Located on the slopes of Aspromonte and facing the Gioia Tauro plain, it is characterized by the presence of numerous churches and a public park which extends for 2.65 hectares (6.55 ac).

The town is located at the foot of the Aspromonte, on alluvial quaternary soils, consisting of incoherent sands and gravels that cover the large terraces sloping down towards the Gulf of Gioia.

Cittanova dominates the Gioia Tauro plain from the highest terrace, the one bordering the massif of the Serre Calabresi, almost in contact between the two lithological formations: alluvial and crystalline.

Cittanova borders the following municipalities: Antonimina, Canolo, Ciminà, Gerace, Melicucco, Molochio, Polistena, Rizziconi, Rosarno, San Giorgio Morgeto and Taurianova.

The plain of Gioia, open to the sea but sheltered from the winds, increases the humidity, making the land particularly fertile.