[1] It crosses the communes of Canavaggia, Castifao, Mausoléo, Moltifao, Olmi-Cappella and Vallica.

[1] The Tartagine rises to the east of the 2,144 metres (7,034 ft) Monte Corona in the commune of Olmi-Cappella.

The river flows northeast through the Forêt de Tartagine-Melaja to the south of the village of Mausoléo, then east to the village of Piana north of Castifao, then southeast to its confluence with the Asco to the north of Ponte Leccia.

[2] The Forêt de Tartagine (Tartagine Forest) is dominated by maritime pines (Pinus pinaster) and black pines (Pinus nigra laricio), but has varied flora and fauna including golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos), bearded vulture (Gypaetus barbatus) and mouflon (Ovis gmelini).

The river is shaded by trees and fairly calm, so is a popular place for families to walk and swim.