Almond cultivars response differently when growing under dry conditions. In Mediterranean climate, water use efficiency is one of the most desirable traits of new cultivars and its used as a selection criterion when breeding. The study of the ecophysiological response to water stress provides useful tools for breeders in order to select more drought resistant cultivars. Three cultivars were studied: 'Ferragnès', 'Francolí' and 'Glorieta'. On potted trees growing under semicontrolled conditions, two water treatments were applied: control (irrigation) and stress (non irrigation). Midday leaf water potential and gas exchange were measured after a stressing period and later recovery. Under water stress, the three cultivars showed a good avoidance strategy, reducing water losses through stomatal closure and leaf shedding. Reduction in leaf water potential in 'Francolí' could be attributed to some tolerance mechanisms. 'Glorieta' was the most sensitive to water stress since was unable to recover water potential and gas exchange.