Faro lies at the heart of the Formosa Estuary. Faro or "Óssonoba" for the Romans, was probably first founded for fishing and defence. A fishing village in pre-historic times, Faro became a trading post for the Phoenicians and Greeks, witnessed the spendlour of the Roman Empire and then saw Arab occupation. Faro survived historical and natural calamities, until in 1294 it was conquered by king Afonso III, who then proclaimed himself king of Portugal and the Algarves.

Capital of the Algarve since 1756, the city has hemerged from the vicissitudes of its history with the prosperity which benefits strategic and political importance.

The construction of an international airport on the outskirts of the city in 1965 made Faro a hub for tourist traffic across the region.

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 Estoi and to the important Romans ruins at Milreu, Faro is also a city with a strong vocation for tourism.