Plaka and the climb to the Kastro at sunset

What it is and what you see

Plaka is the capital of Milos, a white village perched on top of a large rock above the Gulf of Milos, with about 900 inhabitants. Cars can't enter its streets: only motorbikes and mopeds, so it is explored on foot, through lanes of paving slabs, whitewashed houses with coloured doors, small churches and shops.

Above the village rises the Kastro, the hill where the old castle stood, above the houses. At the top, next to the remains of walls, is the church of Panagia Thalassitra, the Virgin of the Sea, and from the esplanade you see the whole bay of Milos at your feet, Adamas, the port and the coast. It is the island's classic viewpoint for sunset.

In the village you will also see other churches, such as that of Panagia Korfiatissa.

How to climb to the Kastro

From Plaka's square follow the signs to the Kastro: a path of whitewashed steps zigzags up the slope, first among houses and then in the open. Allow about 15 minutes' climb at an easy pace. There is no technical difficulty, but it is all steps, sometimes uneven, and with no shade on the last stretch.

For sunset, go up half an hour before the sun goes down: the esplanade fills up and the places to sit are taken early. Come down with your phone light if it gets dark.

How to get there and park

Plaka is about 10 minutes by car from Adamas, the port. As you can't enter by car, park in the car park at the entrance to the village and continue on foot. In summer, at sunset, it fills up: arrive in good time or come by bus. The Plaka lines leave from the Adamas terminal; you have the timetables on the Milos buses page. Check the time of the last bus back if you stay for dinner.

Museums

In Plaka is the Archaeological Museum of Milos, in the neoclassical Katastimata building, which it has occupied since 1984. In room I are the finds from Filakopi, the prehistoric city next to Papafragas, and in room II, a copy of the Venus de Milo. Admission costs €5 (reduced €3). In winter it opens Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 8:30 to 15:30; in summer, from 1 April to 31 October, every day except Tuesday, with the same hours.

How long

An hour and a half gives you time to stroll the streets, climb to the Kastro and come down. If you add the museum, allow another hour. If you are coming for dinner, leave the walk for before sunset and dinner for after.

With children and accessibility

With children it is a pleasant walk: there are no cars in the streets. The climb to the Kastro is all steps, so better without a pushchair; with a baby carrier it is fine. Keep an eye on children on the esplanade at the top, which has unprotected edges. With a wheelchair you can cover part of the village, but not the Kastro.

Where to eat and sleep

In the centre of Plaka, Archontoula mixes traditional recipes with contemporary cooking. A few minutes away, on Trypiti's square, is Barrielo. To sleep peacefully nearby, Skinopi Lodge has stone houses 10 minutes from Plaka by car.

From Plaka you can walk down to the Trypiti catacombs and to Klima.