Rooftop Lighthouse
The Melovoy Lighthouse is the most recognizable landmark of Aktau, as it is built on the roof of a residential building. This 10-meter structure, constructed in 1974, was inactive for many years as modern ships now rely on advanced navigation systems rather than traditional lighthouses.
However, the lighthouse was reactivated in 2021, mainly to serve as a tourist attraction. Its re-lighting ceremony featured fireworks and a military band. During its restoration, the lighthouse received anti-corrosion, shockproof, and dust-resistant treatments. Its light now reaches 21 nautical miles (about 38 km) for the white beam and 16 nautical miles (approximately 29 km) for the red beam.
The viewing platform offers stunning views of the Caspian Sea and Tyupkaragan Bay, but the lighthouse remains a strategic site with limited public access. The Melovoy Lighthouse is a cherished symbol of Aktau, often referred to as the “Guardian of the Caspian Sea.”
How to get there?
The lighthouse is located at the 4th microdistrict, building 9. It’s accessible by car, taxi, or bus #2, stopping at the "4th microdistrict" bus stop.
Other tourist attractions near the lighthouse:
- Aktau Embankment and Seaside Promenade
- Monument to Taras Shevchenko
- Taras Shevchenko Alley
- Ship Monument
- Ak Bota Amusement Park
- Breeze Yacht Club
- Marrakesh Beach
Recommended tours:
View all offers-1_420x650_4ab.jpg "Aktau City Tour")
Aktau is the youngest and most promising city in Western Kazakhstan. Despite its relatively brief existence, Aktau boasts numerous intriguing places intertwined with the equally captivating history of the city.