Plaka

At a glance: Northwestern Milos, built on the island’s highest hill around 200 metres above Adamas, roughly 3 kilometres away. The capital of Milos, with narrow cobbled lanes, whitewashed houses and a Venetian castle at its summit. Best suited to travellers who want history, wide views and one of the best sunset spots on the island.

Is Plaka worth visiting

Plaka is the capital of Milos and among its oldest, most enduring settlements, even though the village in its current form largely dates from the early 19th century. Narrow cobbled streets wind past white houses with blue doors and shutters, courtyards packed with flowers, and small squares that open out to views over the gulf of Milos below. At the top, the ruins of a Venetian castle look out over the surrounding islands, drawing crowds each evening for one of the finest sunsets on the island. It suits travellers who want to combine an easy walk through real island life with genuine history and the best views Milos has to offer.

Highlights

• The Kastro, a Venetian castle built in the 13th century at the highest point of the village, once a defence against pirate raids
• Sunset from the Kastro courtyard, widely regarded as the best sunset viewpoint on Milos
• The Archaeological Museum of Milos, housed in a neoclassical building, home to a copy of the Aphrodite of Milos alongside Cycladic art and finds from the Bronze Age site of Phylakopi
• Narrow lanes of whitewashed houses with blue doors, shutters and flower filled courtyards
• Sarakiniko Beach, a striking white volcanic rock landscape, a short drive away

A capital built above the old town

Plaka grew into its role as the capital of Milos after the destruction of the island’s ancient town, coming into its present form in the early 19th century even though the first settlement on the hill dates back to the 13th century. Its Kastro was built by the Venetians as one of a network of fortified hilltop settlements defending Cycladic islands from pirate attack, and as Plaka’s population grew through the 18th century, the village spread down the slopes beneath the original castle district. The Archaeological Museum, housed in a neoclassical building, is one of the best reasons to spend time here beyond the views, with a full size copy of the Aphrodite of Milos, the original of which has been in the Louvre since the 19th century, alongside obsidian tools and artefacts from the Bronze Age settlement at Phylakopi.

Where Plaka is

Getting to Plaka

From Adamas port: Plaka is about 3 kilometres away, around 10 minutes by taxi, bus or car.

From the airport: Around 8.5 kilometres, roughly 10 minutes by taxi.

Getting around once there: See getting around Milos and Milos taxi for onward travel around the island, and the Milos bus timetable for scheduled services.

Arriving on Milos: For ferry routes and journey times to the island itself, start with how to get to Milos.

Where to eat

Plaka has a handful of cosy tavernas serving traditional Greek dishes, many with views over the gulf, making an evening meal here a natural way to round off watching the sunset from the Kastro. For a simpler, better value option by the water, the small tavernas at Plathiena Beach serve grilled fish and octopus until late.

Where to stay

Plaka suits travellers who want a traditional base with island wide views, within easy reach of Adamas and the rest of Milos. For a wider look at accommodation across the island, see the Milos villages guide.

Beaches near Plaka

Sarakiniko, known for its striking white volcanic rock formations, is around 5 kilometres away, about 11 minutes by car. Plathiena Beach, a quieter sandy cove, is around 4 kilometres north of the village. See the Milos beaches guide for the full list of beaches around the island.

Best time to visit

Late afternoon is the best time to be in Plaka regardless of season, timed for the walk up to the Kastro before sunset. Spring and autumn offer the same views and easier access to the best spots, with fewer people gathering at the castle walls than in the middle of summer.