A priority-based method for replicating data is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, such a method includes providing a primary storage device and a secondary storage device. Multiple storage areas (e.g., volumes, groups of volumes, etc.) are designated for replication from the primary storage device to the secondary storage device. A priority level is assigned to each of the storage areas. Using these priority levels, the method replicates the storage areas from the primary storage device to the secondary storage device in accordance with their assigned priority levels. Higher priority storage areas are replicated prior to lower priority storage areas. A corresponding computer program product and system are also disclosed herein.