Avarques
Menorca
Avarques are traditional sandals originating in rural Menorca. Designed by farmers to withstand long working days, they are characterised by their rubber soles, leather uppers and sturdy 360º stitching around the edges, which makes them strong and durable.
Although there are theories that trace the origins of this type of footwear back to earlier times, the first documented references in Menorca date back to the 18th century. However, the design closest to the current model was established in the mid-20th century, when craftsmen began to incorporate recycled tyre soles, a practical solution that improved resistance and grip. Their structural simplicity and functionality explain why they have endured overtime, adapting to changes in fashion without losing their essence.
Today, the avarca has become a unisex summer shoe with international appeal, reinterpreted in multiple versions, materials and colours. Among its values, sustainability stands out, as it is made up of few elements (sole, insole and upper), and its components can be easily separated for recycling.
In addition, the official Avarca de Menorca label, awarded by the Island Council, certifies their authenticity and manufacture on the island, thus protecting a product that forms part of Menorca’s cultural heritage.
Menorca
Avarca de Menorca
The Menorca Island Council, in collaboration with the Menorca Footwear Manufacturers Association, has created the Avarca de Menorca guarantee mark to distinguish this footwear, which originates from the island, in the market.
Companies enjoying this distinction certify the quality of the product, both in terms of materials and manufacturing process, and its geographical origin. Consumers thus have a brand and logo to identify authentic Menorcan avarques, a product made on the island with guaranteed quality. A technical committee oversees the granting of authorisations for use of the mark and its correct application, so that buyers have full guarantees regarding the production and origin of Menorca avarcas.
The eight Menorca companies linked to the Avarca de Menorca mark are:
The Avarca de Menorca brand reaffirms a way of understanding footwear: honest, timeless creations designed for everyday use and linked to a distinctly Mediterranean way of life. Its international reach has taken this symbol of the Mediterranean to numerous countries, consolidating it as comfortable, versatile and timeless footwear.
Ria
Ría has its origins in a small workshop founded in 1947 by Bartolomé Truyol, a master shoemaker who had learned the trade as a child. With a solid tradition of craftsmanship, the workshop began by making footwear by hand, following the traditional methods of the island.
In 1998, Carlos Truyol took over the management of the company and made a key strategic decision: to specialise exclusively in the manufacture of authentic Menorcan avarques. Since then, the firm has focused its identity on this iconic footwear, combining inherited craftsmanship with a contemporary vision of design.
Ría combines tradition and fashion but maintains the artisanal manufacturing processes and use of quality leathers in its summer and winter collections, challenging the apparent seasonality of this summer footwear.
Castell
Castell was founded in 1985 in Ciutadella with a clear premise: to preserve the essence of the Menorcan avarca and bring it into the present. Since then, the firm has remained committed to artisanal manufacturing in Menorca, where each pair is handmade, respecting the times and techniques inherited from generations of artisans. What began as functional footwear linked to the island’s rural landscape has become, under its watchful eye, a refined symbol of Mediterranean style.
Castell reinterprets the Menorcan sandal without stripping it of its identity. New trends are added to the classic silhouette, creating a dialogue with contemporary style without breaking the link with its origins. Inspired by an island declared a Biosphere Reserve, the brand works with responsible materials and careful processes, advocating conscious production far removed from the rush of fast fashion.
Ocean Menorca (OM) is the sustainable line, created with the aim of transforming marine waste into high-quality footwear. More than a collection, OM is a commitment, it is walking with purpose.
Port Menorca
Port Menorca was founded in Menorca in 2023 as a brand of timeless, gender-neutral accessories and footwear that embodies the essence of the island with refined and discreet designs. Each pair is manufactured in collaboration with local workshops that honour traditional craftsmanship with an eye to the future.
Their mission is clear: to redefine and bring Menorcan craftsmanship to a discerning global audience seeking authentic luxury and meaningful, sustainable fashion. By combining tradition with innovation, they transform ancient techniques into relevant, modern designs, empowering artisans and connecting consumers with the art of handmade design.
At Port Menorca, they envision a future where craftsmanship is celebrated and integrated into the heart of the fashion industry.
