LONDON, July 30, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

Roman troops knew they were onto a good thing when they stumbled across the Canary Islands more than 2,000 years, naming their unexpected discovery the 'Fortunate Islands'. Today the Canaries continue to attract millions of foreign visitors from across the globe, with Tenerife in particular is attracting a distinctively British invasion.

New data from the Tenerife Tourism Corporation reveals that nearly 1.66 million Brits chose Tenerife Holidays last year, which marks a 10.6% increase from 2010. September was the island's most popular month, during which the number of visitors from the UK jumped by a massive 34% compared to the previous year. British tourists now represent 32.1% of Tenerife's total holiday market, whilst tourists from German and Scandinavia are also flocking to the island in record numbers.

Tenerife is just one of the seven major islands in the Canaries, which span a total area of 7447 square km. So if you're a fan of holidays to Tenerife, why expand your horizons and explore a new island in 2012?

Gran Canaria

Lying to the south east of Tenerife, Gran Canaria is home to a wide range of lively resorts. Cheap holidays to Gran Canaria are hugely popular with young holidaymakers, as the island boasts an all-night party scene that rivals Ibiza holidays.  The island is also filled with thousands of exotic fruits and plants, with everything from papayas and avocado flourishing in the lush countryside.

Fuerteventura

Fuerteventura was the first island to emerge from the volcanic bed of the Atlantic Ocean and lies close to Africa. Fuerteventura holidays are ideal for couples and families looking for a quiet break from everyday life, with a hot and dry climate providing the perfect conditions for sunbathing all year round.

Lanzarote

Lanzarote is practically a continuation of the Sahara and is one of the most spectacular volcanic landscapes in the world, where restaurants even grill meat on volcano-fuelled barbeques! Black volcanic beaches stand side by side with fields of petrified lava, making this island a great choice for both sun-worshippers and nature-lovers.

La Palma

One of the most westerly islands in the Canaries, La Palma is an unspoilt green paradise and the perfect choice for holidaymakers looking to wander off the beaten tourist track. Whitewashed villages surround the largest volcano in the world, whilst fragrant pine groves line La Palma's deserted beaches.

SOURCE Thomas Cook