Amantea is a beautiful seaside resort overlooking the Tyrrhenian coast of Calabria. The territory is composed of one part flat, situated along the coast and characterized by lush vegetation, especially citrus. Inside there is a typical hilly landscape crossed by numerous streams, all tributaries of the river Catocastro. The city is situated in a beautiful location halfway between the Tyrrhenian sea and the mountains of Appennino Calabro. The climate of the area is exceptionally mild, with summers refreshed by a nice sea breeze and winters ever cold.
The first historical landmarks of the city date back to the ninth century, when the Byzantine built the first fortress. The current name derives from the arab Al-Mantiah, that remember the brief but flourishing period of domination Saracen. The old part of Amantea rises on a hill from which you can admire the long coastline and the modern quarters. The old town is dominated by a great castle, whose walls surround the village. It was built at the end of the thirteenth century, but later was restored and expanded many times. Currently, there are only a few remains of a tower but worth a visit especially for the superb view that it offer.
Do not miss the church and the convent of San Bernardino, original of' '400, which is located on a natural terrace above the city. The facade still bears the original Gothic structure and is characterized by nine ceramic plates that form the cross. The interior consists of two aisles of various sizes and preserve precious Renaissance paintings and statues. Amantea is best known for its clear waters and its beautiful sandy coast equipped with bathing establishments. This area is rich of natural beautys as the Cave of Isca and cliffs of Coreca, spectacular Dolomite rocks overhanging the sea.
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