The Côa Valley has yielded significant archaeological findings that trace the origins of its inhabitants to the Paleolithic period, approximately 20,000 years ago.

After what was likely a period of abandonment, the site was reoccupied in the 2nd millennium BCE, during the Bronze Age, as indicated by the discovery of decorated ceramics and structures made of wood and clay.

During these periods, the occupation of the lands around Foz Côa is believed to be largely nominal, due to a lack of archaeological findings and toponymy associated with these cultures.

[4] In 1299, the town of Foz Côa received its first royal charter (foral) from King Dinis, establishing formal recognition and local governance.

This charter delineated the boundaries of Foz Côa, including locations such as Veiga de Santa Maria, Azinhate, and Aldeia Nova.

During the end of the 14th century, Foz Côa was briefly under the municipality of Torre de Moncorvo, during the reign of King João I, later regaining its autonomy.

[citation needed] During the 18th century, the area of the municipality was largely rural, with cereals such as wheat, rye and barley, olive oil and almonds being important goods.

In 1808, following the expulsion of the Napoleonic forces, the town's inhabitants would accuse the families descendant from new Christians involved in business and trade of conspiring with the occupiers.

During the following years, conflict again emerged due to political discussions on Setembrism and Cartism, leading to aggression, murder and house fires.

[9] Administratively, the municipality is divided into 14 civil parishes (freguesias):[10] The economy of Vila Nova de Foz Côa is deeply rooted in agriculture.

[11] Tourism also plays a role in the local economy, both due to the Côa Valley Archaeological site and the region's gastronomy and wine production.

Local dishes feature fish from the Douro River and its tributaries and a variety of meats, including pork, goat, lamb, and game such as rabbit, hare, and partridge.

Foz Côa’s culinary identity uses distinct regional herbs and vegetables, such as asparagus, chestnuts (pilongas), sorrel, chard, nettles, and fennel.

Another important monument in the municipality is the schist castle of Castelo Melhor, of Leonese construction dating back to the early 13th century.

[citation needed] The Douro railway line passes through the north of the municipality, servicing three locations, Vesúvio, Freixo de Numão and Pocinho.

The later station is located 6 kilometres (3.7 mi) north of the city of Foz Côa and it is the current eastern terminus of the railway line.