The river is formed at elevation by the confluence of two streams, Rio della Valle and Rio di Carpe, in the
comune of
Toirano. The river then flows through the Valle Varatella and crosses the centre of Toirano, where it receives from right the waters of rio Barescione, its main tributary. Heading south-east the Varatella reaches
Borghetto Santo Spirito and ends its course in the
Ligurian Sea, after being crossed by
Autostrada A10,
Genoa–Ventimiglia railway and
Aurelia national road. Varatella basin () is totally included in the
Province of Savona.
Main tributaries •
Left hand: • Rio della valle • Rio delle Banchette • Right hand: • Rio di Carpe • Rio Barescione • Rio di Riva ==See also==