If you’ve ever wondered why people are head over heels in love with the Mediterranean, the list of reasons is pretty extensive. For starters, the climate of this European escape is one of the most alluring details about the Mediterranean.
During summer, spending time in the Mediterranean is a dream come true for many explorers. The breathtaking landscapes in the Mediterranean are just as fabulous to consider. Nearly every direction you look will grant you aesthetically pleasing views you’ll be tempted to capture on camera.
The culture of romance and adventure in the Mediterranean has turned it into a wonderful place to visit or relocate. We know there are many Mediterranean islands worth checking out this summer, but maybe, you won't even need to leave America to enjoy a similar experience.
Interestingly enough, there’s a small American town that represents the same type of flow, vibes, and ambiance of the Mediterranean, smack-dab in the USA. We're referring to Tarpon Springs, Florida. Beyond the best Florida towns for a weekend getaway, Tarpon Springs is a true gem.
If this destination isn't already on your radar at this point, that might just change.
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Conveniently located just off the shore of Miami, this stunning town is a barrier island accessible from the mainland by a causeway.
Tarpon Springs, Florida Is As Enticing As The Mediterranean
A little less than one mile from the Gulf of Mexico is where you’ll find the blissful city of Tarpon Springs, Florida. Settlers originally arrived in the area in the 1870s, which is where the incredible story of Tarpon Springs really begins.
It’s located on the Anclote River. The town snagged its name thanks to all the tarpon fish that were constantly spotted swimming through the waters of the area.
A man named Samuel E. Hope was the first private landholder to drop money for ownership in the area before the settlers arrived in 1864. As shocking as this might sound, there aren’t full-fledged beaches located conveniently in Tarpon Springs.
However, that doesn’t take away from its true Mediterranean energy. Vacationers interested in lounging on white sand beaches only need to travel a few short miles West to reach beaches on the Gulf.
One of the most beloved options is Sunset Beach, which spans across 11 blissful acres. It offers outdoor volleyball courts, a kid-friendly playground, and a boating launch.
Fred Howard Park is also nearby, offering a beach with jaw-dropping hiking trails for outdoorsy individuals to explore. After all, the top-rated beach hikes in Florida are all the rage.
Anclote River Park is a third option with beach access along with a designated fishing area and a charming picnic pavilion.
Population: | 26,114 |
Average summer temperature: | 85°F |
Average vacation cost: | $301/night |
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Restaurants And Excursions In Tarpon Springs, Similar To The Mediterranean
You can’t go wrong spending time in Tarpon Springs if you’re truly hoping to replicate a Mediterranean vacation.
Some of the Mediterranean restaurants open for business include Hella's Restaurant, Dimitri's on the Water Greek Restaurant, and Mama's Greek Cuisine.
Hella's Restaurant has a divine menu that features Chicken Souvlaki, Keftedes Meatballs, and Tiropitas. The menu at Dimitri's on the Water Greek Restaurant offers Greek Cobb Salads, Spanakopita Spinach Pie, and Avgolemono Soup. At Mama's Greek Cuisine, guests are welcome to order Shrimp Saganaki, Pikilia, and Lamb Shank.
There are tons of delectable restaurants with menus full of Mediterranean food items to order. These restaurants serve proof that you don’t need to venture all the way to the actual Mediterranean to chow down on some delicious cuisine inspired by the Greek Islands.
Activities in Tarpon Springs comparable to experiences you might enjoy in the Mediterranean include visiting the Tarpon Springs Aquarium and Animal Sanctuary, strolling through the Brooker Creek Preserve, and visiting Whitcomb Bayou.
Loads of insightful, historical museums are located in the Mediterranean, including the Museo di Storia Naturale del Mediterraneo, the Acropolis Museum, and the Museum of Fine Arts in Malta.
There are a number of incredible museum cities to visit in America, and Tarpon Springs should be added to the list. Visitors can make their way to the Tarpon Springs Heritage Museum, the Tarpon Springs Cultural Center, and the Tarpon Springs Historical Train Depot Museum while there.
What Else Should You Know About Tarpon Springs, Florida?
There are a couple of months throughout the year when travelers may enjoy themselves the most in the Mediterranean of America that is Tarpon Springs. July is ranked as the warmest month of the year with a temperature that averages at 82.4°F.
November is ranked as the most pleasant month of the year since it only pulls in an average rainfall of about 1.9 inches. If fishing is one of your favorite pastimes, you might consider saving your Tarpon Springs trip for a time slot between March and July.
Those months are considered peak fishing season in the Floridian town. The Sponge Docks there are a big deal since Tarpon Springs is where the sponge industry really took off.
By the time 1890 rolled around, Tarpon Springs was home to the firmly established sponge industry with almost $1 million worth of sponge sales that year alone. Sponge divers were earning their livings by swimming in the ocean to collect sponges in the area.
That caused an increased need for housing and restaurants where professional sponge divers could live and eat. Beyond the Greek influence and Mediterranean appeal of Tarpon Springs, the history of sponge harvesting stands alone for being one of the most intriguing details about this particular small town in Florida.
All in all, the combination of beautiful beachfront property, along with tasty, fresh food options makes Tarpon Springs in Florida the perfect state-side Mediterranean getaway. In addition to the Mediterranean influences, Tarpon Springs has several attractions that are all its own, including its huge concentration of sponges.
So next time you need a European getaway, consider instead hopping over to the Tarpon Springs, Florida, the Mediterranean of America.