I came across these lovely puffballs last month (April 2015), in the grounds of the Hotel Semáforo de Bares, Galicia, Spain (1). This is a beautiful place with panoramic views over the sea and Cape Bares (Cabo de Bares) in Galicia, Spain.

Although we usually only pop in for a coffee, the hotel has a great restaurant and would be a terrific place to stay. It also has nice puffballs in the Spring! These fungi are edible apparently, at least when they are still white on the inside, but I haven’t tried one. They are called Mosaic Puffballs (Handkea utriformis) which is quite a good name given their scaly appearance.

Looking north-west from the Hotel Semáforo de Bares towards the cape – Cabo Estaca de Bares – with the lighthouse. A good birdwatching site!

Looking south-east towards a small island – Illa Coelleria – which also appears to have a lighthouse on it. This island is off the small peninsula between Bares and the larger port of Viveiro. Costa da Mariña Occidental, on Google Maps.

1. http://www.hotelsemaforodebares.com/