A new study has ranked the most stressful countries to drive in across Europe, and the results may come as bad news for anyone planning a summer road trip. Poland, the Czech Republic and Romania all feature near the top, while Spain is among the easiest places to get behind the wheel.

For many holidaymakers, hiring a car is one of the best ways to explore Europe. It offers freedom, flexibility and the chance to discover places that trains and planes simply cannot reach. But depending on where you are driving, that freedom can quickly turn into frustration.

A new study by Czechvignette.cz has ranked the most stressful road networks in Europe by analysing factors including traffic congestion, road quality, vehicle density and road safety. The result is a list that highlights where drivers are most likely to face long delays, poor road conditions and higher accident risks.

At the top of the ranking is Poland, which received an overall stress score of 99.43 out of 100.

According to the researchers, the country combines some of Europe’s worst traffic congestion with below average road quality and one of the highest road death rates in the study. The report found that Poland’s infrastructure is struggling to keep pace with the growing number of vehicles using its roads every day.

For drivers arriving from Germany, the difference can apparently be noticeable almost immediately.

Mattijs Wijnmalen, chief executive of Czechvignette.cz, said one section of the A18 motorway near the German border is a good example of the issue. He explained that drivers often notice a sudden change in road surface quality after crossing into Poland, creating a very different driving experience within a matter of kilometres.

Why eastern Europe dominates the list of Europe’s toughest roads

Poland is not alone. The Czech Republic came second with a stress score of 94.92. While the country sits at the heart of Europe and serves as a major transport hub, its roads face heavy pressure from both domestic and international traffic.

Researchers found that congestion levels remain high and road quality scores lag behind many western European countries. The Czech Republic also has one of the highest rates of vehicle ownership in the ranking, with more than 600 registered vehicles for every 1,000 residents.

The study also pointed to factors that are harder to measure in statistics but which drivers experience first hand. These include sudden fog on busy routes, confusing diversions around roadworks and temporary traffic systems that can leave motorists second guessing which lane they should be in.

Romania ranked third overall, followed by Greece and Bulgaria.

What pushed these countries towards the top of the list was not necessarily traffic volume. In fact, some roads are less congested than those found in western Europe. The bigger concern is safety.

All three countries recorded some of the highest road fatality rates in the study.

Romania was singled out as being particularly challenging for inexperienced drivers. Researchers said deteriorating road surfaces, abrupt speed limit changes and strict enforcement can make driving there especially demanding.

In some areas, speed limits can drop sharply within a short distance, requiring drivers to react quickly while also keeping an eye out for cameras and police controls.

Italy scores worse than France, Germany and Spain

Many people might assume Italy would rank among Europe’s easiest places to drive thanks to its extensive motorway network.

The study suggests otherwise. Italy finished sixth overall, largely because of its exceptionally high vehicle density. Researchers found that the sheer number of cars on Italian roads creates a more stressful environment than in countries such as Spain, France, Germany and the United Kingdom.

Busy city traffic, crowded motorways and constant competition for road space all contribute to the country’s higher score.

That finding may resonate with anyone who has tried navigating Rome’s ring road, Milan’s traffic or the busy roads leading to popular coastal destinations during peak holiday season.

Spain ranks among Europe’s least stressful countries to drive in

There was better news for Spain. The country appeared among the five least stressful places to drive in Europe, alongside Sweden, Denmark, Norway and the Netherlands.

Spain’s modern motorway network, generally good road conditions and comparatively lower stress indicators helped it stand out from many other countries included in the research.

For the millions of tourists who drive in Spain every year, that ranking may not come as a huge surprise. Long stretches of well maintained motorways, relatively predictable road layouts and lower congestion levels outside major cities often make journeys less demanding than elsewhere on the continent.

The study also found that some of the most stressful moments for drivers have little to do with overall road quality.

Instead, pressure often peaks during transitions. Crossing into a new country, encountering unfamiliar toll systems or suddenly finding yourself diverted through roadworks can be enough to unsettle even experienced motorists.

Researchers noted that in countries such as Bulgaria and Romania, automated speed enforcement often begins as soon as drivers enter motorways, leaving little room for adjustment.

The rankings were compiled using data from the TomTom Traffic Index, Eurostat, the European Transport Safety Council, the World Economic Forum and World Population Review.

For anyone planning to drive across Europe this summer, the findings suggest that choosing the route may be just as important as choosing the destination.

Great news for residents and visitors looking to escape the heat in the hills above Marbella as Ojen’s local town swimming pool has officially reopened its doors. The facilities are scheduled to remain open until mid September, offering a perfect spot for leisure and refreshment during the hottest months of the year.

Opening hours for the season

Monday to Friday, gates open at 12pm and close at 7pm. At weekends, swimmers can get in an hour earlier, with doors opening at 11am, still closing at 7pm. Worth noting is that advance bookings are only available up to one week ahead, so planning too far in advance is not possible.

How to book your spot at Ojen pool

Getting in requires a reservation. 75% of available tickets are sold online via the pool’s official website, while the remaining 25% are sold on the door on a first-come, first-served basis until they run out. Turning up without a booking is therefore a risk during busy periods, so booking online in advance is strongly recommended.

Prices and discounts for 2026

Entry fees are reasonable and family friendly

Under 2s: Free
Ages 2–14:€3
Ages 15 and over:€4

Cardholders benefit from reduced rates, paying just €1 for children aged 2–14 and €2 for those aged 15 and above.

How to get a pool card

A pool card can be requested using a form available at Ojen’s town hall offices, submitted with a passport-sized photograph. Cards are personal and non-transferable, and anyone who held a card in a previous season can continue using it without needing to renew. Bear in mind that holding a card does not guarantee entry availability still applies.

Facilities and location

Located at the Ojen sports centre, just five minutes from Marbella. There is a terrace bar and restaurant that serves local tapas, grilled specialties, and cold drinks. Showers, changing rooms, covered shaded areas, toilets, on-site WiFi, and parking are all available. The facility is also fully accessible for wheelchair users, providing adapted parking and dedicated toilet facilities.

For more information visit the Ojen Town Hall website

Mercadona shoppers could be paying more than necessary for everyday groceries if they focus only on products placed directly at eye level, according to economist and financial content creator Gabriel García. The economist has drawn attention to what he describes as a common supermarket merchandising strategy.

He claims that “normally the middle shelves tend to be considerably more expensive” than those positioned higher or lower in the aisle. His comments, made while discussing shopping habits at Mercadona, have attracted widespread attention among consumers looking for ways to reduce household spending.

Economist claims Mercadona shoppers often overlook cheaper alternatives

García argues that many customers naturally focus on products positioned at eye level, where retailers frequently place items they most want shoppers to notice. As a result, consumers may miss cheaper alternatives located elsewhere on the shelf.

According to García, “normally the middle shelves tend to be considerably more expensive”, as retailers often place higher-margin products where they are easiest for shoppers to see and reach.

The observation has attracted widespread attention as food prices remain a concern for many households across Spain, prompting consumers to seek practical ways to reduce spending without significantly changing their shopping habits.

Why eye-level shelves attract shoppers

Retail experts have long recognised that product placement plays a major role in influencing consumer behaviour. Eye-level shelving is considered premium retail space because products displayed there are more likely to be noticed. As a result, manufacturers and retailers often position items they wish to promote most prominently, while lower-priced alternatives may be located on higher or lower shelves.

García explained that shoppers who only scan the middle section of supermarket aisles could be missing less expensive options located elsewhere. Rather than focusing immediately on products placed directly in front of them, he recommends taking a few extra seconds to examine the entire shelving unit before making a decision. The strategy does not guarantee that every cheaper product will be located away from eye level, but it can help consumers compare a wider range of options and potentially identify better value alternatives.

A simple change that could reduce grocery spending

The economist’s advice centres on changing shopping habits rather than eliminating products from a household budget. By comparing products positioned on different shelves, consumers may be able to find similar items at lower prices. This approach can be particularly useful when purchasing staple goods such as pasta, rice, cereals, cleaning products and household essentials, where multiple brands often occupy the same section.

García suggests that many shoppers make decisions quickly, selecting the first product they see rather than reviewing all available alternatives. While the price difference between individual products may appear small, these savings can accumulate over time when applied consistently across a weekly or monthly shop.

The recommendation relates to a wider concern among consumers seeking practical methods of managing household expenditure amid continuing concerns over the cost of living. The advice has resonated with some shoppers online. Ana Holford, who lives in Spain, said the economist’s comments had prompted her to reconsider her shopping habits. “I live in Spain and Mercadona is the only supermarket I use, but I’ve a feeling that’s about to change. Next time you go check the shelves,” she wrote.

Product placement is a well-established retail strategy

The economist’s comments are based on a merchandising practice that has been recognised within the retail industry for many years. Supermarkets carefully organise shelves to maximise visibility and encourage purchasing decisions. Premium brands and products generating higher profit margins are often given the most prominent positions, while cheaper alternatives may occupy less visible locations.

This does not mean that every item at eye level is the most expensive, nor that every lower shelf contains the cheapest option. However, retail specialists generally agree that shelf placement can significantly influence customer behaviour. For this reason, consumer experts frequently advise shoppers to compare unit prices and examine an entire section before making purchases. The same principle applies across many supermarkets and is not unique to Mercadona.

Mercadona remains Spain’s leading supermarket chain

The discussion has generated particular interest because it relates to Mercadona, Spain’s largest supermarket chain and one of the country’s most visited retailers. With thousands of stores across Spain and Portugal, the company serves millions of customers each week and plays a significant role in the country’s grocery market.

As a result, any advice relating to saving money while shopping at Mercadona often attracts considerable public attention.

However, it is important to note that García’s comments reflect his own assessment of retail merchandising practices rather than an official statement from the company. Mercadona has not publicly stated that products placed on middle shelves are more expensive. Instead, García’s remarks refer to a broader supermarket strategy commonly discussed by economists, retail specialists and consumer advisers.

Looking beyond the first product on the shelf

For consumers hoping to reduce grocery costs, García’s advice is straightforward: take a moment to look beyond the products positioned directly in front of you. Checking higher and lower shelves, comparing prices between similar products and reviewing the cost per kilogram or litre can help shoppers make more informed decisions.

While no single tactic will dramatically reduce a household’s food bill, small savings made consistently throughout a supermarket shop can add up over time. The economist’s recommendation serves as a reminder that the way products are displayed can be just as important as the products themselves when it comes to managing spending and finding value in the supermarket aisle.