[1] The river rises as the Ruisseau de Spasimata in the commune of Calenzana to the northeast of the 2,085 metres (6,841 ft) Punta Mazagnu in the Monte Cinto massif and flows northwest.

It turns to the north and flows between the villages of Suare and Tarazone, then along the east side of the Calvi – Sainte-Catherine Airport.

It is joined by the Ronca river from the left just north of the airport, then by the Campu Longu stream from the right before entering the sea just west of Camp Raffalli.

[2] In the late 19th century the decline in agriculture led to croplands and pasture being replaced by wild undergrowth and woods, which reduced the amount of erosion and run-off.

Downstream, the result has been erosion of the beach, which started in the 19th century and is likely to continue for several decades, destroying a tourist attraction.