Vasco de Gama's discovery of the sea route from Portugal to Asia helped Portugal to establish colonies in Asia. Vasco da Gama was the first European to reach India. The discovery of the route to Asia meant that Portugal did not have to cross the Mediterranean sea or go around the Arabian Peninsula. It also meant that, for the first time, the entire voyage could be undertaken by sea. Previously, parts of the journey had to be undertaken by sea and others overland.
