New year on year figures released by Auto Europe UK show a 24% rise in car hire booking throughout the Canary Islands during November and December 2009.

Traditionally a strong winter holiday destination from the UK, the Canary Islands regularly see strong car hire bookings during the first and last quarter of each year. Now, the significant rise of the number of cars hired in 2009 vs 2008 suggests that the archipelago’s sub-tropical climate has more than weathered the recent economic storm.

Located just above the northwest coast of mainland Africa, close to Morocco, the Canary Islands are just a relatively short flight away from UK. Visitors have access to a good selection of both charter and scheduled flights as well as plenty of accommodation and car hire to choose from. Activities range from sunbathing and swimming to fishing, surfing and diving for more adventurous travellers.

There are many islands to choose from when holidaying in the Canaries, of which the most famous are Tenerife, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria and Lanzarote; each of which offers much more than just beaches and nightclubs. Visitors prepared to venture just slightly off the beaten track can discover incredible volcanic landscapes, especially in Lanzarote, delicious Spanish cuisine and friendly locals. What’s more, with hire cars available from as little as £89* per week with Auto Europe, it is not hard to start exploring!

Auto Europe guarantees that any payment received will be returned in full if a change or cancellation is made up to 48 hours before the time of collection. This policy is designed to help Auto Europe customers’ book with confidence that they will not lose out if they need to change their travel plans for any reason.