Why The Menorcan Sandal Is The Must-have Summer Shoe

Menorca has a long history of shoe-making, with their most famous export being traditional Menorcan sandals – known as Menorquinas or Avarcas – now sold the world over. Originally a peasant shoe designed to keep feet cool and comfortable when working in the hot and often rocky fields, the sandals were practical, hard wearing, and made with a soft leather upper and a piece of rubber tyre for the sole. Today the sandals still have a black tyre-like sole, but generally one that’s purpose-made rather than an actual car tyre.

Worn faithfully for decades by locals of all ages throughout the Balearics, in recent years Avarcas have grown increasingly popular elsewhere, and are now deemed a must-have fashion accessory and sold in outlets across the world. The increase in their popularity means that many places are selling inferior copies, but only genuine Avarca sandals made in Menorca are granted the official label by the government. It pays to buy the real deal as you can really tell the difference in the quality of the hand-sewn nubuck leather – the soft leather moulds to your feet and is so comfortable that it’s easy to see why people love them.

Traditionally made in only one neutral colour and style – which is still favoured by most locals – these days their fashion status means the sandals come in every colour and style imaginable. Some even have hand-painted designs, small heels, or platforms.

Whatever brand, style, or colour you choose, you can expect an authentic Menorquina sandal to last for ages, getting comfier the longer you wear them and likely becoming your go-to shoe for many years – even when they’ve fallen out of fashion!

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.