Geoturisti: geology meets slow tourism on Italian social media

Stefano Farinelli, a geologist and research fellow at the University of Florence's Department of Earth Sciences, launched I Geoturisti in May 2025. The project uses Instagram and Facebook videos to make geology accessible to slow tourists—cyclists, hikers, trekkers—without organizing guided excursions. Farinelli collaborates with seven colleagues (geologists, researchers, environmental guides, naturalists, biologists) across Italy. Their content highlights geological wonders like the Balze del Valdarno (Tuscany's canyon, linked to Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa background), the volcanoes of the Aeolian Islands (especially Vulcano's Fossa crater), and Lake Garda's glacial origins (Ponale trail at Riva del Garda). The project extends to 'geo-paesaggio,' connecting geology with local food and wine: volcanic vineyards, cave-aged cheese, Tuscan zolfino beans. Farinelli describes geology as 'reading a book' about Earth's history. The initiative targets conscious travelers seeking authentic, non-extreme experiences.