It is a municipality in the province of Cagliari, located in the far South of Sardinia, on the border with the province of Carbonia-Iglesias, halfway between the sea and the coast of Sulcis, characterized by rocky cliffs that alternate with coves of fine white sand. The municipality, also includes several districts and villages, such as: Capo Malfatano, Capo Teulada and Punta Sebera .
The area was already inhabited in the Nuragic era; while later it was colonized by Phoenicians and Carthaginians, whose presence is attested by the remains of a Punic Tophet and the port of Malfatano. The Romans founded a military settlement, built to monitor and defend the bays of Cala Piombo and Porto Zafferano. After several pirate attacks, the inhabitants rebuilt the town more inland, in a plain, around the Church of Sant 'Isidoro. This location, however, was also easy prey of enemy attacks, so he inhabitants were forced to move again in a more internal area and developed a new center around the Church of San Francesco. In the XVII century, to defend against the continuous pirate raids, several watchtowers were built. Assigned to the Giudicato of Cagliari, the town submitted the domain for a long period. During the Second World War it was the scene of a battle between the Italian and the British fleets.

Attractions:
- the XVII century Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmelo, which is preceded by a imposing staircase, the simple façade is embellished only a rose window and a portal, surmounted by a pediment. The building is flanked by a massive square shaped Bell Tower, interrupted by mullioned windows and topped by a pyramidal spire;
- the XVII century Church of San Francesco, located in the main center, features a late-Gothic style and is flanked by a sail shaped Bell tower;
- the rural Church of St. Isidoro;
- the port and beaches of Malfatano, Zafferanu and other beautiful bays;
- the numerous Watchtowers erected along the coastline;
- the XVII century Casa Sanjust;
- the Nuraghi scattered in the surrounding territories.