<P> Eruptions of Etna follow a variety of patterns . Most occur at the summit , where there are currently ( as of 2008 ) five distinct craters -- the Northeast Crater , the Voragine , the Bocca Nuova , and the Southeast Crater Complex ( 2 ) . Other eruptions occur on the flanks , which have more than 300 vents ranging in size from small holes in the ground to large craters hundreds of metres across . Summit eruptions can be highly explosive and spectacular , but rarely threaten the inhabited areas around the volcano . In contrast , flank eruptions can occur down to a few hundred metres altitude , close to or even well within the inhabited areas . Numerous villages and small towns lie around or on cones of past flank eruptions . Since the year AD 1600 , at least 60 flank eruptions and countless summit eruptions have occurred ; nearly half of these have happened since the start of the 20th century . Since 2000 , Etna has had four flank eruptions -- in 2001 , 2002 -- 2003 , 2004 -- 2005 , and 2008 -- 2009 . Summit eruptions occurred in 2006 , 2007 -- 2008 , January -- April 2012 , and again in July -- October 2012 . </P>
when was the last time mount etna exploded
July -- October 2012