Zahara works like a small, personally run B&B: check-in and check-out are private and can be done express, at a time agreed in advance, and the hosts are happy to share tips on the city. Guests have use of a terrace and a shared lounge, lockers, and a lift in the building; fruit is available, special diet menus can be requested and the property hosts temporary art exhibitions.
Wi-Fi is free in all areas. Several services come with a charge: the airport shuttle and other transfers, luggage storage, bicycle rental, daily housekeeping, laundry and ironing. The whole property is non-smoking, quiet hours run from 23:00 to 07:00, and hen, stag or similar parties are not accommodated.

Zahara is at Via Cestai 11, a quiet side street east of Via Etnea in the historic centre of Catania. Piazza Università is about 170 m away, Piazza Duomo with the cathedral about 240 m, and the Roman Amphitheatre, the Roman Theatre and Castello Ursino are all within ten minutes on foot. Stesicoro metro station is about 300 m away.
Rates at Zahara vary with the season, the day of the week and availability, and the room type you choose also plays a part. For specific dates you can check availability with our booking partners.
Zahara is designed above all for couples and solo travellers: all three room types are doubles with one king-size bed and room for a maximum of two guests. Families or groups of three or more would need to book more than one room.
Check-in is from 15:00 to 22:00 and check-out from 08:00 to 10:00. You need to tell the property your expected arrival time in advance, for example in the special requests when booking or using the contact details in your confirmation. A valid ID is required at check-in, and the minimum check-in age is 18.
Zahara does not have a round-the-clock front desk: check-in is private and takes place in person at the time agreed with the property, and express check-in and check-out are available. Luggage storage is offered with a charge, which can help if you arrive early or leave late.
Breakfast at Zahara comes in continental, Italian, vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. According to several guests, breakfast is served at a partner café nearby, so it is worth checking the arrangements and whether breakfast is part of your booking before you travel.
No, Zahara has no parking. The historic centre is a limited traffic zone, so it is best not to drive up to the door. The nearest public car parks are at Piazzale Borsellino and the Bellini multi-storey, about seven minutes away on foot.
No, pets are not allowed at Zahara. For any special needs, contact the property directly before booking.
Yes, Wi-Fi is free and available in all areas of Zahara, including the rooms.
The AMTS Alibus leaves from in front of the old terminal and runs along Via Etnea to Piazza Stesicoro, a few minutes' walk from Via Cestai; ordinary city bus tickets are not valid on it. White licensed taxis wait at the Arrivals exit, and until the end of 2026 a fixed fare to Piazza Duomo is being trialled. Zahara also offers an airport shuttle with a charge.
Guests regularly describe Zahara as quiet despite its central position. The rooms are soundproofed, Via Cestai is a side street away from the traffic of Via Etnea, quiet hours run from 23:00 to 07:00 and the property does not accommodate hen, stag or similar parties.
Only the Superior King Room at Zahara has a kitchen, with fridge, oven, microwave, kitchenware and a dining table. The Deluxe and Standard King Rooms have a fridge, a coffee machine and an electric kettle but no cooking facilities.
Choose your dates and check availability for Zahara's three room types with our booking partners.
Check availability