Else Beekman
When people think of central Spain, Puerta del Sol in Madrid often comes to mind as the most central point. However, while this famous square is traditionally considered the reference point for measuring distances in the Spanish road network. Therefore, it is not the geographical centre of the Iberian Peninsula. That honour belongs to a small village with just over 900 inhabitants: Nombela.
Spain is a country with over 8,000 municipalities spread across a diverse geography that includes high mountains, deserts, extensive forests, a central plateau, and territories stretching from the mainland to islands, and even two autonomous cities in northern Africa. Surrounded by two seas and an ocean, Spain boasts a long coastline. The total length of Spain’s coastline, including all its islands, is estimated at nearly 8,000 kilometres. If considering only the mainland, the coastline stretches about 4,900 kilometres along the Mediterranean Sea, the Alboran Sea, and the Atlantic Ocean. This extensive coastline makes Spain a popular holiday destination, known for its sun, sea, and beaches. However, not all Spanish provinces have direct access to the sea.
The farthest point from the sea
To find the point in Spain that is furthest from any sea, one must venture into the central part of the peninsula, where the high plateau (meseta) lies. The residents of Nombela in Toledo have the nearest beach at Malvarrosa Beach on the Valencia coast. This is approximately 446 kilometres away, and translates to about a four-hour and forty-minute drive. To the south, the closest beach is in Málaga, over a five-hour drive away. To the north, the nearest beach is in Suances, located 458 kilometres away, just under a five-hour drive.
The geographical centre of Spain
While Nombela is considered the geographical centre of the Iberian Peninsula, the title of Spain’s geographical centre has been debated for decades. Two towns in the Autonomous Community of Madrid, Getafe and Pinto, each claim to be the geographical centre of Spain. Getafe points to the Cerro de los Ángeles, a hill that the Arabs identified as the centre during their conquest of the peninsula. Pinto had a marking stone called “La Exacta” until the 1960s and now has a monolith supporting their claim. Additionally, other locations near two towns in Toledo have been suggested. This complex issue remains unresolved without a definitive mathematical solution.
A charming village
Despite its remote location from the sea, Nombela stands out for its agriculture and natural beauty. With 907 inhabitants, the village is a 50-minute drive from Toledo and about an hour and a quarter from Madrid. Nestled in the countryside, Nombela is surrounded by fertile fields, offering a serene contrast to the bustling cities mentioned earlier. The village boasts significant heritage, with several historical monuments and vibrant traditions maintained by its residents.
What to see in Nombela
Nombela’s attractions include the Iglesia de la Asunción de Nuestra Señora, a 16th-century church with a Gothic Isabeline-style portico and Talavera ceramic decorations. For hiking enthusiasts, the valley of the Alberche River offers a spectacular landscape surrounded by mountains and forests. Another intriguing site is Cueva del Castillo, a limestone cave over 500 metres long, home to archaeological remains and bats. Additionally, El Chorro, an impressive waterfall over 20 metres high, features a crystal-clear pool ideal for swimming on warm summer days.
In terms of gastronomy, Nombela is known for its traditional dishes. These include roasted lamb (cordero asado) and the famous Manchego cheese. Nombela is remarkable not only because it is the point furthest from the sea in Spain but also for its rural charm and cultural richness at the heart of the Iberian Peninsula, far from the hustle and bustle of Spain’s coastal