BOWA Restaurant Dubrovnik: Most Beautiful & Epic Beach -

If you’re looking for a hidden beach club paradise near Dubrovnik, BOWA Restaurant on Šipan Island needs to be on your list. This quiet bay was hands down one of the most unforgettable stops—and honestly, one of the prettiest places I’ve ever been to in Croatia. The water here was the clearest I’ve ever seen! The whole place has a super laid-back beach club vibe, and Bowa Restaurant and beach club just feels like a dream.

This post contains affiliate links where I earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). Your support helps me continue to provide valuable travel tips and recommendations.

Below are helpful resources to make your travel planning easier and stress-free:

🌟 Check out 16 Best & Jaw-Dropping Beaches to Swim in Dubrovnik blog post!

Looking for quick Hotel suggestions? Here are the top picks:

Affordable Stay: SUNce Palace with free parking
Ideal for Location: Dominus Rooms
Best Luxury Hotel: Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik
Top View: Hotel Excelsior
Great for Families: Rixos Premium Belek

🌟 Check out Best Viewpoints in Dubrovnik: Ultimate & Stunning Spots blog post!

Unique Experiences in Dubrovnik

Table of Contents

How to Get to BOWA Restaurant

BOWA is located on a private cove of Šipan Island, part of the Elaphiti Islands, just off the coast of Dubrovnik. The only way to get there is by boat. here are no roads, which is what makes it feel like such an exclusive hideaway. If you’re renting a private boat for the day, be sure to have your captain call ahead and reserve a spot for you. Bowa also offers boat transfers from Dubrovnik, which you can arrange when booking your reservation.

The boat ride takes about 30-40 minutes from Dubrovnik and brings you right to Bowa’s private dock. From there, a concierge will be waiting to greet you and check you in.

🌟 Check out How to Spend the Best 1 Day in Dubrovnik, Croatia blog post!

Do I need Reservations at BOWA Restaurant?

Since BOWA Restaurant is located in a quiet bay with limited space, you’ll definitely need to make a reservation in advance. You can book through their website or have your boat captain coordinate with them. This isn’t the kind of place you can just show up to—tables and beach cabanas are reserved well in advance, especially during peak season.

When you arrive, a concierge will greet you right at the dock to check your reservation and guide you to your table or beach area. The service from the moment you dock feels personal and well-organized. (Very White Lotus moment)

🌟 Check out Lokrum Island: Plan the Best Day Trip from Dubrovnik blog post!

What to Expect at BOWA Restaurant

BOWA is a restaurant, beach club, and lounge all in one, set in one of the most breathtaking spots along the Adriatic Sea. You are guaranteed to have the most incredible and memorable fine dining experience. The atmosphere is a super laid-back island vibe and views that feel straight out of a postcard.

The main dining area is right by the water, with tables shaded by bamboo cabanas and surrounded by olive trees. This gives the entire space a cozy and rustic-chic feel. There are stone pathways, wooden decks, and natural textures that make Bowa feel like a seamless extension of Šipan Island. They even use homemade olive oil in many dishes, staying true to the island’s roots.

🌟 Check out Capri 1 Day Ultimate Travel Guide: All You Need to Know blog post!

The menu is all about seafood. They have fresh daily catches, oysters, and use ingredients from local farms and fishermen, fine dining at its finest! It’s the kind of place where you sit down for a long, laid-back lunch, sip on a refreshing drink, and listen to the waves in the background. Besides cocktails, they also have mocktails and fresh-pressed juices—everything feels light and perfect for a beach day.

After lunch, you can spend the rest of the day just relaxing in this beautiful, quiet bay. Grab a sunbed by the water, go for a swim in the clearest water you’ll ever see, or head up to the open-air bar on the second level—it has an amazing view over the whole cove.

Note: If you reserve one of the private cabanas at BOWA Restaurant, the sunbeds and towels are included. But if you’re just coming for lunch, you’ll need to pay extra if you want to use the sunbeds.

🌟 Check out How to Spend the Perfect One Day in POSITANO blog post!

Is BOWA Restaurant Worth Visiting?

Absolutely! Between the quiet location, amazing views of the Adriatic Sea, and the whole private beach club vibe, Bowa Restaurant was one of my favorite stops. It’s the perfect mix of fine dining seafood lunch and a laid-back beach day, all in a quiet bay that feels totally away from the crowds. It’s not a cheap stop and is definitely a splurge, but for a special day out, it’s so worth it.

If you’re planning a boat day around the Elafiti Islands, you should definitely add BOWA Restaurant to your list. It’s not just a restaurant—it’s an experience. You can spend hours swimming, lounging on sunbeds, and sipping a refreshing drink while enjoying the view.

Make sure to book ahead of time, especially in summer, because it’s a small and exclusive spot and gets reserved quickly.

🌟 Check out Sorrento: 22 Best & Ultimate Things to Do in 2025 blog post!

Travel Tips/Things to Know Before Visiting Dubrovnik

Where to stay in Dubrovnik?

When is the Best Time to Visit Dubrovnik?

Choosing the right time to visit can really shape your Dubrovnik experience. Here’s a quick guide to help you decide:

April, May, September and October: Shoulder Season

The shoulder season is a great time to visit. The weather is still warm and sunny, but the crowds are smaller compared to the summer months. You’ll have enough time to enjoy the city without feeling rushed, and it’s easier to find tables at restaurants and explore popular sites like the City Walls and Lokrum Island without the peak season hustle.

🌟 Check out The BEST GUIDE to Beautiful North MALLORCA Beaches blog post!

June – August: Peak Season

The summer months are the busiest in Dubrovnik, with long days, hot weather, and lots of tourists. This is when the city is at its liveliest, but also the most crowded and expensive. If you visit during this time, plan to start your sightseeing early in the morning to avoid the midday heat and big crowds. You’ll want to book hotels, restaurants, and cable car tickets well in advance.

November – March: Off-season

The off-season is much quieter, and some attractions, shops, and restaurants may close or have limited hours. However, if you’re not a fan of crowds and don’t mind cooler weather, this can be a quiet time to explore the Old Town. Just keep in mind that swimming spots and boat trips like might not be available during these months.

🌟 Check out LISBON in 4 Days: The Ultimate Portugal Itinerary blog post!

How to get around Dubrovnik?

The best way to get around Dubrovnik, especially the old town, is on foot. The Old Town is compact, and most of the main sights are within walking distance. You really don’t need public transport to explore the city center. The stone streets, narrow alleyways, and scenic viewpoints are best enjoyed by walking.

You’ll likely enter through Pile Gate, but there’s also Ploče Gate on the opposite side, which leads you to the eastern entrance of Old Town and the outer walls. Both gates are easy walking routes that connect you to the city’s main attractions.

Public buses are available if you’re staying further out, but once you’re inside the Old Town, walking is the easiest and most enjoyable way to see Dubrovnik.

🌟 Check out Sorrento: 22 Best & Ultimate Things to Do in 2025 blog post!

Is Dubrovnik safe to visit?

In my experience, Dubrovnik felt like one of the safest places I’ve ever visited. It’s the kind of city where people leave their bags and belongings on the beach without worrying. I didn’t see or hear of any pickpockets, which is very different from places like Rome and Paris, where you always have to be cautious.

Everyone we met in Dubrovnik was so friendly and welcoming. The city is also extremely clean—the streets almost sparkle! There’s no trash or litter lying around, and the whole place feels very well cared for.

If you’re worried about safety, Dubrovnik is a destination where you can relax and truly enjoy without constantly being on guard.

🌟 Check out Ultimate 2 Days Porto Itinerary: Best Things to Do blog post!

Language, do I need to speak Croatian?

You don’t need to worry about speaking Croatian when visiting Dubrovnik. Most people speak English very well, and we never had any language barrier during our trip. In restaurants, shops, and even small local places, communication was always easy.

That said, it’s always respectful to learn a few basic Croatian phrases like “hello” (bok), “thank you” (hvala), and “goodbye” (doviđenja). Locals really appreciate when visitors make a small effort to use their language.

🌟 Check out MATERA Ultimate Travel Guide to Ancient City in Italy blog post!

Are there Good Beaches in Dubrovnik?

Absolutely! Dubrovnik is surrounded by the Adriatic Sea, so you’ll always find amazing places to swim.

There are so many beautiful beaches with crystal-clear waters. Some are right next to the city walls, little coves tucked under cliffs, and scenic spots just steps from the Old Town. Others are a bit further out along the coast if you’re up for exploring beyond the city center. Even with just 1 day in Dubrovnik, you can still enjoy time at the beach.

One thing to note is that most beaches here are pebbly, not sandy, so I highly recommend bringing water shoes. But the crystal-clear water makes it impossible to stay away, especially on a hot day!

I wrote a full guide on the 16 Best Beaches in Dubrovnik. It covers my favorite swimming spots, from popular beaches to hidden gems.

Need inspiration for your next trip? Check out some of my other posts:

Travels with MR

Growing up between Europe and New York, I was always drawn to new places and how they made me feel. After visiting over 25 countries, that love has only grown. I enjoy finding great places to visit, stay, and eat—and I’m someone who really loves planning and staying organized. Through this blog and on Instagram, I share my travel tips, personal experiences, and ready-to-go itineraries to help you plan memorable trips.

More About me