Australian actor Chris Hemsworth has been in Spain this week promoting his new film “Crime 101”, which had its European gala premiere in London on Wednesday and which will hit cinemas on 13 February. Hemsworth plays an elusive thief who specialises in high-risk robberies that baffle the police. The film marks a new chapter in the career of the actor, known worldwide for playing Thor in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The star has close ties to Spain, a bond that has been strengthened thanks to his wife, Spanish actress Elsa Pataky.
This connection to Spain has led the actor to choose locations in the country for various professional projects and family getaways. In particular, Mallorca has become one of his favourite destinations, both for relaxation and for filming audiovisual content that requires spectacular landscapes and unique natural conditions. During one of his visits to the island, the Australian actor chose Cala sa Nau as the setting for filming an episode of his documentary series “No Limits with Chris Hemsworth”, produced by National Geographic and broadcast on the Disney+ platform.
In this programme, the actor tests different physical and mental skills, pushing his body to extreme situations. In the episode filmed in Mallorca, Hemsworth practised psychobloc, a form of rock climbing over water that has one of its best exponents in the world on the island. Psychobloc, also known as deep water soloing, consists of climbing rock faces above the water without using ropes or traditional safety systems. The climber’s protection lies in the depth of the water, which cushions any possible falls. This sporting discipline finds an ideal environment for its practice in Cala sa Nau, thanks to its particular geographical and geological characteristics.
The limestone cliffs flanking this cove offer climbing routes of varying difficulty, while the depth of the water guarantees the safety of the climbers. Mallorca has positioned itself as one of the world’s leading destinations for lovers of this sport, attracting professional and amateur climbers from all continents. The combination of Mediterranean climate, crystal-clear waters and high-quality rock formations makes the island a paradise for this sport.
Cala sa Nau is a 350-metre-deep inlet that opens onto the coast of the municipality of Felanitx. This cove is geographically located between the natural harbours of Portopetro and Portocolom, two traditional fishing villages on the east coast of Mallorca. The beach is 60 metres long and 70 metres wide, making it an intimate and welcoming space. The natural environment surrounding Cala sa Nau is characterised by pine and juniper forests that provide natural shade during the summer months.
This practically unspoilt landscape contrasts with other more urbanised areas of the island, offering visitors a more authentic experience in direct contact with Mediterranean nature. Despite its unspoilt character, the cove has basic services such as showers and a lifeguard during the high season, as well as a beach bar in the vicinity. The low limestone cliffs flanking the beach are crowned by native vegetation, mainly consisting of pine trees, junipers and Mediterranean scrub. This vegetation helps to maintain the coastal ecosystem and provides a landscape of great visual beauty.
The seabed at Cala sa Nau combines sand, rock and meadows of Posidonia oceanica, a marine plant endemic to the Mediterranean that performs essential ecological functions. These underwater ecosystems make the cove a privileged spot for snorkelling, allowing swimmers to observe the Mediterranean marine biodiversity in its natural habitat. The cove has a marked area specifically designated for water sports such as paddle surfing and kayaking.
These activities allow visitors to explore the spectacular winding route of the sea inlet, discovering corners that are inaccessible from land and enjoying different perspectives of the coastal landscape. The geographical configuration of Cala sa Nau, with its rocky walls and sheltered waters, creates ideal conditions for these aquatic disciplines. To access this cove from Felanitx, located 18.3 kilometres away, follow the signs to the town of S’Horta, where you will find the signposted turn-off to Cala sa Nau.
The car park is located approximately 500 metres from the beach, from where you can access it via stone steps that descend to the sand. Visitors who prefer to walk can choose from different routes. From the cove itself, wearing suitable footwear for hiking, it is possible to reach Cala Mitjana by walking 5.3 kilometres south. Another alternative is to start from Portocolom and cover the 4.7 kilometres that separate this port from Cala sa Nau, following the Camí de sa Ronda, a traditional path that runs along the Mallorcan coastline and offers panoramic views of the Mediterranean.
Psicobloc is a type of climbing practised over water without using traditional safety systems such as ropes or harnesses. Climbers ascend rock faces above the sea, so that in the event of a fall, the water acts as a protective element. Mallorca has exceptional geographical conditions for this practice: limestone cliffs of excellent quality for climbing, deep and transparent waters, a Mediterranean climate with many days of sunshine per year and pleasant water temperatures for much of the season. These characteristics have made the island a pilgrimage destination for professional climbers from all over the world.
Beyond their professional commitments, Chris Hemsworth and his family have enjoyed Mallorca on multiple occasions. In 2023, the actor, his wife Elsa Pataky and their three children sailed around the island aboard La Juliana, a classic boat with which they toured the Balearic coastline. During this voyage, the family took the opportunity to enjoy the Mediterranean sun, swim in secluded coves and discover less travelled corners of the region. These family getaways reflect the couple’s attachment to the Mediterranean lifestyle and, in particular, to the natural landscapes that Mallorca has to offer.
The couple, who normally reside in Australia, find in Spain a refuge where they can combine privacy, nature and outdoor activities with their children.