul and Sabiha Gokcen. The sites in the Mangystau desert are reached on guided jeep tours.
Aktau FAQ
How can I get an Aktau flight package?
You can split the cost of your Aktau flight package with Suso over 3 to 24 months, and no credit card limit is required.
Which airport serves Aktau and how do I reach the city?
Flights land at Aktau International Airport (SCO), about 25 km from the centre, reached in about 30 minutes by bus or taxi.
Are there direct flights from Turkiye to Aktau, and is a visa needed?
Yes. Turkish Airlines flies direct from Istanbul and Pegasus from Sabiha Gokcen, with the flight taking about 3 hours 35 minutes. Turkish citizens can enter Kazakhstan without a visa for up to 30 days.
Buy now, pay later flights to Aktau
Fly now, pay later. Plan your trip, pay over up to 24 months. One click at checkout sets up the plan, no credit card limit needed.
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