32 Times Small-Town America Felt Like a Hidden European Village

27. The Greek Glow of Tarpon Springs, Florida

Home to the largest Greek-American population in the U.S., Tarpon Springs pulses with the vibrancy of the Aegean. From the scent of grilled octopus to the melodies of bouzouki music drifting from local tavernas, this coastal town is unapologetically Mediterranean. Its sponge docks are lined with bakeries, whitewashed storefronts, and shops selling imported goods. Every detail—from blue domes to traditional festivals—echoes a life lived near the sea. Tarpon Springs isn’t just Greek-inspired—it’s Greek at heart, offering a sun-soaked escape that could easily be mistaken for a village off the coast of Santorini.