Hotels near Plaka Village and the Venetian Castle

Plaka is the capital of Milos, a whitewashed Cycladic village of narrow lanes, bougainvillaea walls and cats sunning on doorsteps. Crowning the village is the Kastro, a 13th-century Venetian castle built on the island's highest rocky outcrop at 220 metres. The short but steep climb ends at the tiny chapel of Panagia Thalassitra and a 360-degree view over the Milos caldera, the surrounding Cyclades and, on clear evenings, the outline of Sifnos and Kimolos. Sunset here is the island's ritual, quieter than Oia on Santorini but no less dramatic. Combine the walk up with a visit to the Archaeological Museum of Milos on the main square, which holds a replica of the Venus de Milo and Cycladic finds from across the island.

Pro Tip: Arrive at the Kastro at least 45 minutes before sunset to secure a spot on the outer wall, then walk down through Plaka afterwards for dinner. The village lights up beautifully and the tavernas are far quieter after 21:30.