The Ria Formosa lagoon attracted human occupants from the Palaeolithic age until the end of pre-history. During that time a settlement grew up - Ossonoba - which was an important town during the period of Roman occupation and, according to historians, the forerunner of present-day Faro. From the 3rd century onwards and during the Visigothic period it was the site of an Episcopal see.

Its elevation to the status of a city, in 1540, and the transfer. in 1577, of the Episcopal see which had until that point been located in Silves, were important steps in Faro's history. Its steady, growth and its importance in the regional context were such that it was chosen as capital of the Algarve province at the time of the administrative reorganisation which took place in the 19th century.  The construction of an international airport on the outskirts of the city in 1965 made Faro a hub for tourist traffic across the region. Other items of infrastructure uvhich have had a positive impact on the economic, social and cultural life of the city are the University of the Algarve and the Conservatorio Regional (Music Regional College), both of which have their headquarters in Faro and attract students from the rest of the region and from other parts of Portugal, and the district hospital. With its rich artistic heritage and many museums, hotels, restaurants and other facilities, not to mention the many attractions offered by the surrounding area, from the long beaches of Faro, Farol and Culatra Islands to the important Roman ruins at Milreu, Faro is also a city, with a strong vocation for tourism.