Its early history includes several successful counters by the indigenous people of the area who were attempting to prevent Spanish incursion into their land, resulting in the city being refounded several times.

Several important scientists including Pehr Löfling from Sweden, Alexander von Humboldt from Germany, and Aimé Bonpland from France accomplished experimental works and discoveries while visiting or living in Cumaná in the 18th century.

Cumaná was the first settlement founded by Spain in Venezuela and South America, established in 1515 by Franciscan friars,[2] under the name Nueva Toledo, but due to successful attacks by the indigenous people (such as the Cumanagoto people), it had to be refounded several times until Diego Hernández de Serpa's refoundation in 1569 with the name of Cumaná.

The San Antonio de la Eminencia Castle, a large Spanish fort, is open to the public and can be seen from the beach.

[citation needed] The city is served by Antonio José de Sucre Airport, with commercial passenger airline flights to Caracas.