Xerjoff Naxos vs Rayhaan Italia: Same Honey Tobacco, Less Money?

By TryParfums EditorialSep 13, 20264 min read

Xerjoff Naxos and Rayhaan Italia on a wooden chessboard in a library

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Quick answer

Xerjoff Naxos is the safer pick for longevity and depth, but no one has measured a clear winner. Reviewers report a wide range for both, and one side-by-side tester found Naxos lasted longer, while others say Rayhaan Italia projects loudly for hours.

Both list lavender, honey, cinnamon, tobacco, tonka and vanilla.
Many Fragrantica reviewers rate Italia around 85 to 90% close, with a harsher opening.
Naxos has more depth. Italia is lighter and brighter.

Xerjoff 1861 Naxos is one of the best-loved honey and tobacco scents out there. Rayhaan Italia is the Arabian scent most often compared to it.

Both are perfect for fall. Here is how they compare, what reviewers say about performance, and which one we would buy.

Xerjoff 1861 Naxos

Xerjoff 1861 NaxosLavender, honey, cinnamon, tobacco leaf, tonka beanShop now

ConcentrationEau de Parfum (per Xerjoff)

StyleHoney, tobacco, lavender

Best seasonFall, winter (reviewers)

Xerjoff calls Naxos a tribute to the island of Sicily. Citrus and lavender open into honey, cinnamon and jasmine, then a base of tobacco leaf, tonka and vanilla.

Performance reports vary a lot. On Fragrantica, some reviewers get 10 to 12 hours, others get 3 to 4. Basenotes reviewers mostly call its longevity and sillage medium. Several reviewers say they save it for cooler months.

Rayhaan Italia

Rayhaan ItaliaLavender, honey, cinnamon, tobacco leaf, tonka beanShop now

ConcentrationEau de Parfum (per Rayhaan)

StyleLighter honey tobacco

Best seasonFall (reviewers)

Rayhaan lists lavender, bergamot and lemon, then honey, cinnamon, cashmeran and jasmine, over tobacco leaf, vanilla and tonka. That is nearly the same list as Naxos.

Rayhaan itself never mentions Naxos. Fragrantica reviewers do, a lot. Many put it at 85 to 90% close. One who tested both side by side called it fresher and lighter, and not one to one.

How close is Italia to Naxos?

The opening is where they differ most. Many Italia reviewers describe a harsh or medicinal first half hour, with some comparing it to vapor rub. One said it took about two hours for the likeness to show.

The drydown is where they meet. Several reviewers call Italia's drydown sweet, powdery tobacco and one of the best Naxos alternatives. Some reviewers disagree and say Italia lacks the depth and smoothness of Naxos. A few say it improves after resting for one to three months.

Which lasts longer?

Reports overlap. On Fragrantica, some Italia wearers call it a room filler that lasts 8 to 10 hours or more. Others get only a couple of hours, and one reviewer blamed a weak recent batch.

Naxos has the same spread, with some reviewers also blaming newer batches. The one side-by-side tester we found said Naxos lasted longer. Our read: Naxos is the safer bet, but neither is a guaranteed beast.

	Xerjoff Naxos	Rayhaan Italia
Concentration	Eau de Parfum	Eau de Parfum
Opening	Smooth citrus and lavender	Often called harsh at first
Drydown	Rich honey tobacco	Close, lighter and brighter
Longevity reports	Wide range, often medium	Wide range, batch complaints
Best for	Fall and winter evenings	Fall days, daily wear

Our verdict

If you already know you love honey and tobacco, buy Naxos. It is smoother from the first spray and has more depth. If you are curious about the style, Italia gets you most of the drydown. Just give it 30 minutes before you judge it.