Sardinia is the second-biggest island in the Mediterranean, after Sicily, yet it lies much farther to the west of the Italian mainland than its sister island. With its northern tip due west of Naples, Sardinia is actually geographically closer to Tunisia, in Africa, and the French island of Corsica, than it is to Italy. No matter: The island remains culturally connected to its mother nation, albeit with a spirit of independence and a special statute of regional autonomy. Its restaurants, beaches, and resorts woo everyday travelers along with the world's richest and most famous, all of whom are seeking to “get away” without leaving too much of Italy behind.