Lanzarote

We had enjoyed our stay on Isla Graciosa, possibly due to the stark contrast with Morocco. However, we were keen to start exploring the rest of the Canary Islands, so set sail for Arrecife, the capital of Lanzarote. Upon arrival we anchored for 1 night and then moored in Marina Lanzarote due to strong winds and increasing waves. The weather remained a little changeable during our stay in Arrecife, with a few rain showers to dampen the dust. We enjoyed a visit to the Saturday food market and a very blustery bike ride along the hilly coastline.
We decided to hire a car for a day to visit some of the islands tourist attractions:
Cesar Manrique sculptures and architecture;
Caves caused by cooling lava flows;
Spectacular Cactus gardens;
Mirador del Rio over looking Isla Graciosa;
Montana del Fuego, active volcanoes!
We made the most of having a car to stock up on wine from the islands vineyard and food shopping in a Hyperdino supermarket!
With the weather finally improving we set sail again for the south of Lanzarote and anchored at Playa Quemada, where we enjoyed a walk inland up into the hills. Continuing further south we anchored for several nights near Playa Papagayo, 'surfing' the dinghy ashore to explore the local area. Whilst at anchor we could see the north of Fuertaventura and watch the sunsetting over the ocean.