A new coastal itinerary has been opened in Barcelona.

People staying in Barcelona can follow the route to learn about the mixture of historical and modern features that are located along the city’s coastline.

The guided tour begins at the Mirador de Colom and passes landmarks including the Drassanes Reials, Barcelona’s medieval shipyard.

Walkers will also be shown a tower that housed the lights of a lighthouse until the end of the 18th century and buildings that now define the city’s skyline such as the World Trade Centre.

During the boat trip, tourists will learn about the evolution of the Barcelona coastline over the years.

The route links up with four other walks that pass through various other parts of the city. Visitors can buy tickets online from the Barcelona Turisme website or at information offices and travel agents in the city.

Barcelona City Council are encouraging tourists to visit the local beaches

The city council said that there is plenty more to do in Barcelona’s seafront hotspots than relax on the beach and take a dip in the sea.

Two new fun areas have been opened this summer, one of which is based at Barceloneta beach and features a number of exercise facilities.

At Llevant beach, visitors with children can make use of a new play area that includes a 7.5-metre-high rope pyramid. The beach has also had new public toilets and other facilities installed.

Holidaymakers who like the idea of relaxing by the sea with a book can hire some reading material from two libraries, one on the Bac de Roda breakwater and another at the Centre de la Platja under the Barceloneta arcades.

The Barcelona city council has also launched some new awareness campaigns this year calling on beach visitors to behave responsibly and refrain from dropping litter.