Which Would You Rather: Ibiza or Barcelona?
 

I'm going to Majorca in the first part of June with a good friend. We were planning on starting out with 2 nights in Ibiza before going to Majorca. After hearing what a party island Ibiza is we are now considering going to Barcelona instead and then to Majorca. We are in our late 30's and still have a bit of party left in us but we don't want to go to an island that is specifically designated as a party town with not much else to offer. Also, we'd rather not be surrounded by drunk 20 year olds. So my question is, does Ibiza have other things to offer? Is this a must-see island or should we change our first stop to Barcelona?

BTW - this will be my first trip to Spain. My friend has already been to Barcelona and loved it but wanted to see something new (Ibiza) until we heard about it's reputation.

Any and all feedback is greatly appreciated!

While not all of Ibiza is a party zone, I find Mallorca more interesting and diverse than Ibiza. There is simply more do see and do on Mallorca IMO.
A combination with Barcelona sounds much more interesting. But since neither of you has seen Spain before you could also think about a combination of Madrid and Mallorca or Sevilla and Mallorca.
There is hardly one airport in Spain or, in fact, all of Europe that would not have non-stop flights to Palma de Mallorca :)

sorry.. did not read properly that your friend knows BCN already..

Of course ibiza is a party on the beach and in the discos, but formentera and a bit inland and north are very tame and relaxing and beautiful.

I have many friends who go with their young children and are in LOVE with the whole atmosphere.

Here are some pics of perhaps the BEST of Formentera

My daughter likes to stay near the ferry to Formentera.. spend the day there and do Ibiza town at night.

as for drunk 16-30 yr olds.. watch out in mallorca,too.. some hotel complexes cater to end of school year parties. You do not want a low cost hotel there.

http://www.google.es/images?client=s...w=1907&bih=873