Tarpon Springs is not only the home of the world’s finest sponges; it is where you can savor the best Greek dishes in the United States. Tarpon Springs might be under the radar of millions of travelers who visit Florida annually, but it can hold on its own especially if you like to visit small quaint cities that are a joy to explore.
Named for the fish found in the nearby waters, the city of Tarpon Springs is located along the shores of the Gulf of Mexico, and is just a few miles from Tampa, Florida. Aside from being known as the "sponge capital of the world", the city has the highest percentage of Greek Americans in the entire country. The first Greeks came to Tarpon Springs in 1905, lured by the sponge industry. As the sponge industry expanded, more Greeks immigrated, and brought with them their families, and culture. The city enjoys warm temperature all throughout the year, making it appealing to visit anytime.
There is so much to enjoy in Tarpon Springs. You can walk along its brick streets where there are a lot of specialty and quaint shops, take in the views of its scenic waterfront which stretches for miles, visit the Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks, pay homage to St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral, and enjoy boat tours and water activities. Tarpons Springs is where you can listen to Greek music; learn how to dance the Hasapiko; and of course eat authentic Greek dishes such as Moussaka, lamb or fish stew, Gyors, Kalamari, and Spanakorizo, while sipping some ouzo or tsipouro.
Take a trip to Tarpon Springs and feel like a Greek! Consult your travel agent for more details.