Sluis Fan.
07/07/26
Meroula Sitelas is a fan of Sluis
We talk with Meroula Sitelas. A Sluis native, born and raised, with Greek roots. We meet her at the always cozy Kaai 10. Sitting across from us is a strong young woman who earlier this year won the title of Miss Beauty Zeeland 2026. Behind that title lies a personal story as well. Drawing on her own experience with bullying, Meroula wants to open up the conversation about mental health and bullying in the municipality of Sluis. She does this with guest lessons at primary schools and via her Instagram platform @meroula.sitelas, where parents and children can go with questions. Her goal? To make Sluis a little more beautiful in her own way.
What makes Sluis special
Although she is curious about everything the outside world has to offer, she still loves living in Sluis. "Here you have the lively town center, but also the tranquility of the ramparts and nature. That makes it special." According to her, the charm lies in the small scale and friendliness.
Sluis in summer
Meroula works at the clothing store Dioza and enjoys meeting up with friends at Rivers or Kaai 10. "Places like Kaai 10 make Sluis extra cozy by organizing fun events." In summer, according to her, Sluis is at its liveliest. "All the shops stay open longer, everyone sits outside on the terrace, and people seem happier." The evening markets are, for her, the highlight of summer.
Typically Sluis
What does Meroula think is truly typical of Sluis? "The number of sex shops," she laughs. "If you live here, you no longer bat an eye at it. But visitors often find it surprising." The pedal boats are also, according to her, completely part of Sluis.
Proud of Sluis
"People sometimes think we live in the middle of nowhere, but with Belgium so close by, there are actually tons of opportunities here." A sense of community and looking out for one another — that is what makes Sluis special, according to Meroula. Through her mission regarding mental health and bullying, Meroula wants to support others in opening up the topic. She takes that message with her in her further adventure within Miss Beauty of The Netherlands.