Once we arrived at the island, we found an ancient fortress. We climbed to the tower observation area and later found danger signs that made us wonder if we had been in restricted areas. The place is now in ruins, with grass, cactus and wild flowers taking over much of the stone walkways and walls. Too bad since the fort was originally built in 1579, in 1630 the fort added 35 cannons and was able to remain independent from the Turks for 50 years while they ruled Crete. In 1715, the island was turned over to Turkey by a treaty. Many Ottoman families settled and lived in the fortress on Spinalonga Island. We saw original fortress buildings, Turkish homes, a leper hospital and a leper cemetery. It must have been odd to be sent to this island where the mainland could be seen, but the people could not go back to visit.