I wasn't born here, but I live in Albufeira (Algarve) for 12 years now.
Albufeira is one of the most famous touristic spots in Europe. If you like long gold sandy beaches, sun bathing, good food, beautiful man and women (ahahahah), night life and friendly people, this is the right place. It seams that I'm advertising Albufeira, but I'm not. I leave here, and I know that Albufeira (and the Algarve in general) is a great place if your young, old or have children.
It's historical and picturesque. The centre of Albufeira (the old town) is hilly, with very stoned narrow streets.