Explore the Caspian Sea: A Guide by iBestTravel

Discover the Attractions Along the Caspian Sea

The Caspian Sea, the world’s largest enclosed inland body of water, promises a diverse range of attractions and experiences that cater to travelers of all types. From luxurious cruises to historical sites, the region offers an array of activities that ensure excitement and discovery.

Babolsar, Iran

Cruise Options from Baku

Caspian cruises: Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, is likely to be the base port for a new luxury cruise offering from Russia's Moscow River Shipping Company. — **Caspian cruises:** Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, is likely to be the base port for a new luxury cruise offering from Russia’s Moscow River Shipping Company.

Absheron Peninsula

Caspian Sea Resources

Resource-rich sea: Teens take part in a boxing training session in the waters off Baku. The oil rigs in a background is a reminder that the Caspian seabed is home to an estimated 50 billion barrels of oil reserve. — **Resource-rich sea:** Teens take part in a boxing training session in the waters off Baku. The oil rigs in the background remind us that the Caspian seabed is home to an estimated 50 billion barrels of oil reserve.

Astrakhan, Russia

Astrakhan: A new cruise ship, Peter the Great, is currently under construction in the Russian city of Astrakhan, on the River Volga. — **Astrakhan:** A new cruise ship, Peter the Great, is currently under construction in the Russian city of Astrakhan, on the River Volga.

Historic Sites of Derbent

Derbent: The oldest city in Russia, Derbent's citadel, old city and fortress buildings were once part of the northern lines of the Sasanian Persian Empire. — **Derbent:** The oldest city in Russia, Derbent’s citadel, old city, and fortress buildings were once part of the northern lines of the Sasanian Persian Empire.

Admiring Makhachkala

Makhachkala, Russia: On the Caspian Sea's western shore, the port of Makhachkala is home to the Makhachkala Grand Mosque, one of the country's largest. — **Makhachkala, Russia:** On the Caspian Sea’s western shore, the port of Makhachkala houses the Makhachkala Grand Mosque, one of the country’s largest.

Discovering Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan: Aktau -- 'White Mountain' in Kazakh -- is the gateway to the archaeological treasures, colorful rocky outcrops and impressive canyons of the Mangistau desert region. — **Kazakhstan:** Aktau — ‘White Mountain’ in Kazakh — is the gateway to the archaeological treasures, colorful rocky outcrops and impressive canyons of the Mangistau desert region.

Atyrau: Gateway between Continents

Atyrau, Kazakhstan: Atyrau's Central Bridge connects the continents of Europe and Asia. It's the country's main harbor city on the Caspian Sea. — **Atyrau, Kazakhstan:** Atyrau’s Central Bridge connects the continents of Europe and Asia. It’s the country’s main harbor city on the Caspian Sea.

Turkmenistan’s Avaza Resort

Turkmenistan: Avaza is a new resort built in Turkmenistan. The international reception has not been favorable. The UK's Daily Telegraph called it 'the most ill-conceived resort ever built.' — **Turkmenistan:** Avaza is a new resort built in Turkmenistan. The international reception has not been favorable. The UK’s Daily Telegraph called it ‘the most ill-conceived resort ever built.’

Visiting Mahmoudabad, Iran

Iran: The Iranian port city of Mahmoudabad is on the Caspian coast. Visitors should note that the US State Department has a travel advisory note advising American citizens not to visit the country at all. — **Iran:** The Iranian port city of Mahmoudabad is on the Caspian coast. Visitors should note that the US State Department has a travel advisory for American citizens against visiting the country.

Exploring Astara, Iran

Astara, Iran: There are two Astaras: One in Iran -- pictured -- the other is a short walk across the border in Azerbaijan. During the Soviet era, free travel between the two was not permitted. — **Astara, Iran:** There are two Astaras: One in Iran — pictured — and another is a short walk across the border in Azerbaijan. Free travel between them was not permitted during the Soviet era.

Conclusion

Traveling around the Caspian Sea offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. Whether you’re interested in historical sites, luxurious cruises, or vibrant local cultures, there is much to discover. Start planning your journey with iBestTravel to uncover the hidden gems of this remarkable region.