Barcelona: Make Espadrilles Workshop & Cava with Artisans

Summary

Barcelona espadrilles making class with cava and artisan stories

You’ll step into a real Barcelona espadrilles workshop, meet local artisans who guide you through every stitch (even if you’re all thumbs), pick your own colors and style, sip cava as you work, and finally walk out wearing something you actually made yourself. It’s hands-on, relaxed, sometimes messy — but that’s what makes it stick with you long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the smell — sort of sweet, earthy rope and new canvas, mixed with something I couldn’t place (maybe glue?). We’d barely stepped into the workshop in Barcelona when Marta waved us over to a big table covered in spools of colored thread and chunky soles. She handed me a tiny glass of cava before I could even say “hola,” which honestly set the mood right away. There were already a few locals chatting in Catalan near the window; one of them, Jordi, grinned at my shoes and said, “Today you’ll make better ones.” He wasn’t wrong.

I’m not crafty at all — my sewing is usually just fixing buttons — but Marta made it feel like we were just friends hanging out. She told us about how espadrilles used to be for farmers (“before they got fancy,” she joked), and let us dig through piles of laces and pick whatever colors we wanted. The stitching part took longer than I thought; my fingers kept slipping on the thick cotton thread, and I had to redo one side after realizing it looked like a toddler’s attempt. But Jordi showed me this trick with his thumb, and suddenly it clicked. There was something kind of meditative about the repetitive motion — plus, every so often someone would pop open another bottle of cava or pass around olives.

We learned three ways to lace up our finished espadrilles (I picked the criss-cross style because it felt classic), then everyone lined up for photos. There was music playing — not too loud — and someone started dancing near the back wall. My shoes looked… well, homemade, but in a way that made me weirdly proud. It’s funny: I’ve bought souvenirs before but never made one myself in Barcelona. I still think about that afternoon when I see those shoes by my door; they smell faintly of rope and cava now.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Craft traditional espadrilles in Barcelona

• Meet at entrance hall with drinks
• Learn espadrilles history and origins
• Choose materials, colors, sizes, styles
• Sit at workshop tables to make espadrilles
• Learn different ways to lace shoes
• Celebrate with cava, dance, and photos
• Take home your handmade espadrilles

Top questions

How long does the espadrilles workshop in Barcelona last?

The exact duration isn’t specified, but expect enough time to learn about history, choose materials, make your shoes, enjoy cava and snacks.

Is this espadrille making class suitable for beginners?

Yes—no experience needed. The artisans guide everyone step by step through each part.

Are drinks or food included during the Barcelona espadrilles experience?

Cava (sparkling wine) and snacks are served during the session.

Can I take my custom-made espadrilles home?

Yes—you’ll leave with your own pair as a wearable memory from Barcelona.

Is the workshop accessible for wheelchairs or strollers?

Yes—the space is wheelchair accessible and suitable for prams or strollers.

Are service animals allowed at the espadrille workshop?

Yes—service animals are allowed inside the workshop.

Does this include hotel pickup or transportation?

No—transportation isn’t included but public transport options are nearby.

Can children join this espadrille making activity in Barcelona?

The experience is suitable for all fitness levels; infants can ride in prams or strollers.

What’s included

Your day includes all materials to create your own custom-made espadrilles in a real Barcelona workshop alongside local artisans; cava sparkling wine and snacks are served throughout the session before you head home with your handmade shoes as a unique souvenir.