The city, one of the main ones in Sardinia and fifth in the region by number of inhabitants, is one of the gateways to the island, thanks to the airport which is located near Fertilia. It is part of the Coral Riviera, a name that derives from the fact that in the waters of its harbor there is a large quantity of red coral, fished by underwater coral fishermen, an activity which, with its processing and sale, has had a great importance for centuries economic and cultural, so much so that a branch of coral is included in the city's coat of arms.