Paphos (Cyprus)

Paphos is a port town in southwestern Cyprus Island (Greece) with population around 33,000 and served by an international airport.

• New Paphos (the current city) is on the Mediterranean coast, approx 50 km (31 ml) west of Limassol (Cyprus Island's largest seaport) connected via A6 highway. 
• Near Old Paphos (Palaepaphos) is the birthplace of Aphrodite - Greek goddess of beauty and love. Old Paphos was the most important place for Aphrodite worship in the ancient world.
• The town was selected as 2017 European Capital of Culture, along with Aarhus (Denmark). Local economy is largely based on tourism. There are 4 premium resorts - Aphrodite Hills, Coral Bay, Kato Paphos, and Latchi, of which Kato Paphos is the largest (employing over half of city's population). Another major industry is farming - especially grape, banana, tobacco, with vast water distribution network irrigating around 5000 hectares.
• The city has Cyprus Island's second biggest airport - after Larnaca. In terms of international trade Paphos Harbour is not important as most shipping uses Limassol's harbour. Paphos Marina has historical and cultural importance and is largely used for fishing.
• Paphos was once Cyprus' only traffic-free city. However, things changed after urbanisation and rise of population in less than 10 years. The problem is mainly in the city centre, where the tight roads of a small colonial village are no more able to do what they are created to do. The problems exist because some of the planned road links still remain on paper.
• Today the port of Paphos serves as small marina and fisherman shelter with a capacity of 300 boats. Probably it is the city's top tourist destination with plenty of cafés and restaurants. Every September since 1998 castle's square hosts the Aphrodite festival.
• Cargo and cruise ships use Limassol Port located 60 km (37 ml) away. A marina is planned to be built 10 km (6 ml) north, next to Kissonerga's Coral Bay. It is expected to serve up to 1,000 boats.