We'd like to stay on Lake Como in June (4 nights) but prefer a small, quiet historic village that we can easily get in and out of for day trips (we'll have a car). I seem to have spent weeks on Booking.com and am still none the wiser - any recommendations would be hugely appreciated.

Not sure how small or quiet you require, but Varenna may suit your needs.

or Lecco.

Another person not sure what you mean by small and quiet. And historic? Do you want a variety of restaurants within walking distance? Do you want to stay in a hotel/B&B or an apartment?

Where do you want to go on your day trips? Depending on your plans, the western shore might be more convenient, but I think the eastern shore and the shoreline south and east of Bellagio are generally 'quieter.'

Just FYI, you might not want to take a car to some points on the lake. Parking in June, esp. on weekends, would be difficult, and wherever you stay you should make sure it has parking. In the mid-lake section, the car ferry only goes to Varenna, Bellagio, Menaggio and Cadenabbia.

My very, very belated but grateful thanks for these suggestions. We ended up changing our plans and staying on Lake Orta instead - what a beautiful place!

Much quieter, I'm sure!